New Scientist: We now know why a belly button becomes an 'innie'
The belly button, it turns out, is one of the least-studied parts of the human body. But one of its great mysteries may now have been solved – why most people have an innie, or concave belly button.
Today’s surgeons use advanced tools and techniques to perform many procedures without large cuts. But some situations still call for open surgery, especially when speed, access or complexity matters most. Surgery is how surgeons fix or explore problems inside your body.
Surgery involves the management of acute injuries and illnesses as differentiated from chronic, slowly progressing diseases, except when patients with the latter type of disease must be operated upon. A general treatment of surgery follows. For further treatments, see therapeutics; medicine.
There are three phases of surgery: preoperative, operative, and postoperative. If you decide surgery isn't right for you, it's okay to decline, but make sure you're informed about any risks to your health. Surgery is medical treatment provided through an opening in the body.
There are many reasons to have surgery, ranging from pain prevention to body adjustments. However, there are risks associated with it. Read about them.
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove blockage from carotid arteries, the arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Left untreated, a blocked carotid artery can lead to a stroke. Cataract surgery. Cataracts cloud the normally clear lens of the eyes.
Surgical repair pulls the intestine back to its original location. Low back pain surgery can have various causes, including abnormal development of the backbone, stress on the back, injury, or a physical disorder that affects the bones of the spine.
There are different types of pilonidal cyst surgery. One involves cutting the cyst to drain the fluid, while another involves removing the cyst completely. Depending on the surgery type, a person can ...
It’s important to refrain from walking in the weeks after ankle surgery. It may take a year to fully recover depending on your surgeon’s instructions and the amount of repair work involved. Studies ...
The Department of Justice has fined Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center $15 million for allowing cardiac surgeons to perform more than one surgery at the same time. The government believes that surgeons ...
Nose surgery for breathing can help to correct structural issues that disrupt airway function. There are several types of nose surgery that can help a person breathe better, including septoplasty and ...
The New England Journal of Medicine: Early Surgery or Conservative Care for Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis at 10 Years
Among asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, a previous analysis showed that the risk of a composite of death during surgery or within 30 days after surgery (called operative mortality) or ...
Early Surgery or Conservative Care for Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis at 10 Years
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to repair broken bones that need to be put back together. During the surgery, some form of hardware is used to hold the bone in ...
Becoming George: The Invention of George Sand by Fiona Sampson is published by Doubleday (£22.00). To support the Guardian buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
Belgium at risk of becoming ‘narco-state’, judge warns President of Antwerp court says international drug crime is posing danger to social stability Jennifer Rankin in Antwerp
Becoming Victoria Wood is in UK cinemas from 9 January, and on U&GOLD in February. This article was amended on 9 January 2026 to correct the name of Julie Walters.
Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, in danger of becoming a ‘ghost city ...
Monday briefing: Why Britain is becoming less charitable – and what it means for those that need it most
Becoming Led Zeppelin, a film about the British band that dominated the music industry in the 1970s, was the most successful feature documentary at the US box office in 2025, taking over $10m ...
‘Every single frame was sweated over’: how Becoming Led Zeppelin became ...
Google’s former Europe boss is closing in on becoming the BBC’s next director general, the Guardian has been told. Sources said that Matt Brittin, 57, was very advanced in the appointment process.
Google’s former Europe boss close to becoming next head of BBC, sources ...
‘There is only one player’: why China is becoming a world leader in green energy As US reneges on climate breakdown pledges, China’s response to crisis will shape geopolitics and our future
‘There is only one player’: why China is becoming a world leader in ...
Impact over income: a striking number of gen Zers are becoming teachers Despite longstanding concerns over pay and conditions, more young graduates are entering the classroom Jenna Zaza
Impact over income: a striking number of gen Zers are becoming teachers ...