From preventing brain damage to building skin grafts, recent medical breakthroughs have been accomplished thanks to animals or insects. Whether it's by doctors using their venom or researchers studying their behavior to help humans heal, creatures big and small have greatly contributed to the following medical marvels.

Maria is our expert for medicine, fitness and general health. Her contributions are particularly convincing through completeness, accuracy and her own personal experience. Maria also writes for other health magazines, which has enabled her to build up her expert status.