Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 24th, 2025

A parent's guide to manage pediatric respiratory illnesses during the virus season
As we head deeper into fall and toward the holiday season, your little one may start to exhibit symptoms like a runny nose, cough, or fever. But with the overlap between the common cold, influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, it can be difficult to know what is behind their illness and how to treat it.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Bacterial motility helps uncover how self-propelled particles distribute in active matter systems
A collaborative team of physicists and microbiologists from UNIST and Stanford University has, for the first time, uncovered the fundamental laws governing the distribution of self-propelled particles, such as bacteria.
October 24, 2025 — Source

DNA from Napoleon's 1812 army identifies pathogens likely responsible for the army's demise during retreat from Russia
DNA analysis of teeth from Napoleon's 1812 army revealed no evidence of typhus but identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis, pathogens causing enteric and relapsing fever, as likely contributors to the army's losses. The B. recurrentis strain matched an ancient lineage, indicating its persistence in Europe for millennia.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Elderly migrants living in care settings experienced a COVID-19 mortality disadvantage
Migrants from low-income countries living in care settings in Sweden were more likely to die from Covid-19 than people born in the country during the first year of the pandemic, according to a new study by researchers from Stockholm University, published in the European Journal of Public Health. The finding stands out, since elderly migrants in daily care usually have higher life expectancy than Swedish-born individuals in similar circumstances.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Microarray platform detects vaccination gaps and antibiotic resistance
Scientists at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) have developed a new microarray-based diagnostic platform that can help close vaccination gaps and quickly detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Rethinking the evolutionary history of human-biting mosquitoes
Evolutionary biologists have long believed that the human-biting mosquito, Culex pipiens form molestus,evolved from the bird-biting form, Culex pipiens form pipiens, in subways and cellars in northern Europe over the past 200 years. It's been held up as an example of a species' ability to rapidly adapt to new environments and urbanization. Now, a new study led by Princeton University researchers disproves that theory, tracing the origins of the molestus mosquito to more than 1,000 years ago in the Mediterranean or Middle East.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Rift valley fever: What it is, how it spreads and how to stop it
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that mainly affects livestock. It can also infect humans. While most human cases remain mild, it can cause death. The disease causes heavy economic and health losses for livestock farmers.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Study reveals how a stubborn lung infection evolves inside patients over years
Mycobacterium avium adapts within patients’ lungs over years, acquiring about one genetic change per year and showing adaptation in 13 key genes related to antibiotic resistance, immune evasion, and low-oxygen stress. Infections often result from repeated reinfection with new strains, some closely related across countries, indicating shared environmental sources.
October 24, 2025 — Source

The hidden life of pericytes: Understanding how cerebral malaria breaks the blood-brain barrier
A 3D human blood-brain barrier model demonstrates that pericyte dysfunction and reduced angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) secretion contribute to blood-brain barrier breakdown in cerebral malaria. Restoring Ang-1 or activating the Tie-2 pathway with AKB-9778 partially preserves vascular integrity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies targeting pericyte function.
October 24, 2025 — Source

What next after post-pandemic seismic shifts?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of rapid, cross-disciplinary scientific collaboration, effective communication, and addressing global health inequalities. Lessons from HIV and TB research enabled swift adaptation to COVID-19, emphasizing the need for ongoing investment in research capacity and knowledge transfer. Strengthened preparedness and global cooperation remain essential for future pandemics.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 20th, 2025

Anti-vaccine activists want to go nationwide after Idaho law passes
The Idaho Medical Freedom Act makes it illegal to require anyone to take a vaccine.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Deadly diarrhea germ targets white patients, study says
Clostridioides difficile infections cause most deaths among white patients (84%), with lower rates in Black (8%) and Hispanic (<6%) populations. Urban residents and women are disproportionately affected, and 92% of deaths occur in health care or long-term care settings. Risk is strongly linked to recent antibiotic use, which disrupts gut bacteria and facilitates infection.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Serotonin produced by gut bacteria provides hope for a novel IBS treatment
Research from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, clarifies the complex interaction between gut bacteria and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Experiments demonstrate that gut bacteria can produce the important substance serotonin. The finding may lead to future treatments.
October 20, 2025 — Source

The fungi living in the body play an important role in health—here's what you should know about the 'mycobiome'
The "gut microbiome" has become a popular health term in recent years. It's easy to see why, with an abundance of research showing how important the trillions of microbes living in our gut are for health.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 17th, 2025

mRNA nanoparticles drive potent SARS-CoV-2 immunity in mice
A multi-institutional team led by University of Washington scientists have engineered a new vaccine platform combining mRNA and computational protein design, producing in mice a potent immune defense against both Wuhan-Hu-1 and omicron BA.5 SARS-CoV-2.
October 17, 2025 — Source

New antivirals could help prevent cold sores by changing cell structures
Pin1 inhibitors suppress HSV-1 replication by stabilizing the nuclear membrane, thereby trapping the virus within the cell nucleus and preventing its release. Laboratory tests show that these inhibitors render released viral particles non-infectious at concentrations as low as 1 μM. This approach targets host cell factors, potentially reducing the risk of drug resistance.
October 17, 2025 — Source

New druggable protein discovered in Leishmania parasites
Leishmaniasis belongs to the class of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that particularly affect people in the poorest tropical regions of the world. NTDs are less studied and therapeutically addressed than other diseases.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Two flu vaccine doses boost benefit for children younger than 3 years
In children younger than 3 years, receiving two doses of inactivated influenza vaccine in the first year of vaccination increases protection by 28 percentage points (95% CI, 4.7--51 pp) compared to one dose. The benefit of a second dose is less pronounced in older children and could not be assessed for live attenuated influenza vaccine.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 15th, 2025

AI-powered 'digital colony picker' accelerates discovery of high-performing microbes
A research team from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a fully automated "Digital Colony Picker" (DCP). This device identifies and retrieves high-performance microbial clones by simultaneously monitoring their growth and metabolite production—eliminating the need for culture plates, sampling needles, or manual picking.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Albumin-recruiting lipid nanoparticles could make future mRNA vaccines safer and more effective
Evans Blue-modified lipid nanoparticles (EB-LNPs) that recruit albumin enable targeted mRNA delivery to lymph nodes, bypassing the liver and reducing toxicity. This approach enhances immune responses, produces strong antitumor and antiviral effects at lower doses, and avoids liver inflammation and anti-drug antibody formation, indicating improved safety and efficacy for future mRNA vaccines.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Immunotherapy approach offers hope for long-term HIV control without daily medication
HIV remains a major global health issue, affecting nearly 40 million people worldwide. Current treatments, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), are highly effective at suppressing the virus and preventing illness, but they are not curative and must be taken for life.
October 15, 2025 — Source

New York health officials confirm state's first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus
A person living in New York has tested positive for the chikungunya virus in what state health officials say is the first reported transmission of the mosquito-borne illness within the United States in six years.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 13th, 2025

AI models predict sepsis in children to allow preemptive care
Sepsis, or infection causing life-threatening organ dysfunction, is a leading cause of death in children worldwide. In efforts to prevent this rare but critical condition, researchers developed and validated AI models that accurately identify children at high risk for sepsis within 48 hours, so that early preemptive care can be provided.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Antibiotics reduce UTI-related delirium in preclinical study
In a preclinical mouse model, urinary tract infections induced delirium-like symptoms, brain injury, and inflammation. Antibiotic treatment alleviated these symptoms and reduced brain injury, with earlier intervention yielding greater benefit. These results suggest antibiotics may help prevent or reverse UTI-related delirium.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Cholera claims 143,000 lives annually despite being preventable and treatable
Cholera causes approximately 143,000 deaths each year, primarily affecting populations lacking access to clean water and sanitation. The disease spreads rapidly in areas with poor hygiene, especially after environmental disruptions. Prevention relies on water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and vaccination, though vaccine supply and efficacy are limited. Long-term control requires infrastructure investment and global cooperation.
October 13, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 can cause changes in sperm that lead to increased anxiety in mice offspring
Florey researchers have shown that a father's SARS-CoV-2 viral infection before conception can alter their offspring's brain development and behavior, through changes in sperm. Lead researcher Professor Anthony Hannan said the study in mice suggested that COVID-19 could have long-lasting effects on future generations.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Essential tips to avoid getting sick on campus
The college experience is a whirlwind of late nights, crowded dorms and shared spaces—a perfect storm for germs.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Flu season has arrived—and so have updated flu vaccines
The 2025--2026 flu season may see a moderate number of cases, with higher risk for children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. Updated trivalent vaccines targeting A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria strains are widely available. Annual vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older remains the most effective protection against severe influenza.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Measles outbreak in SC sends 150 unvaccinated kids into 21-day quarantine
Measles outbreak in SC sends 150 unvaccinated kids into 21-day quarantine
October 13, 2025 — Source

'Super antibiotic' keeps dangerous gut bacterium under control with a low dose
The antibiotic EVG7 effectively eliminates C. difficile in mice at much lower doses than vancomycin, significantly reducing infection recurrence. Low-dose EVG7 preserves beneficial gut bacteria, which help prevent reinfection, and shows a lower risk of promoting antibiotic resistance compared to existing treatments.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Two-dose recombinant shingles vaccine found to be effective even accounting for prior receipt of live shingles vaccine
A target trial emulation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) accounting for prior receipt of live zoster vaccine (ZVL) and immunocompetence.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 10th, 2025

During the 'tripledemic,' some hospitals overflowed while others had empty beds
During the 2022 tripledemic, nearly half of pediatric hospitals experienced bed strain, defined as over 85% occupancy, while nearby hospitals often had available beds. This uneven distribution was not linked to prior reductions in pediatric bed capacity. Improved coordination between hospitals could help prevent overload and ensure timely care during future surges.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Evidence grows that gut microbes shape mental health, opening doors for new therapies
Accumulating evidence indicates that gut microbes can influence brain chemistry, stress responses, and behavior, with disrupted gut microbiomes observed in depression and schizophrenia. Early interventions such as probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants show promise in improving mood and anxiety. These findings support the gut-brain connection and suggest potential for microbiome-based mental health therapies.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Rapid diagnostic test can detect asymptomatic malaria cases
Researchers have adapted a rapid diagnostic technology that is able to identify undetected cases of malaria, helping tackle the spread of disease.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Senegal records 17 deaths in rare major outbreak of Rift Valley Fever
RVF is a viral disease that mainly affects livestock. Humans typically become infected through mosquito bites or contact with infected animals.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Targeted steroid use may offer a universal complementary treatment to fight TB
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, affecting more than 10 million people annually worldwide, with 1.25 million people dying of TB every year. While steroids like dexamethasone are used in certain TB cases (e.g., TB meningitis), their impact on immune cells is not well understood.
October 10, 2025 — Source

West Nile virus surges in Missouri, KC cases reported: Officials urge vigilance
Missouri has seen a notable rise in West Nile virus cases in 2024, with 16 reported cases, 15 hospitalizations, and three deaths as of October 4. Kansas has reported 19 cases and one death. Prolonged summer seasons are extending mosquito activity, increasing infection risk. Health officials recommend preventive measures such as insect repellent and removing standing water.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 8th, 2025

Bird flu persists in raw milk cheese, study demonstrates
Raw milk cheese products contained infectious avian influenza virus when made with contaminated raw milk, creating potential health risks for consumers, according to a new study.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Harmful DNA changes in the sperm found to rise sharply with age
Harmful genetic changes in sperm become substantially more common as men age because some are actively favored during sperm production, new research has revealed.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Hidden evolution in sperm raises disease risk for children as men age
Harmful genetic changes in sperm become substantially more common as men age because some are actively favored during sperm production, new research has revealed.
October 8, 2025 — Source

How vaping primes the lungs for COVID-19 damage
As colder months set in, respiratory infections begin to climb: everything from the common cold and flu to COVID-19. It's a time when healthy lungs matter more than ever. Yet the very tissue that lets oxygen pass from air to blood is remarkably delicate, and habits such as vaping can weaken it just when protection is most needed.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Insights from 15 years of collaborative microbiome research with Indigenous peoples in the Peruvian Amazon
Long-term microbiome research with the Matses in the Peruvian Amazon demonstrates that ethical, effective collaboration with Indigenous communities depends on sustained trust, transparency, community oversight, and benefit-sharing. Co-developing protocols, respecting cultural practices, and addressing historical injustices are essential for responsible and mutually beneficial research.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Little-known strep bacteria behind growing number of severe infections in Australia
Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is causing an increasing number of severe infections in Australia, with rates now similar to group A strep in urban areas and higher in remote northern regions. First Nations Australians face over three times the risk of invasive SDSE. Genomic analysis shows SDSE spreads and recurs differently, suggesting current control strategies may be less effective.
October 8, 2025 — Source

New dual-target vaccine shows promise against typhoid and Salmonella
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) have completed a successful Phase 1 clinical trial of a novel vaccine designed to protect against both typhoid fever and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella--two major causes of illness and death among children in sub-Saharan Africa.
October 8, 2025 — Source

New method may detect infectious tuberculosis in the air
A new method detects tuberculosis DNA in exhaled air using electrostatic aerosol sampling and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra analysis. It identified TB in 47% of sputum-positive cases, with sensitivity rising to 57% in those with high bacterial loads and specificity at 77%. Detection was more likely in men with high bacterial levels, and TB DNA was also found in 30% of clinic environmental samples.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Protein nanorings designed to detect and neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus
An international team of scientists has generated a new ring-shaped protein nanomaterial capable of strongly binding to and neutralizing the SARS-CoV2 virus. The study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, highlights the versatility of the system devised to design the nanorings, which can integrate therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities, and be adapted to combat other viruses.
October 8, 2025 — Source or Source

Soil bacteria and minerals can form a natural 'battery' that breaks down antibiotics in the dark
Researchers have unveiled a surprising new way that soil microbes can use sunlight energy—even after the lights go out. A team from Kunming University of Science and Technology and the University of Massachusetts Amherst has developed a "bio-photovoltage soil-microbe battery" that can capture, store, and release solar energy to power the breakdown of antibiotic pollutants in the dark.
October 8, 2025 — Source< or Source

Vaccine shows promise against typhoid and invasive Salmonella in first human trial
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) have completed a successful Phase I clinical trial of a novel vaccine designed to protect against both typhoid fever and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella—two major causes of illness and death among children in sub-Saharan Africa.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 3rd, 2025

A flu test you can chew
Flu detection could soon be as simple as chewing gum. Scientists have created a molecular sensor that releases a thyme-like flavor when it encounters influenza, offering a low-tech, taste-based alternative to nasal swabs. Unlike current tests that are slow, costly, or miss early infections, this method could catch the flu before symptoms appear.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Bispecific inhibitor can combat a wide range of coronaviruses, including Paxlovid-resistant variants
A team of researchers have discovered a powerful bispecific inhibitor capable of combating all existing human-pathogenic coronaviruses, including those resistant to existing treatments like Paxlovid. This promising inhibitor, named TMP1, offers hope for more effective and resilient treatments against future outbreaks. A patent has been filed for further exploration in clinical applications.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Nearly 100 sickened aboard Royal Caribbean ship with norovirus
Nearly 100 people aboard Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas contracted norovirus during a two-week voyage from San Diego to Miami, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Unusual heart rhythm disorder is surprisingly common in patients with long COVID
A Karolinska Institutet study found that POTS, a heart rhythm disorder, is surprisingly common in patients with severe long COVID, particularly middle-aged women.
October 3, 2025 — Source

World's first vaccine trial against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus proves safe and effective
The world's first vaccine trial against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) -- a leading cause of death in young Asian elephants -- is safe and triggers a strong virus-fighting immune response, according to an international team led by the University of Surrey, in collaboration with Chester Zoo and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Why some human GII.4 noroviruses are better than others at infecting cells
Certain GII.4 norovirus strains, such as GII.4 Sydney, are more effective at infecting cells due to their ability to form clusters on the cell surface, which enhances membrane wounding and viral entry. This clustering depends on specific amino acids, V333 and R339, in the viral particle. These findings clarify strain-specific differences in infectivity and inform future therapeutic strategies.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 29th, 2025

A novel test could enable early diagnosis of and better treatments for leptospirosis
In a new study, Yale School of Medicine (YSM) researchers unveiled a novel diagnostic method for detecting leptospiral virulence-modifying (VM) proteins in the blood and urine of hamsters, an advance that could pave the way for early diagnosis of the tropical disease leptospirosis in humans and improved treatment options.
September 29, 2025 — Source

New combination drug therapy offers hope for treating chronic wound infections
University of Oregon researchers have tested a new combination drug therapy that could dismantle the difficult-to-treat bacteria inhabiting chronic wound infections.
September 29, 2025 — Source

In hepatitis B vaccine debate, CDC panel sidesteps key exposure risk
The Trump administration is continuing its push to revise federal guidelines to delay the hepatitis B vaccine newborn dose for most children. This comes despite a failed attempt to do so at the most recent meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
September 29, 2025 — Source or Source

Startling images show how antibiotic pierces bacteria's armor
Researchers have shown for the first time how life-saving antibiotics called polymyxins pierce the armour of harmful bacteria.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Study shows HPV vaccine protects vaccinated and even unvaccinated women
Widespread HPV vaccination led to a marked decline in infections from vaccine-covered HPV types among both vaccinated and unvaccinated young women, demonstrating strong direct protection and significant herd immunity. Infection rates for targeted HPV types fell by up to 98.4% in vaccinated and 75.8% in unvaccinated women, supporting the vaccine's effectiveness in real-world settings.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Stunning images reveal how antibiotics shatter bacterial defenses
Researchers have revealed how polymyxins, crucial last-resort antibiotics, break down bacterial armor by forcing cells to overproduce and shed it. Astonishingly, the drugs only kill bacteria when they're active, leaving dormant cells untouched. This discovery could explain recurring infections and inspire strategies to wake bacteria up before treatment.
September 29, 2025 — Source

T cell nucleus travels across cell to boost infection-fighting response
The cell nucleus goes a long way during an immune response, both literally and figuratively.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Zika virus may raise long-term risks of type 2 diabetes
Zika virus can infect the hypothalamus in the adult brain, causing inflammation and persistent insulin resistance even after recovery from the initial infection. This disruption in insulin signaling may increase the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes, highlighting the need to monitor metabolic health in individuals previously infected with Zika.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 26th, 2025

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy associated with better neonatal outcomes without added maternal risk
For the study, "Safety and Efficacy of Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy: Umbrella Review & Meta-Analyses," the author conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase from Jan. 1, 2021, to Sep. 13, 2023. She included 23 meta-analyses inclusive of over 200 studies and 1,250,000 pregnant individuals with documented COVID-19 vaccination.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Despite increase in US cases, worry about West Nile virus remains low
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States. As of Sept. 23, over 1,100 human cases of West Nile disease have been reported across 42 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including nearly 750 cases of the more serious neuroinvasive form which affects the brain.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Finely balanced fungal toxin production lets C. albicans quietly colonize the mouth, study shows
The yeast fungus Candida albicans not only uses the toxin candidalysin to cause infections, but also to colonize the oral mucosa inconspicuously—but only in finely balanced amounts. Too little toxin prevents oral colonization, too much triggers the immune system and leads to an inflammatory defense reaction, as an international research team from Zurich, Jena, and Paris discovered.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Halal concerns drive vaccine hesitancy as Indonesia fights measles outbreak
Vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia, driven by concerns over pork-derived gelatin in measles vaccines conflicting with halal standards, is hindering efforts to control a measles outbreak. Despite religious leaders permitting current vaccines until halal alternatives are available, vaccination rates have declined, contributing to ongoing outbreaks and increased child morbidity and mortality.
September 26, 2025 — Source

'Kissing bug' disease is now endemic in the South
Chagas disease, also known as "kissing bug disease," is now considered endemic in the United States, with the insects that transmit it established in 32 states, according to a new report from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
September 26, 2025 — Source

New intramuscular mRNA vaccine offers easier alternative to treat neovascular eye diseases
An mRNA vaccine developed by researchers from Japan suppressed abnormal blood vessel growth or neovascularization in the retina of mouse models. Neovascularization is a condition that is caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss for elderly people. The vaccine can be delivered intramuscularly and is as effective as current therapies that require frequent eye injections, offering a more comfortable and easier-to-administer alternative for treating AMD and other neovascular eye diseases.
September 26, 2025 — Source

New mechanisms for bacterial motility and DNA transfer between bacteria decoded
Bacteria are constantly moving with the help of motility organs called flagella or pili to colonize new niches. Also, bacteria can exchange information, like "speaking to each other," and thus acquire new abilities through the exchange of DNA materials.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Q&A: Phage therapy offers hope for antibiotic-resistant infections but faces legal barriers in Switzerland
It is not only antibiotics but also certain viruses—known as bacteriophages—that can kill off pathogenic bacteria. However, Switzerland lacks the legal framework for the use of these viruses in therapy. What would need to change so that more patients can benefit from this form of treatment?
September 26, 2025 — Source

Scientists launch world's most comprehensive human virus protein database
Harnessing the power of AI, a research team at the MRC-University of Glasgow Center for Virus Research has launched Viro3D—the most comprehensive database of human and animal virus protein structure predictions in the world.
September 26, 2025 — Source

WHO issues guidance for 2026 flu vaccine formulation in the southern hemisphere
The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza vaccines for use in the 2026 influenza season in the southern hemisphere. The announcement was made at an Information Meeting after a 4-day Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 25th, 2025

Bacteria coated liquid metal nanoparticles wipe out tumors in mice
New nanoparticles made from bacteria and liquid metal locate tumors, trigger immune attacks, and destroy cancer in mice under near infrared light with no major side effects.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Escape from PARIS: Virus smuggles RNA into bacterial cell to survive immunity
Skoltech researchers and their colleagues from the Pasteur Institute and the University of Lorraine, France, have uncovered some of the inner workings of a recently discovered bacterial immune system called PARIS, which can potentially make human pathogens resistant to phage therapy. A promising alternative to antibiotics, phage therapy refers to the use of viruses called phages to infect and destroy bacteria that cause disease in humans.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Hidden bacterial molecules in the brain reveal new secrets of sleep
New studies show that a bacterial molecule, peptidoglycan, is present in the brain and fluctuates with sleep patterns. This challenges the idea that sleep is solely brain-driven, instead suggesting it's a collaborative process between our bodies and microbiomes. The theory links microbes not only to sleep but also to cognition, appetite, and behavior, pointing to a profound evolutionary relationship.
September 25, 2025 — Source

How lymphatic endothelial cells help the body remember infections
Specifically, the researchers found there is a particular genetic program within the lymphatic endothelial cells that enables storage and archival of portions of an immunization or pathogen (antigens) for future use.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Meningococcal B vaccine program holds strong five years on
Meningococcal B cases have dropped by more than 70% in the five years since the South Australian Government introduced a publicly funded vaccination program, new data from the University of Adelaide has found.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Now in 3D: Yale scientists catch Legionnaires' disease 'in the act'
The Yale labs of Craig Roy and Jun Liu have harnessed the power of cryo-EM to solve a 30-year mystery of how the Legionella bacteria works. The findings represent the next steps in the search for new therapeutic drugs to tackle the severe form of pneumonia.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Parents eager to protect newborns against RSV, despite hesitancy toward COVID-19 and flu immunizations
When a new immunization to protect newborns from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) became available in late 2023, pediatricians at Temple University Hospital noted an unusually strong early interest from parents.
September 25, 2025 — Source

While it may go unnoticed, loss of smell may linger for years after COVID-19
People who suspect that their sense of smell has been dulled after a bout of COVID-19 are likely correct, a new study using an objective, 40-odor test shows. Even those who do not notice any olfactory issues may be impaired.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 22nd, 2025

Chronic sickle cell pain linked to gut microbial imbalance
A research collaboration involving scientists and students at The University of Texas at Dallas has found a clear connection between chronic sickle cell disease pain and the bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract.
September 22, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 models suggest universal vaccination may avert over 100,000 hospitalizations
US Scenario Modeling Hub, a collaborative modeling effort of 17 academic research institutions, reports a universal COVID-19 vaccination recommendation could avert thousands more US hospitalizations and deaths than a high-risk-only strategy.
September 22, 2025 — Source

First zinc-bound structures show how calprotectin starves bacteria of metals
Zinc sits at the heart of many bacterial enzymes, so one of our immune system's simplest defenses is to keep zinc out of reach. Calprotectin, a neutrophil protein abundant at infection sites, is central to this strategy. It binds transition metals with very high affinity and helps starve microbes. What we lacked was a direct, structural picture of zinc bound to calprotectin—a picture that could explain how this protein withholds zinc so effectively and what that means for pathogen biology.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Gizmodo Science Fair: A Vaccine to Treat a Wide Variety of Fungal Infections
A vaccine that shields mice from yeast infections could eventually protect humans against a broad range of deadly fungi.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Hepatitis B shot for newborns has nearly eliminated childhood infections with this virus in the US
Before the United States began vaccinating all infants at birth with the hepatitis B vaccine in 1991, around 18,000 children every year contracted the virus before their 10th birthday—about half of them at birth. About 90% of that subset developed a chronic infection.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Kennedy's take on vaccine science fractures cohesive national public health strategies
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has had a busy few months. He fired the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, purged the agency's vaccine advisory committee, and included among the group's new members appointees who espouse anti-vaccine views.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Lyme disease: What to know about symptoms, treatment and prevention
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States, a potentially disabling infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick to people and pets.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Study identifies hotspots of disease-carrying ticks in Illinois
Scientists analyzed the distribution of three potentially harmful tick species in Illinois, identifying regions of the state with higher numbers of these ticks and, therefore, at greater risk of infection with multiple tick-borne diseases.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 19th, 2025

Alcohol's hidden shortcut lets gut bacteria wreck the liver
Alcohol-associated liver disease is becoming a massive health and economic burden, but researchers at UC San Diego may have uncovered a new way forward. They discovered that chronic alcohol use blocks a crucial protein that normally helps keep gut bacteria from leaking into the liver, worsening damage. Restoring this protein's function, using drugs already in development, could not only reduce liver disease but also have implications for treating alcohol addiction itself.
September 19, 2025 — Source

App boosts antibiotic prescribing safety in outpatient clinics
Researchers in Abu Dhabi found that a smartphone app embedding hospital antibiotic guidelines improved prescribing practices, strengthened stewardship, and aligned with the WHO's call for safer antibiotic use.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Bacterial defense sparks a new path in genome editing
Researchers unveil append editing, a method that attaches chemical tags to DNA, expanding possibilities in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.
September 19, 2025 — Source

CDC Panel Votes to Nix Current Covid Vaccine Recommendations
The ACIP is now recommending "individual decision-making" for people and their doctors over whether to get vaccinated for covid-19.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis bacterium disables key immune sensor to evade host defenses, study reveals
A research team has uncovered a new mechanism that allows Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), to evade host immune defenses.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination at Birth Is Safe, For Now
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices delayed its vote on changing the current policy, which CDC experts warned could erode the safety net keeping children from being born with the dangerous viral infection.
September 19, 2025 — Source

West Coast states issue their own COVID, flu, RSV vaccine rules
Four Western states are taking a different approach from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccines for COVID-19, flu and RSV.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 16th, 2025

Breaking down the layers of the immune system: Advice from an immunologist
It starts with a sneeze. Someone on the subway didn't cover their mouth and now a cloud of invisible invaders hangs in the air. Before you even step off the train, your immune system has already begun fighting off the threat and protecting you from harm.
September 16, 2025 — Source

California says it can no longer trust Washington on COVID vaccines: Is a major battle looming?
California's late summer COVID surge is showing signs of peaking, but the state's war with the Trump administration over vaccines is just beginning.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Cuts to U.S. foreign aid could drive millions of new TB cases and deaths, finds new study
U.S. foreign aid cuts could result in over 10 million additional tuberculosis (TB) cases and 2.5 million more deaths in the next years, across 26 countries with high TB burden, found a study by Center for Modeling and Analysis, the U.S., and Stop TB Partnership, Switzerland published in PLOS Global Public Health.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Rwanda reconsiders malaria vaccines amid surprise surge
After years of progress in reducing malaria cases, Rwanda is confronting a surprising resurgence and signs of treatment resistance that have forced officials to revisit vaccine intervention the country once declined.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 9th, 2025

Emergency department visits by uninsured children in Texas soar 45% after COVID-era federal funding ends
As the COVID-19 pandemic wound down, so did the federal government's funding to states that allowed all Medicaid enrollees to keep their coverage even if they no longer would have been eligible otherwise.
September 9, 2025 — Source

How harmful bacteria hijack crops
Aphids, grasshoppers and other bugs aren't the only pests that can quickly wipe out a crop. Many harmful bacteria have evolved ways to bypass a plant's defenses. A once-healthy tomato plant can quickly turn sick and blotchy, thanks to microscopic foes armed with an arsenal of tricks.
September 9, 2025 — Source

How long will California's COVID surge continue?
The coronavirus has muscled its way back into the headlines in recent weeks amid a summer wave of the illness and growing difficulties in getting the vaccine, as well as efforts by the Trump administration that could make getting inoculated harder for some people.
September 9, 2025 — Source

'Microbial piracy' uncovers new way to fight drug-resistant infections
Researchers have discovered how "pirate phages" hijack other viruses to break into bacteria, sharing new genetic material for dangerous traits.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Pfizer says this season's COVID shot boosts immune responses fourfold
Positive results come as Americans face confusing access rules that vary by state.
September 9, 2025 — Source

There's a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here's what to know
The Australian government announced last week there's a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunization Program for all children.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Warming climate drives dengue surge across Asia and the Americas, study shows
Warmer weather across the globe is reshaping the landscape of human health. A case in point is dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease once confined largely to the tropics, which often brings flu-like symptoms, and without proper medical care, can escalate to severe bleeding, organ failure, and even death.
September 9, 2025 — Source

What's going on with the COVID-19 vaccine?
New proposed federal restrictions on who can get COVID-19 vaccinations has caused confusion and worry across the country. Some states, including California, have decided to break away from federal guidelines and create their own rules for who can receive COVID-19 vaccinations.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 4th, 2025

Adrenaline receptor helps set daily rhythm for T cell infection response, study finds
A newly discovered "timekeeper" for fighting infections dramatically shapes the body's immune defenses, offering insight as to why antiviral T cell response varies throughout the day, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.
September 4, 2025 — Source

As COVID wave washes over California, some health officials urge residents to mask up
A COVID wave is washing over California, with the state seeing continued increases in the number of newly confirmed cases and hospitalizations as some officials urged the public to take greater precautions.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Colorado issues order allowing pharmacies to provide COVID vaccines without prescription
On September 3rd, Colorado's top health official issued an order allowing pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription after two major chains announced they would limit the shots in their stores.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Fall guidance: Flu and COVID vaccinations
With flu season approaching and COVID-19 remaining a threat, infectious disease expert Erin Carlson encourages people to consult with their family physicians about getting vaccinated to avoid serious illness, hospitalization or death this fall and winter.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Florida to scrap all vaccine mandates, West Coast states push back
A top health official in Florida vowed Wednesday to end all vaccine mandates in the state, including school requirements, likening the measure to prevent childhood diseases to "slavery."
September 4, 2025 — Source

Nasal vaccine offers new approach to fighting COVID-19
A new study led by the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney shows that a nasal vaccine could offer powerful protection against COVID-19. It works by stopping infection in the nose before the virus spreads through the body.
September 4, 2025 — Source

One dose of antibiotic treats early syphilis as well as three doses
NIH-funded clinical trial shows potential to simplify treatment for early syphilis.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Protein discovery gives new hope for longer COVID protection
A protein particle hidden within the SARS-CoV-2 virus could lead to longer-lasting, more protective vaccines for COVID-19.
September 4, 2025 — Source

RFK Jr. Is Stacking the Deck Against Vaccines With New Advisory Members
RFK Jr. Is Stacking the Deck Against Vaccines With New Advisory Members
September 4, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — September 1st, 2025

Multidrug-resistant bacteria detected in Chilean wastewater for the first time
A team of Chilean researchers has identified, for the first time in the country, the presence of KPC-type carbapenemase-producing bacteria in wastewater samples from the Greater Concepción Metropolitan Area. The finding, published in the journal Biological Research, raises concerns about the environmental circulation of microorganisms with high levels of resistance to critical clinically used antibiotics and reinforces the need for surveillance within the framework of "One Health."
September 1, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 29th, 2025

At least 95 sickened in salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs
At least 95 people in 14 states have been sickened in a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs, federal health officials say.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Cholera outbreaks worsening, spreading to 31 countries: WHO
The global cholera situation is worsening, with outbreaks across 31 countries and a surging fatality rate, the World Health Organization said Friday.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Death toll from Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City rises to 7 and infections hit 114
New York City health officials have discovered a seventh death linked to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem, where more than 100 people have been diagnosed with the ailment.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Genetic clustering of swine influenza revealed in Northern Italy
A new scientific article, titled "Swine influenza surveillance in Italy uncovers regional and farm-based genetic clustering", has been published by Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie as part of the Horizon Europe PAIR project.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Harnessing AI to revolutionize antibiotic discovery
On a bench in a Philadelphia lab, a robot the size of a microwave clicks through tiny vials, building molecules that existed only as lines of code a week earlier.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Herpes zoster vaccination linked to lower risk of heart attack and stroke
A new global systematic literature review and meta-analysis has shown that herpes zoster vaccination, used to prevent shingles, is associated with a statistically significant lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Louisiana oysters linked to deadly Vibrio outbreak, officials warn
Two people have died after eating raw oysters infected with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, Louisiana health officials confirmed.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Organoid-based platform enables precise evaluation of antibody and vaccine efficacy
A research team has successfully developed the world's first nasal organoid-based SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody evaluation platform.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Q&A: Expert says vaccine approval changes create economic challenge for health industry
The Food and Drug Administration's COVID-19 vaccine approval issued Aug. 27 comes with restrictions on who's eligible to receive the vaccine. Meanwhile, the administration has endorsed seasonal influenza vaccines—but only if they do not include the mercury-based preservative thimerosal.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Scientists move toward developing vaccine against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus
Antibiotics are the old medicine cabinet standby for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, but as antimicrobial resistance continues to mount globally, scientists say there's a need for new strategies.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Sharp rise in pertussis hospitalizations highlights need for timely vaccination
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a vaccine-preventable disease which continues to circulate even in areas where vaccination coverage is high, and outbreaks may still occur. A study published in Eurosurveillance and conducted at Meyer Children's Hospital in Florence, Italy, has found a sharp increase in hospitalisations for pertussis among children and adolescents (patients aged 16 years or under) in 2024. The findings highlight the critical role of not only adhering to vaccination schedules but also administering doses at the earliest opportunity to ensure a further reduction in cases and hospitalisations among children and adolescents.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 25th, 2025

African swine fever vaccine shows variable protection across virus strains
An international team of scientists has found that a promising African swine fever (ASF) vaccine can protect pigs against some strains of the virus but offers little or no protection against others. The findings point to the need for region-specific vaccines to tackle one of the world's most devastating animal diseases.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Generative AI uncovers undetected bird flu exposure risks in Maryland emergency departments
Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed a new and highly effective application of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to quickly scan notes in electronic medical records and identify high-risk patients who may have been infected with H5N1 avian influenza or "bird flu," according to new findings published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
August 25, 2025 — Source

History of traumatic brain injury tied to greater chance of malignant brain tumors
New research led by investigators at Mass General Brigham suggests a link between a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and risk of developing a malignant brain tumor. By evaluating data from 2000-2024 of more than 75,000 people with a history of mild, moderate or severe TBI, the team found the risk of developing a malignant brain tumor was significantly higher compared to people without a history of TBI.
August 25, 2025 — Source

How subtle bacterial shifts keep gut inflammation at bay
One of the most captivating mysteries about the immune system is how it manages to keep its healthy equilibrium—staying on high alert and ready to react to harmful invaders or damaged cells, while remaining calm in the presence of innocent triggers such as food.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Indonesia launches a measles vaccination campaign after 17 die in an outbreak
Hundreds of children in Indonesia lined up for free measles shots Monday as authorities rolled out a vaccination campaign in response to an outbreak that has caused 17 deaths.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Report: RFK Jr. and Trump to Pull Covid-19 Vaccines 'Within Months'
Cardiologist Aseem Malhotra claims that the Trump administration will take action to remove mRNA vaccines from the U.S. market later this year.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Small peptide produced by gut bacteria identified as key factor in kidney fibrosis
A molecule made by bacteria in the gut can hitch a ride to the kidneys, where it sets off a chain reaction of inflammation, scarring and fibrosis - a serious complication of diabetes and a leading cause of kidney failure - according to a new study from researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Mie University in Japan.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 22nd, 2025

How HIV uses T cells to hide in the gut
Antiretroviral treatments for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) have been extremely successful in extending life expectancy and reducing transmission. But one major challenge has so far prevented researchers from developing a cure: HIV likes to hide.
August 22, 2025 — Source

Machine learning can predict dengue fever with 80% accuracy
Researchers at Northeastern University can predict the emergence of a dengue fever outbreak with 80% accuracy—a breakthrough for public health officials tasked with preparing careworkers to handle spikes in the disease.
August 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 21st, 2025

Weaving peptide nanonets to fight bacterial infections
Many harmful bacteria can move to evade high concentrations of antibiotics. This allows them to spread through the body and makes them harder to treat, contributing to the growing problem of drug-resistant infections.
August 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 19th, 2025

Global study warns hepatitis B care must be overhauled to meet WHO 2030 elimination targets
The first global systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis B care has found critical patient losses at every step of care, calling for decentralized, integrated models to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient retention.
August 19, 2025 — Source

International study tests promising vaccine against 21 strains of pneumococcus
A new vaccine for pneumococcal disease will be tested under an international trial aiming to provide greater protection to babies against the common infection that causes pneumonia, sinusitis and meningitis.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Machine learning model maps West Nile virus risk in Northeast US
West Nile virus (WNV) has been the dominant cause of mosquito-borne illness in the United States since its introduction into North America in 1999. There are no vaccines nor medications to prevent or treat illness in people, so surveillance, prevention, and control remain the best options to protect the public.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Nasal spray flu vaccine now available for at-home use
FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine made by AstraZeneca, is now available for at-home use through a service called FluMist Home, the company announced.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Pocket-sized device detects E. coli in minutes
A palm-sized device developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo could help save lives and reduce illness by rapidly and inexpensively detecting toxic bacteria in water supplies.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Possible Local Malaria Case Found in New Jersey. Here's What to Know
If confirmed, it would be the first homegrown case reported in the state in over three decades.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Tenofovir amibufenamide shows efficacy in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal ALT
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients may exhibit liver fibrosis and other pathological changes despite normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) in chronic HBV-infected patients with normal ALT levels.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Using bacteria to sneak viruses into tumors
Researchers engineered bacteria to deliver hidden viruses into tumors, bypassing the immune system and unleashing a new strategy for targeted cancer treatment.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 16th, 2025

Generative AI Gave MIT Scientists a New Tool to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
The MIT researchers believe their work could usher in a "second golden age" for antibiotic development.
August 16, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 17th, 2025

A rare 'brain-eating amoeba' has been detected in Queensland water. Is tap water safe?
One of the world's most dangerous water-borne microorganisms, commonly called a "brain-eating amoeba," has recently been detected in two drinking water supplies in southwest Queensland.
August 17, 2025 — Source

How scientists are engineering graphene to block and detect malaria
Graphene is being engineered to block mosquito bites, interfere with parasite growth, and power portable malaria tests with higher sensitivity than standard methods.
August 17, 2025 — Source

Trojan horse bacteria sneak cancer-killing viruses into tumors
The bioengineered platform enables a cancer-killing virus to evade the patient's immune system — and prevents it from spreading throughout the body.
August 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Cancer — August 17th, 2025

Trojan horse bacteria sneak cancer-killing viruses into tumors
The bioengineered platform enables a cancer-killing virus to evade the patient's immune system — and prevents it from spreading throughout the body.
August 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 11th, 2025

4,000-year-old sheep tooth sheds light on enigmatic Eurasian plague
Around 5,000 years ago, a mysterious form of plague spread throughout Eurasia, only to disappear 2,000 years later. Known only from ancient DNA, this enigmatic 'LNBA plague' lineage has left scientists puzzled about its likely zoonotic origin and transmission. In a new study published in Cell, this ancient plague is identified in an animal for the first time - a 4,000-year-old domesticated sheep excavated at the pastoralist site Arkaim in the Western Eurasian Steppe. Different lines of evidence suggest that plague infections in both human and sheep stem from spillover of a still unknown wild reservoir, and that widespread sheep herding during the Bronze Age brought steppe pastoralist communities into closer contact with this reservoir.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Bacteria reveal a complex arsenal of over 200 viral defense strategies
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified more than 200 strategies used by bacteria to avoid viral infection. Their findings, published in Cell Host & Microbe, shed light on a microbial "arms race" that could lead to new approaches to fighting infectious bacteria.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Common food bacterium offers blueprint for safer and higher vitamin production
A new study reveals how Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis), a common food bacterium, regulates the production of a key precursor in vitamin K₂ (menaquinone) biosynthesis. The bacteria produce enough of this precursor to support their growth while preventing toxic buildup.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Conditional cash transfers can significantly reduce AIDS incidence, mortality among Brazil's most vulnerable women
The world's largest conditional cash transfer program, the Bolsa Família Program (BFP), is associated with a substantial reduction in AIDS cases and deaths, especially among brown and black women with lower income and limited education.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Livestock played a role in prehistoric plague infections, genomic study finds
Around 5,000 years ago, a mysterious form of plague spread throughout Eurasia, only to disappear 2,000 years later. Known only from ancient DNA, this enigmatic "LNBA plague" lineage has left scientists puzzled about its likely zoonotic origin and transmission.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Malaria vaccine mimics natural immunity with high precision
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine generates nearly identical antibodies as those following a natural infection, helping explain why the vaccine confers such strong protection against the earliest life stage of malaria parasites, according to research published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
August 11, 2025 — Source or Source

Organizations disinvited from CDC vaccine workgroups
U.S. health officials have informed more than half a dozen leading medical organizations that they will no longer be invited to participate in developing vaccination recommendations.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Researchers boost effectiveness of malaria drug by tweaking its symmetry
A new generation of malaria drugs failed clinical trials, in part because they were hard to swallow. UCSF chemists remodeled their structures to make them more soluble, while maintaining their effectiveness against drug-resistant parasites.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Researchers identify a potential biomarker for long COVID
Researchers from the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, and the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center have identified a potential biomarker for long COVID.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis: The world's deadliest disease is once again on the rise
What infectious disease is deadliest worldwide? HIV? COVID-19? Malaria?
August 11, 2025 — Source

War-zone hospital patients found to carry multidrug-resistant bacteria
After Russia's full-scale invasion, thousands of patients have been transferred from Ukraine to other European countries. A study by the University of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital showed that 8% of Ukrainian refugees had been hospitalized due to war injuries. Almost 80% of them carried multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria.
August 11, 2025 — Source

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, shifting federal guidelines spark widespread confusion over vaccine eligibility
With fall approaching and COVID-19 activity rising across the country, confusion over vaccines is widespread. Mixed messages from the federal government have left patients, doctors and public health leaders uncertain about how and which COVID-19 vaccines will be administered to whom in coming months, and what health insurance will cover. The shots can cost more than $100 each without insurance.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 10th, 2025

A giant virus wags its tail
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa oceanographers have identified PelV-1, a dinoflagellate-infecting giant virus whose micron-length tail reaches 2.3 µm, stretching current notions of viral architecture.
August 10, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 9th, 2025

Kenya has eliminated sleeping sickness, says WHO
Kenya has eliminated sleeping sickness as a public health problem, the World Health Organization announced on Friday, making it the 10th country to do so.
August 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 8th, 2025

CDC warns travelers after 8,000+ chikungunya cases reported in China
Health officials in China are reporting more than 8,000 cases of chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes that can cause fever and painful joints.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Gut bacteria may connect pregnancy diet to childhood autism
Scientists are uncovering how what mothers eat during pregnancy could influence gut microbes and shape brain development in their children, potentially influencing autism risk in the next generation.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Hope for Strep A vaccine: Scientists identify antibodies that protect children from infection
Scientists have discovered how some children develop natural immunity to a bacterial infection, a vital breakthrough which could help develop vaccines to save up to half a million lives globally each year.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Malaria possibly contracted in Washington state, would be state's first local case
A woman in east Pierce County contracted malaria despite not having traveled out of state recently, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Universal vaccine design pipeline could protect against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and more
Most vaccines are designed to provide immunity against just one pathogen. Vaccines for chicken pox (caused by varicella-zoster virus) were only developed to fight that one disease, for example.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 4th, 2025

Automated atomic force microscopy reveals expanded view of bacterial biofilms
Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have reimagined the capabilities of atomic force microscopy, or AFM, transforming it from a tool for imaging nanoscale features into one that also captures large-scale biological architecture. Often called a "touching microscope," AFM uses a fine probe to feel surfaces at resolutions down to a billionth of a meter.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Five things to know about the summer COVID surge—including 'razor blade throat'
That may be little consolation to those infected with the dominant strain, NB.1.8.1, who've experienced firsthand why it has earned the nickname "razor blade throat."
August 4, 2025 — Source

Researchers discover key social factors that triple long COVID risk
People with financial and social hardships are up to three times more likely to develop long COVID, researchers find.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Shingles vaccination rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, but major gaps remain for underserved groups
Vaccination against shingles increased among adults age 50 and older in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not equally across all population groups. That's the key finding from a new study my colleagues and I published in the journal Vaccine.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Sorting Out Covid Vaccine Confusion: New and Conflicting Federal Policies Raise Questions
If you want a covid-19 shot this fall, will your employer's health insurance plan pay for it? There's no clear answer.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 2nd, 2025

Bacterial cellulose-based dressing offers rapid bleeding control for burn wound care
Burn injuries are a kind of severe trauma, which often involves multiple organs, causing high morbidity and mortality. During burn debridement, hemostasis control has long been challenging. Traditional electrocautery is effective for bleeding control, but it carries risks such as thermal tissue damage and it has operational limitations.
August 2, 2025 — Source

Five children see HIV viral loads vanish after taking antiretroviral drugs
The first widespread success in curing HIV may come from children, not adults.
August 2, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 1st, 2025

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in malnourished children under five years old in Niger
A new study led by researchers at the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research (IOI) has found that antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is spreading rapidly among children being treated for severe malnutrition in a hospital facility in Niger.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Bacteria in the digestive system may work to maintain balance both directly and indirectly
Intestinal bacteria are important for human health as they help digest food and regulate immune function. Thus, in recent years, it has become clear that gut microbiota dysbiosis, an imbalance in types and composition of intestinal bacteria, is associated with digestive disorders and other diseases. However, the mechanism by which bacteria interact in the intestine to maintain the microbiota balance remains unclear.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Bioengineered dressing achieves rapid hemostasis and accelerated wound healing
In a study published in Advanced Materials on July 22, a team led by Dr. Zhong Chao and Dr. An Bolin from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, collaborating with Dr. Liu Yan from Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, developed an innovative bacterial cellulose (BC)-based hemostatic dressing that enables rapid and sustained bleeding control.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Chikungunya cases surge sixfold in South China city in a week
A sudden surge of chikungunya cases has been reported in Foshan city in China, increasing from 478 cases to almost 3,000 cases within a week, according to South China Morning Post.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Dual studies reveal early successes for mRNA HIV vaccine strategies
HIV vaccine efforts have been slowed by the difficulty of getting neutralizing antibodies to target the correct locations of the diverse variants of HIV. Neutralizing antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that bind to and block the activity of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Pfizer and BioNTech lose UK court appeal over COVID jab
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German firm BioNTech lost Friday a court appeal in the latest step of a multi-million pound battle against US rival Moderna over the COVID-19 vaccine.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Researchers harness AI-powered protein design to enhance T-cell based immunotherapies
A paper published in Cell highlights how researchers have leveraged AI-based computational protein design to create a novel synthetic ligand that activates the Notch signaling pathway, a key driver in T-cell development and function.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Scientists identify shared biological roots of long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome
In recent years, doctors and scientists are increasingly studying long-lasting illnesses that begin after someone recovers from an infection. Two of the most well-known examples are long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
August 1, 2025 — Source

Scientists shrink the genetic code of E. coli to contain only 57 of its usual 64 codons
The DNA of nearly all life on Earth contains many redundancies, and scientists have long wondered whether these redundancies served a purpose or if they were just leftovers from evolutionary processes. Both DNA and RNA contain codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides that either provide information about how to form a protein with a specific amino acid or tell the cell to stop (a stop signal) during protein synthesis.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Yeast mutant strain boosts omega-7 fatty acid production
Scientists from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a lipid-rich mutant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a high-throughput, label-free screening technique, opening new possibilities for microbial production of palmitoleic acid—an omega-7 fatty acid with proven anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 29th, 2025

First malaria treatment for babies is a major step to ending the disease in Africa
The first malaria treatment for babies and very young children of 2 months up to 5 years was approved for use by Swiss agency for therapeutic products, Swissmedic, in early July 2025. Until now, babies and very young children have been treated with medicines formulated for older children.
July 29, 2025 — Source

Global analysis finds 14.8 million life-years added by COVID-19 vaccinations
A Stanford University-led investigation into the COVID-19 vaccination effort reports that it averted an estimated 2.533 million deaths and 14.8 million life-years worldwide between 2020 and 2024.
July 29, 2025 — Source

Trapping gut bacteria's hidden fuel improves blood sugar and liver health, study shows
A team of Canadian scientists has discovered a surprising new way to improve blood sugar levels and reduce liver damage: by trapping a little-known fuel made by gut bacteria before they wreak havoc on the body.
July 29, 2025 — Source

Why you may get future vaccines via dental floss
Researchers have demonstrated a novel vaccine delivery method in an animal model, using dental floss to introduce vaccine via the tissue between the teeth and gums.
July 29, 2025 — Source

With no need for sleep or food, AI-built 'scientists' quickly design nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Imagine you're a molecular biologist wanting to launch a project seeking treatments for a newly emerging disease. You know you need the expertise of a virologist and an immunologist, plus a bioinformatics specialist to help analyze and generate insights from your data. But you lack the resources or connections to build a big multidisciplinary team.
July 29, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 26th, 2025

New method estimates measles vaccination rates without up-to-date survey data
Knowing how many people are vaccinated against an existing or re-emerging threat is a key factor guiding public health decisions, but such information is often sparse or non-existent in many regions, according to researchers at Penn State. Now, in collaboration with a team at the World Health Organization, the researchers have developed a new method to estimate and predict regional measles vaccination coverage levels even when accurate or timely survey data on vaccination is not available.
July 26, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 25th, 2025

Congenital syphilis remains a threat to healthy births despite screening
A 15-year study of nearly 60,000 births shows that congenital syphilis and other STIs continue to endanger babies, as healthcare barriers in remote Australia undermine otherwise effective screening programs.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Fearing Medicaid Coverage Loss, Some Parents Rush To Vaccinate Their Kids
For two decades, Washington, D.C., pediatrician Lanre Falusi has counseled parents about vaccine safety, side effects, and timing. But this year, she said, the conversations have changed.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Globally, over 2.5 million COVID deaths prevented worldwide thanks to vaccines, data indicate
Thanks to vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 in the period 2020--2024, 2.533 million deaths were prevented at the global level; one death was avoided for every 5,400 doses of vaccine administered.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Kinshasa slum battles deadly cholera outbreak
Faced with a lack of running water, unsanitary conditions and poverty, the Kinshasa neighborhood of Pakadjuma has struggled to end a cholera epidemic that has claimed hundreds of lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this year.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Measles cases just reached 30-year high in the US: How bad is California surge?
Measles cases in California and the United States are climbing to levels the country hasn't seen in years.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Previously undetectable biomarkers in gut microbiome may predict 'invisible' chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID
Millions suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a debilitating condition often overlooked due to the lack of diagnostic tools, may be closer to personalized care, according to new research that shows how the disease disrupts interactions between the microbiome, immune system, and metabolism.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Southern China hit by outbreak of mosquito-borne infection chikungunya
China is experiencing an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection, with thousands of cases reported in the south.
July 25, 2025 — Source

What is chikungunya virus, and should we be worried about it in Australia?
This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns about a surge in the number of cases of a mosquito-borne viral infection called chikungunya.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 22nd, 2025

COVID-19 pandemic may have aged our brains, new study suggests
COVID-19 pandemic may have aged our brains, new study suggests
July 22, 2025 — Source

COVID, flu, RSV: How these common viruses are tracking this winter—and how to protect yourself
Winter is here, and with it come higher rates of respiratory illnesses. If you've been struck down recently with a sore throat, runny nose and a cough, or perhaps even a fever, you're not alone.
July 22, 2025 — Source

FDA approves prefilled syringe presentation for shingles vaccine
The existing vaccine consists of two vials—a lyophilized (powder) antigen and a liquid adjuvant—that health care professionals combine prior to administration. The new prefilled syringe simplifies the vaccine administration process for health care professionals. The indications for the prefilled syringe are consistent with existing indications for the vaccine.
July 22, 2025 — Source

How falling vaccination rates are fueling the antibiotic resistance crisis
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health threats we face today. It's often blamed on the overuse of antibiotics, and for a good reason. But there's another major factor quietly driving this crisis that doesn't get as much attention: low vaccination rates.
July 22, 2025 — Source

International radiology consensus outlines best practices for post-COVID CT imaging
Experts representing multiple societies and institutions across 14 countries have published guidance for computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients with residual lung abnormalities after COVID-19 illness. The consensus statement appears in Radiology.
July 22, 2025 — Source

New insights into tick immune response could help prevent deadly virus transmission
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a severe haemorrhagic fever virus transmitted by tick to animal and humans. Discovered in 2009, the virus is found in South-East Asian countries and has a fatality rate of up to 40%. By studying the virus in tick cells, scientist from the University of Surrey have identified two novel antivirals effectors. This discovery could help scientists prevent diseases from spreading from tick to humans in the future.
July 22, 2025 — Source

Post-COVID-related lung abnormalities almost always regress, consensus statement indicates
Visible on chest CT scans, post-COVID-19 residual lung abnormalities, which affect up to 50% of patients who have had an infection requiring hospitalization, may be associated with persistent or progressive respiratory symptoms and are often related to changes in respiratory function tests.
July 22, 2025 — Source

Probiotics can help or hinder gut recovery after antibiotic treatment
In a mouse model, researchers found that different probiotic strains can either accelerate or delay the gut microbiome's recovery after antibiotic treatment. The work adds to the body of evidence suggesting that probiotic efficacy is specific and situational, and that more research is needed to understand the strain-specific impacts of different probiotics.
July 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 20th, 2025

Real milk proteins, no cows: Engineered bacteria pave the way for vegan cheese and yogurt
Bacteria are set to transform the future of dairy-free milk products. Scientists have successfully engineered E. coli to produce key milk proteins essential for cheese and yogurt production, without using any animal-derived ingredients. This paves the way for plant-based dairy alternatives that mimic traditional dairy at a molecular level but are sustainable and cruelty-free.
July 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 19th, 2025

Inhaled farm dust alters gut bacteria and weakens intestinal barrier in mice
Led by Declan McCole, a professor of biomedical sciences in the UCR School of Medicine, the study expands on prior findings that hog farm dust causes airway inflammation. The researchers now report in the Journal of Applied Toxicology that inhaling this dust also alters the gut microbiome and impairs intestinal function, including increased "leaky gut" or intestinal permeability. Leaky gut is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.
July 19, 2025 — Source

Vaccinated people aren't the only ones who benefit from the flu shot, study finds
University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health scientists report that seasonal influenza vaccination prevented 32.9% to 41.5% of infections in a simulated population, extending protection even to some unvaccinated residents.
July 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 18th, 2025

Colorado's first human cases of West Nile virus in 2025 confirmed in Adams County
Colorado's first human cases of West Nile virus this year were confirmed in two people who contracted the disease in Adams County, public health officials said on July 17.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Data-driven detection of concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants months in advance
Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several variants of the virus have developed into Variants of Concern (VOCs), as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). VOCs are virus variants that are predicted or known to cause large waves of infections due to their altered phenotypic characteristics and with a risk of altering disease severity, reducing vaccine effectiveness or otherwise leading to increased burden of health care systems.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Genetically modified gut bacteria show promise for combating kidney stones in clinical trial
The human gut microbiome has been shown to impact health in a myriad of ways. The type and abundance of different bacteria can impact everything from the immune system to the nervous system. Now, researchers at Stanford University are taking advantage of the microbiome's potential for fighting disease by genetically modifying certain bacteria to reduce a substance that causes kidney stones. If scientists are successful at modifying gut bacteria, this can lead to therapeutic treatments for a wide range of diseases.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Guinea reports more than 200 mpox cases since first detection
The number of mpox cases in Guinea since an outbreak was first detected has passed 200, health officials told AFP Friday, with several nearby countries witnessing recent increases in infections.
July 18, 2025 — Source

New COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows strong protection against multiple variants
A promising new COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by researchers at the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney has shown strong potential to protect against both current and emerging coronavirus variants. By targeting features shared by a range of coronaviruses, the vaccine is designed to offer broader and longer-lasting protection as the virus continues to evolve.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Rapid method builds virus-like nanoparticle vaccines in hours without live cells
Scientists developed a fast, cell-free system to create virus-mimicking vaccines, enabling quicker responses to emerging viral threats.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Scientists develop rapid, cell-free platform for assembling Nipah virus vaccine prototypes
Researchers from Cornell and Northwestern universities have developed a rapid, cell-free method for building nanoparticle vaccines that mimic viruses at the molecular level, offering a powerful new tool for responding to emerging pandemics.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 17th, 2025

Aluminum vaccines cleared of long-term health risks
In the largest study of its kind, researchers examined aluminum exposure from vaccines in 1.2 million children, and found no increased risk of autism, asthma, or autoimmune disease.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Environmental factors found to be key predictors of avian flu outbreaks in Europe
Several local factors—including the minimum temperature reached in autumn, the water level in lakes and ponds in winter, and the presence of mute swans (Cygnus olor)—could be key to predicting the potential of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) occurring in Europe.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Few babies getting RSV antibody shot, study says
A new antibody shot that protects babies against RSV infection could be struggling to gain traction, researchers report.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Nearly 45% of hospital toilet users fail to wash their hands, study finds
Almost 1 in 2 people using a hospital toilet did not wash their hands afterwards, according to new research from the University of Surrey—raising serious concerns about hygiene compliance in high-risk environments.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Uncovering the hidden emerging pathogen behind Aspergillosis cases in Japan
Aspergillus is a fungus that is commonly found in the environment, both indoors and outdoors. This fungus species can cause aspergillosis—a respiratory infection affecting the lungs. A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, and A. niger are some of the common species within the Aspergillus genus that cause aspergillosis. In high-risk populations, such as immunocompromised individuals, aspergillosis can be life-threatening and lead to poor patient outcomes.
July 17, 2025 — Source or Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 14th, 2025

Canadian obesity trends accelerated after the start of COVID-19 pandemic
"Compared with the average increase during the 11 years before the pandemic, the prevalence of obesity [as measured by BMI] increased at a greater rate during the 4 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020--2023), suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions may have adversely affected obesity prevalence in Canada," writes Dr. Laura Anderson, associate professor, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact and co-director of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, with coauthors.
July 14, 2025 — Source

CDC says COVID-19 cases rise in 25 states
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 25 states are seeing growth in COVID cases as a summer wave appears to be starting, CBS News reported.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Early antibiotic exposure weakens infant immune development
A new study led by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) found that early-life exposure to antibiotics can impair an infant's developing immune system, and that a naturally occurring metabolite may hold the key to reversing that damage.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Florida Cat Named Pepper Brings Home Never-Before-Seen Virus—for the Second Time
Pepper the pet cat has made yet another contribution to virology.
July 14, 2025 — Source

New insights into malaria: Proteins in the blood can reveal the severity of the disease
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified over 250 proteins that are strongly affected by malaria, which could help predict the severity of the disease and thus enable faster treatment for the most critical patients.
July 14, 2025 — Source

New WHO guidelines recommend injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention
The World Health Organization (WHO) released today new guidelines recommending the use of injectable lenacapavir (LEN) twice a year as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention, in a landmark policy action that could help reshape the global HIV response. The guidelines are being issued at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) on HIV Science, in Kigali, Rwanda.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Novel open-source diagnostic tool offers affordable, reliable pathogen detection for resource-limited settings
A bottleneck in ensuring access to widespread molecular diagnostics, especially in low- and middle-income countries, has been the high cost and logistical complexities associated with rapid, point-of-care tests.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Protein signatures may help predict malaria severity and guide treatment
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified over 250 proteins that are strongly affected by malaria, which could help predict the severity of the disease and thus enable faster treatment for the most critical patients.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Revealing the hepatitis B risks for First Nations people in the Northern Territory
Menzies School of Health Research has led the largest-ever study of people living with a unique strain of chronic hepatitis B (C4 hepatitis B)—which predominately affects First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory (NT)—uncovering significant impacts on liver health.
July 14, 2025 — Source

SARS-CoV-2 can cause buildup of Alzheimer's-related peptides in retina
A new Yale study has found a promising target for treating the brain fog that can follow COVID-19 and offers new insight into a hypothesis about the origin of Alzheimer's disease.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Swiss genome of the 1918 influenza virus reconstructed
Researchers from the universities of Basel and Zurich have used a historical specimen from UZH's Medical Collection to decode the genome of the virus responsible for the 1918--1920 influenza pandemic in Switzerland. The genetic material of the virus reveals that it had already developed key adaptations to humans at the outset of what became the deadliest influenza pandemic in history.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis bacteria play possum to evade vaccines—mechanisms revealed in study
A vaccine protects more than 100 million infants each year from severe tuberculosis (TB), including the fatal brain swelling it can cause in babies and toddlers. But the vaccine doesn't prevent adults from developing the more common form of TB that attacks the lungs. This allows TB to persist as the world's deadliest infectious disease, killing 1.25 million people a year.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 13th, 2025

US aid cuts halt HIV vaccine research in South Africa, with global impact
Just a week had remained before scientists in South Africa were to begin clinical trials of an HIV vaccine, and hopes were high for another step toward limiting one of history's deadliest pandemics. Then the email arrived.
July 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 12th, 2025

Here's Where to Hang Your Bird Feeder for Maximum Visits
A few small changes can turn your backyard into a bird paradise.
July 12, 2025 — Source

T-bet protein found essential for maintaining flu-fighting memory B cells
At the surface, the immune response to a flu virus is simple. Some cells recognize the pathogen and send a signal to the immune system, and immune cells produce a potentially lifesaving antibody against the virus. Antigen in, antibody out.
July 12, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 10th, 2025

Bioinspired nanocomposite membrane supports bone healing and resists infection
A new nanocomposite membrane uses layered fiber design to combine strength, flexibility, and antibacterial function for improved bone regeneration.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Experts explain what's behind measles surge and how to stop it
The U.S. is facing its largest measles outbreak in more than 30 years, with at least 1,277 confirmed cases across 36 states and Washington, D.C. Two Virginia Tech experts say the reason why is clear and explain why it's spreading so quickly and how to stop it.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Global vaccine stockpiles prevented more than 5.8 million cases
The life-saving impact of global vaccine stockpiles to address outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases has been demonstrated in new Burnet Institute research.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Lyme disease patients aren't getting proper follow-up care
Most folks diagnosed with Lyme disease aren't getting the follow-up care they need, a new study says.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Measles Cases Hit the Highest Number in 33 Years. Do You Need a Measles Vaccine Booster?
The number of measles cases in the US has risen to a record level. Learn how to protect yourself.
July 10, 2025 — Source

South Carolina sees first measles case of 2025, officials say
An Upstate South Carolina resident has the measles, the South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed on July 9. It is the first case of the disease in the state since September 2024, the agency said.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Study links COVID-19 and bacterial infection to Alzheimer's disease
A recent review by researchers at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) shows Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) and SARS-CoV-2 infections may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 7th, 2025

Low-temperature plasma technique boosts nanozyme innovation for tackling antibiotics
Recently, a research team successfully developed a series of CoNi-metal-organic framework (MOF) nanozymes with laccase-like activity using a gas-liquid interface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low-temperature plasma (LTP) technique.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Measles cases reach 33-year high as RFK Jr. pursues anti-vaccine agenda
There have been at least 1,281 cases since the start of the year.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Measles exposure reported at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced that there was a measles exposure this week at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Mediterranean bacteria may harbor new mosquito solution
Mosquito-borne diseases kill more than 700,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization, and the mosquitoes that spread the disease are difficult to control. Most species have developed resistance to all major classes of synthetic insecticides, many of which pose both environmental and health risks.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Nighttime pistachio snacking may reshape gut microbiome in prediabetic adults
Prediabetes affects a third of people in the United States and most of them will develop Type 2 diabetes, yet effective dietary intervention strategies remain limited. Pistachios have shown promise in improving markers of diet quality, yet little is known about how they influence the gut microbiome—a key player in glucose regulation and inflammation.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Tracking proteins that help the COVID-19 virus replicate
Scientists have identified dozens of human proteins that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, depends on to replicate and spread, according to a recent study published in the journal PLOS Biology.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Treating a common bacteria could reduce gastric cancer cases worldwide
Up to 76% of those cases may be attributable to Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterium found in the stomach. The authors call for greater investment in the prevention of gastric cancer, particularly through population-wide H. pylori screen-and-treat programs, to reduce the burden of gastric cancer worldwide.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Vancomycin trial shows no significant reduction in recurrent C. diff infections
University of Wisconsin--Madison--led researchers report lower yet statistically non-significant recurrence of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) among adults given low-dose oral vancomycin during antibiotic therapy.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 2nd, 2025

Antifungal discovery offers hope against deadly drug-resistant infections
Candida auris is a dangerous fungal pathogen that has become a global health concern. It spreads easily in health care settings and can cause life-threatening infections, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. Alarmingly, it is often resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, making treatment difficult.
July 2, 2025 — Source

Antimicrobial common in everyday items linked to allergic conditions in children
Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical that was for decades added to everyday items like soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and even kitchen utensils and athletic wear, until concerns about potential health risks led manufacturers to phase it out of some products.
July 2, 2025 — Source

Researchers find hepatitis E virus can also infect kidney cells and multiply there
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes severe liver inflammation. A research team from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, and TWINCORE, the Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research in Hannover, has now been able to prove for the first time that it can also infect kidney cells and replicate there. Antiviral drugs such as ribavirin are less effective there than in the liver.
July 2, 2025 — Source

Scientists target 'molecular machine' in the war against antimicrobial resistance
Scientists mapped the bacterial flagellum in atomic detail, revealing it as a target to disarm infections without killing bacteria or driving antibiotic resistance.
July 2, 2025 — Source

Unexpected immune response can limit effectiveness of phage therapy against bacterial infections
As antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" make infections trickier to treat, some in the medical community are turning to bacteriophages for backup. Also known as phages, these viruses exclusively target bacteria, allowing them to tackle bacterial infections when introduced to a patient's body.
July 2, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 30th, 2025

Ancient DNA reveals leprosy hit the Americas long before colonization
A new study has reconstructed two 4000-year-old genomes from the rare pathogen Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
June 30, 2025 — Source or Source or Source

Bacteria hijack tick cell defenses to spread disease, study shows
Washington State University researchers have discovered how the bacteria that cause anaplasmosis and Lyme disease hijack cellular processes in ticks to ensure their survival and spread to new hosts, including humans.
June 30, 2025 — Source

GATE complex discovery sheds light on CMV's evasion of immune defenses
New research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and La Jolla Institute for Immunology, published today in Nature Microbiology, reveals an opportunity for developing a therapy against cytomegalovirus (CMV), the leading infectious cause of birth defects in the United States.
June 30, 2025 — Source

Gut microbiota and metabolic changes linked to pregnancy risks in women with PCOS
A new study presented today at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) reveals that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have distinct gut microbiota and metabolic signatures linked to premature endometrial aging and a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
June 30, 2025 — Source

How a common herpes virus evades the immune system: Study tackles a leading cause of birth defects
New research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and La Jolla Institute for Immunology, published today in Nature Microbiology, reveals an opportunity for developing a therapy against cytomegalovirus (CMV), the leading infectious cause of birth defects in the United States.
June 30, 2025 — Source

Thimerosal discouraged in US flu vaccines, breaking with WHO guidance
A federal vaccine panel recently reshaped by US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has voted to discourage the use of flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative. The decision marks a dramatic shift in vaccine policy, as thimerosal has long been considered safe by health agencies worldwide, with its use already limited to a few multi-dose flu shots.
June 30, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 28th, 2025

Michigan announces second measles outbreak as US hits 1,227 cases
Michigan has its second measles outbreak of the year, Utah has seven cases and health workers in New Mexico are rushing to contain an outbreak in a county jail.
June 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 25th, 2025

Can targeted payment adjustments help solve the infectious disease physician shortage?
A new analysis by researchers from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examines the first Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) add-on code targeting a single physician specialty: infectious disease (ID). The measure is a significant departure from the agency's past strategies, with the potential to combat the growing shortage of ID physicians and broader implications for physician reimbursement and health care delivery, according to the authors.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Electrochemical catheter hub could prevent bloodstream infections
Washington State University and Mayo Clinic researchers have developed an electrochemical catheter hub that could someday help prevent deadly central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) that annually kill thousands of people around the world.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Measles cases continue to spread in Kansas: Where the 80 cases have been reported
The number of measles cases continues to rise in Kansas, reaching 80 confirmed cases, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's 2025 Kansas Measles Case Data dashboard.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Public health officials confirm state's first human West Nile case of the year
The first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois has been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Updated COVID vaccine reduces risk of severe illness and death, especially for high-risk adults
A new multi-state study led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) VISION Network—including Regenstrief Institute—has provided the most comprehensive assessment to date of the effectiveness of 2023--2024 COVID-19 vaccines among adults in the U.S. during the XBB and JN.1 omicron subvariant waves.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 23rd, 2025

California has had more measles cases so far this year than in all of 2024
This month, the number of measles cases reported in California so far in 2025 jumped above the total for all of 2024.
June 23, 2025 — Source

Many older people embrace vaccines. Research is proving them right.
Kim Beckham, an insurance agent in Victoria, Texas, had seen friends suffer so badly from shingles that she wanted to receive the first approved shingles vaccine as soon as it became available, even if she had to pay for it out-of-pocket.
June 23, 2025 — Source or Source

Native bee honey shows medical potential in fight against antibiotic resistance
Resistance to synthetic antibiotics poses a critical global health challenge. Various European honeybee and other natural products have been proposed as novel therapeutic agents to address this problem. However, little has been known about the potential of Australian native bee honey as an antimicrobial agent.
June 23, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 22nd, 2025

Antimicrobial resistance genes hitch rides on imported seafood
Colistin is a potent, last-resort antibiotic used only to treat people with dangerous, life-threatening bacterial infections that have developed resistance to other drugs. But it's not foolproof. Worldwide, resistance to colistin is spreading, further diminishing treatment options and putting infected people at higher risk.
June 22, 2025 — Source

Cambodia reports fifth bird flu death this year
Cambodia registered its fifth bird flu death this year after a 52-year-old man died from the virus, the health ministry said on Saturday.
June 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 21st, 2025

US measles count now tops 1,200 cases, and Iowa announces an outbreak
The U.S. logged fewer than 20 measles cases this week, though Iowa announced the state's first outbreak Thursday and Georgia confirmed its second Wednesday.
June 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 20th, 2025

Africa battles to halt cholera cases as funding cuts hurt
Health-funding cuts are wreaking havoc on many African countries' ability to gain control of diseases such as cholera, according to the continent's main health-advisory body.
June 20, 2025 — Source

AI reveals how H5N1 virus is evolving to evade human immunity
The H5N1 avian influenza virus has infected birds and mammals around the world. As of June 2025, 70 people have been infected, and 1 person has died in the United States. A new analysis suggests that the virus is evolving clever strategies. Using artificial intelligence tools, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) analyzed thousands of viral proteins and found that their bonds to protective antibodies have weakened over time.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Airborne fungal spores may help predict COVID-19 and flu surges
Monitoring fungal spores in the outdoor air can predict surges in flu and COVID-19 infections, especially during the fall, according to a new study. The study is presented at ASM Microbe 2025 in Los Angeles.
June 20, 2025 — Source

British holidaymaker dies from rabies: What you need to know if you're going abroad this summer
The recent death of a British woman from rabies after a holiday in Morocco is a sobering reminder of the risks posed by this almost universally fatal disease, once symptoms begin.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Caught in the crossfire: How phages spread Salmonella virulence genes
A global study uncovers the hidden role of viruses in driving bacterial evolution and highlights a surprising bacterial gene that helps fight back.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Fecal transplant shows potential as first-line treatment for C. difficile infection
A fecal transplant performs as well as antibiotics in treating people with a bacterial infection that can cause life-threatening diarrhea, a new study says.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Gut microbiome: A new frontier for chronic fatigue and long COVID management
Imagine living with a persistent, debilitating fatigue that no amount of rest can alleviate, coupled with a constellation of other symptoms such as brain fog, pain, and sleep disturbances. This is the reality for millions suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Now, envision a similar struggle following a viral infection, a condition increasingly recognized as long COVID.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Insect-specific 'immune priming' affects the evolution of pathogenic bacteria
A research team at the University of Münster has investigated for the first time how the confrontation of bacteria with hosts that have an activated innate immune system affects the evolution of bacterial virulence.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Monitoring airborne fungal spores predicts flu and COVID-19 surges
Monitoring fungal spores in the outdoor air can predict surges in flu and COVID-19 infections, especially during the fall, according to a new study. The study is presented at ASM Microbe 2025 in Los Angeles, the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
June 20, 2025 — Source

New cases of meningococcal disease have been detected. What are the symptoms? Who can get vaccinated?
Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Invasive means the infection spreads rapidly through the blood and into your organs.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Warmer winters increase West Nile risk
The disease, transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, can cause fatal neurological damage in some cases.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 18th, 2025

Intelligent biosensor combines NMR and AI to improve infectious disease diagnostics
Portable NMR-AI biosensor enables rapid, precise viral detection and immune monitoring, offering a compact, user-friendly tool for faster point-of-care diagnosis.
June 18, 2025 — Source

Miniaturized quantum magnetometer offers new measurement possibilities for a wide range of applications
The highly integrated vector magnetometer is based on nitrogen vacancies (NV) in diamond and provides access to the smallest magnetic fields with a previously unattainable degree of flexibility and precision.
June 18, 2025 — Source

Researchers crack the code of the body's ancient immune defense
A collaborative team from the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Perelman School of Medicine have unraveled the mathematics of a 500-million-year-old protein network that acts like the body's bouncer, "deciding" which foreign materials get degraded by immune cells and which are allowed entry.
June 18, 2025 — Source

West Nile virus detected in Massachusetts 'earlier' than normal
West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes for the first time this year in the Bay State, according to the Department of Public Health.
June 18, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 16th, 2025

A smarter way to search for antibiotics: Focus on the genetic switches
Bacteria carry countless hidden treasures in their DNA—fragments that could hold the key to new medicines. But how do you pick out the most promising ones from millions of options? "Look at the switches that turn genes on and off," says molecular biologist Gilles van Wezel.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Global study finds differences in antibiotic resistance between genders
A recent study led by the University of Turku, Finland, analyzed the DNA map of more than 14,000 gut metagenomes in a global dataset and found that there are differences in antibiotic resistance between genders. In high-income countries, women had more antibiotic resistance genes than men.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Immune tolerance to gut microbes depends on ancient protein STING
Thousands of bacterial and other microbial species live in the human gut, supporting healthy digestion, immunity, metabolism and other functions. Precisely how these microbes are protected from immune attack has been unclear, but now a study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators has found that this immune "tolerance" to gut microbes depends on an ancient bacterial-sensing protein called STING—normally considered a trigger for inflammation. The surprising result could lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions involving gut inflammation.
June 16, 2025 — Source

New COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, may now make up 1 in 3 US cases
A new COVID-19 variant that led to a spike in hospital cases across parts of Asia may now account for more than one‐third of all COVID cases in the U.S., health officials sa
June 16, 2025 — Source

Paper-based devices show high accuracy in detecting asymptomatic malaria
Devices made with cheap strips of paper have outperformed two other testing methods in detecting malaria infection in asymptomatic people in Ghana -- a diagnostic advance that could accelerate efforts to eliminate the disease, researchers say.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Scientists discover llama antibodies that shut down COVID — and its future variants
Powerful llama-derived antibodies could be the key to stopping not just current SARS viruses, but future ones too. Scientists have discovered a unique class of nanobodies that clamp the coronavirus spike protein shut at a highly conserved region, rendering it unable to infect cells. Unlike existing therapies that target mutating regions, this approach strikes at the virus s core machinery, giving it little room to evolve. Even when pushed to mutate, the virus faltered, making this a high-potential strategy for broad, lasting protection.
June 16, 2025 — Source

The Australian government has launched a new strategy to boost vaccination rates: Will it work?
Last week, the Australian government announced a new National Immunization Strategy for 2025--30. This strategy sets out the government's priorities for improving vaccine uptake for children, adolescents and adults over the next five years.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Ultra-selective aptamers give viruses a taste of their own medicine
Inspired by the way viruses attach to cells, scientists have developed a method for engineering ultra-selective aptamers. The synthetic molecules bind to targets like viral spike proteins, making them useful for biomedical diagnostics and treatments.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 13th, 2025

CDC staffing upheaval disrupts HIV projects and wastes money, researchers say
Dozens of HIV experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received emails on Wednesday revoking notices they received 10 weeks ago that laid them off. Damage to their projects may be permanent, however, and ongoing restrictions on their research will harm lives, multiple HIV scientists at the CDC told KFF Health News on condition of anonymity because of fears of retaliation.
June 13, 2025 — Source or Source

Clinically deployed AI guidance may prevent C. difficile spread
AI guidance for clinicians aimed at reducing the spread of Clostridioides difficile—a bacteria that can be deadly for sick patients—was deployed for the first time in a hospital setting, according to a University of Michigan-led study published in JAMA Network Open.
June 13, 2025 — Source

Excessive use of disinfectants in intensive care patients may raise risk of antibiotic-resistant infections
An international study has, for the first time, revealed a strong and direct link between the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and universal disinfection procedures applied to patients in intensive care units.
June 13, 2025 — Source

Keeping time in cyanobacteria: Scientists discover 'ticking' mechanism driving nature's simplest circadian clock
Researchers from the Institute for Molecular Science (IMS)/SOKENDAI and Kyushu University have uncovered the molecular mechanism that drives the "ticking" of the circadian clock in cyanobacteria.
June 13, 2025 — Source

Molecular structure of tuberculosis efflux pump reveals how bacteria resist key antibiotic
Tuberculosis is the world's leading infectious cause of death, killing more than one million people each year. When the antibiotic bedaquiline was introduced in 2012, it was the first new tuberculosis drug in over 40 years. Bedaquiline quickly became the key drug in all standard drug-resistant tuberculosis regimens globally. Unfortunately, clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains rapidly become resistant to bedaquiline, predominantly by overexpression of MmpL5.
June 13, 2025 — Source

What does the new pandemic treaty mean for global health?
The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement by the World Health Assembly on 20 May 2025 was a landmark moment in global health.
June 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 9th, 2025

How a common antibiotic fuels bacterial resistance
A new Rutgers Health study reveals a surprising twist in the antibiotic resistance story: instead of simply killing bacteria, drugs like ciprofloxacin can actually trigger a kind of microbial survival mode. By crashing the bacteria's energy levels, the antibiotic causes E. coli to ramp up its metabolism, survive attacks, and mutate faster ultimately accelerating the evolution of drug resistance.
June 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 6th, 2025

In axing mRNA contract, Trump delivers another blow to US biosecurity, former officials say
The Trump administration's cancellation of $766 million in contracts to develop mRNA vaccines against potential pandemic flu viruses is the latest blow to national defense, former health security officials said. They warned that the U.S. could be at the mercy of other countries in the next pandemic.
June 6, 2025 — Source or Source

New AI tool reimagines infectious disease forecasting, outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods
An AI tool, created by researchers at Johns Hopkins and Duke universities, could revolutionize how public health officials predict, track and manage outbreaks of infectious diseases including flu and COVID-19.
June 6, 2025 — Source

New technique creates multimeric aptamers for precision virus targeting
We have all heard of antibodies -- proteins produced by our bodies to bind to viruses or bacteria, marking them for elimination by the immune system. But not all of us are familiar with aptamers: short segments of DNA or RNA that are designed to bind, like antibodies, to specific targets. Synthetic and inexpensive to produce, aptamers are attractive alternatives to antibodies for biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics.
June 6, 2025 — Source

Premature Newborn Dies in Ontario After Catching Measles From Unvaccinated Mother
Thousands of people, mostly children, in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have contracted the vaccine-preventable disease this year.
June 6, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 3rd, 2025

All international travelers should get measles vaccinations, CDC says
U.S. health officials have changed their advice to international travelers about measles, saying that Americans should be vaccinated against the virus no matter where they're going.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Insect protein blocks bacterial infection
A protein that gives fleas their bounce has been used to boot out bacteria cells, with lab results demonstrating the material's potential for preventing medical implant infection.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Multiple testing for infectious diseases key to cutting onward transmission, study indicates
Routine testing for multiple infectious diseases among migrants will benefit health care systems by identifying key infections earlier, a new study finds.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Nanovaccine uses bacterial toxins to trigger immune memory against MRSA
Researchers design a nanovaccine that detects MRSA toxins, kills bacteria with heat, and captures antigens to train the immune system for lasting protection.
June 3, 2025 — Source

New mRNA vaccine is more effective and less costly to develop, study finds
A new type of mRNA vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and the Pennsylvania State University.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Public health study explores how vaccines may help prevent hearing loss in children
Over 1.5 billion people worldwide are affected by some degree of hearing loss. While it is often linked to aging, a lesser-known but significant cause is infections contracted during childhood and adolescence, many of which are preventable.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Researchers find viruses from miticide-resistant parasitic mites are cause of recent honey bee colony collapses
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) are helping American beekeepers solve the mystery behind a widespread honey bee colony collapse and its debilitating effects on U.S. agriculture.
June 3, 2025 — Source

The world's natural history collections are ready to aid in pandemic preparedness
Across the world, natural history museums hold about 3 billion specimens of plants and animals in collections—and these collections may also contain information needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to potential future pandemics.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Trump Administration Is Ending Multiple HIV Vaccine Studies, Scientists and Officials Say
The Trump administration has moved to end funding for a broad swath of HIV vaccine research, saying current approaches are enough to counter the virus, several scientists and federal health officials say.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 30th, 2025

At-home heart attacks and cardiac deaths on the rise since COVID-19 pandemic
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death globally, yet some statistics from many different countries suggest these events declined in frequency since the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 30, 2025 — Source

Lipid nanoparticle drug system targets COVID-19 associated lung damage
A new drug delivery system developed by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea may significantly reduce serious lung damage.
May 30, 2025 — Source

LUCAS technology revolutionizes rapid viral diagnostics
Mass General Brigham researchers are shining a powerful new light into the viral darkness with the development of Luminescence CAscade-based Sensor (LUCAS), a rapid, portable, highly-sensitive diagnostic tool for processing complex biological samples. Compared to its diagnostic predecessors, LUCAS creates 500-fold stronger and 8-fold longer-lasting bioluminescence signals, overcoming longstanding challenges faced by point-of-care diagnostics.
May 30, 2025 — Source

New electrochemical device advances point-of-care HIV diagnostics
Accurate monitoring of CD4+ T cell counts is vital for evaluating immune health and guiding treatment in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Yet conventional tools like flow cytometry, while highly effective, are expensive, complex, and ill-suited for widespread use in remote or resource-limited areas. Many portable alternatives remain constrained by low sensitivity, intricate sample handling, or high operational costs. Optical and fluorescence-based systems, though advanced, further compound these issues with their maintenance and equipment needs.
May 30, 2025 — Source

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival drops during COVID-19 with racial disparities

Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) fell during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Black and Hispanic patients experiencing larger decreases in survival, according to a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers published in Resuscitation. — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 28th, 2025

A New Covid Variant Is Rising Fast. Here's What We Know About NB.1.8.1
A new Omicron offshoot is spreading fast across Australia and Asia, prompting renewed concerns about the covid-19 pandemic.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Researchers identify key symptoms of long COVID in young children
Long COVID—symptoms that linger long after the initial viral infection—can affect people of every age, including children. But the lasting symptoms in an infant, toddler, or pre-school-aged child may be different than symptoms in adults and older children.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Silence on E. coli outbreak highlights how Trump team's changes undermine food safety
Colton George felt sick. The 9-year-old Indiana boy told his parents his stomach hurt. He kept running to the bathroom and felt too ill to finish a basketball game.
May 28, 2025 — Source or Source

Size matters when it comes to antibiotics. Obese patients may need customized doses of certain drugs
Obesity can have a distinct impact on the absorption, effectiveness and excretion of antibiotics, medications that have been in use for more than 80 years, but only now have consensus guidelines been proposed on prescribing the drugs for patients with substantial fat mass.
May 28, 2025 — Source

There's a new COVID variant driving up infections. A virologist explains what to know about NB.1.8.1
As we enter the colder months in Australia, COVID is making headlines again, this time due to the emergence of a new variant: NB.1.8.1.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Zebrafish model sheds light on how Zika virus disrupts early brain development
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a major public health concern, particularly due to the severe brain development defects it can cause in fetuses when pregnant women are infected. One of the most serious outcomes is microcephaly—a condition in which newborns exhibit abnormally small heads. Currently, there are no approved treatments or vaccines for ZIKV, largely because the mechanisms behind the disease remain poorly understood.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 27th, 2025

Downward trend in New Zealand HIV diagnoses
The trend in the number of people first diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand, particularly among men who have sex with men, continues to decline from a peak in 2016.
May 27, 2025 — Source

Healthcare utilization among the elderly remained stable in Japan despite pandemic challenges
Public healthcare emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can drastically disrupt healthcare systems with long-term repercussions. The effects of such healthcare crises are more pronounced in the aging population, who are particularly vulnerable to chronic infections and sudden disruptions in healthcare.
May 27, 2025 — Source

How older adults adapted to health care challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic
Public health care emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can drastically disrupt health care systems with long-term repercussions. The effects of such health care crises are more pronounced in the aging population, who are particularly vulnerable to chronic infections and sudden disruptions in health care.
May 27, 2025 — Source

Novel blood purification technique eliminates antibiotic-resistant bacteria via artificial clots
A research team affiliated with UNIST has unveiled a novel extracorporeal blood purification technology that captures and removes bacteria from the bloodstream by leveraging sticky, clot-like surfaces. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments against deadly systemic infections, including sepsis, even those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
May 27, 2025 — Source

Scientists explore how TB bacteria enter the brain
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have shown how the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) directly cross the brain's protective barrier, causing meningitis, a very severe form of the disease that occurs in 1%--10% of cases.
May 27, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 23rd, 2025

A leap forward in transparent antimicrobial coatings
Researchers discover remarkable antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activity in hydrogen boride nanosheets.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Bird flu outbreaks in mammals double, raising human risk: Report
Outbreaks of bird flu in mammals more than doubled across the world last year, raising the risk that the virus could potentially spread between humans, an international agency warned on Friday.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Children among four dead in Mexican measles outbreak
A measles outbreak in Mexico has left four people dead this year, including three unvaccinated children, authorities said.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Daylight can boost the immune system's ability to fight infections
A breakthrough study, led by scientists at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, has uncovered how daylight can boost the immune system's ability to fight infections.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Fungal antiviral responses controlled by RNA editing and transcription factor dynamics
The expression of symptoms of viral infections is a byproduct of complex virus-host molecular pathways. These remain largely unknown, especially in the case of fungus-virus pathogen systems. Fungal antiviral responses involve three known mechanisms: RNA interference (RNAi), a post-transcriptional mechanism that inhibits viral replication; transcriptional reprogramming; and recognition of self versus non-self, which limits cell-to-cell transmission of viruses within fungi.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Light-driven magnesium transport protein helps microbe thrive in harsh environment
Prof. Chii-Shen Yang's team at National Taiwan University resolved the molecular structure and discovered that HwMR, a light-sensing protein in H. walsbyi, transports magnesium ions using key residues, helping microbes survive extreme conditions.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Mask users can now breathe easy on two counts
Researchers develop a nanosheet filter that effectively captures small particles without restricting air flow.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Mirror bacteria: Reflecting on alternate chirality
Hold out your hands, palms up, and move them so they are on top of each other. With a little experimentation—and perhaps a few rather flamboyant gestures—you'll find that no matter what you do, your hands will not perfectly align.
May 23, 2025 — Source

North Macedonia reports first cases of mpox
North Macedonia said on Friday that two mpox cases were registered for the first time in the Balkan country.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Novel immune cell population may offer alternative target for tuberculosis vaccines
There is no highly effective vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), which remains an infection of global concern. Charles Kyriakos Vorkas, MD, an infectious diseases physician-scientist at the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University, and colleagues identified a novel population of immune cells that could serve as an alternative target for TB vaccines and immune-directed therapy.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Organ-specific inflammation masquerades as relapse in CAR T-cell remission
Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg have identified a previously undocumented, organ-specific toxicity linked to CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy in autoimmune disease. The syndrome, termed local immune effector cell-associated toxicity syndrome (LICATS), affected 77% of patients and resolved without lasting complications.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis bacteria use molecular switch to pause and restart growth
The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) may have an "on-off switch" that lets them pause and restart growth, according to a new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford. The research helps explain why TB is so hard to treat with antibiotics and could pave the way for better drugs.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Turning up the heat helps animals fight germs—how Mother Nature's cure offers humans a lesson on fever
It's a common misconception that pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 or the flu, cause fevers. But as biology professors, we know it's not that simple. Pathogens cause fevers only indirectly.
May 23, 2025 — Source

UK surveillance identifies traces of West Nile virus in mosquitoes
Fragments of West Nile Virus have been identified in mosquitoes collected in the UK for the first time, according to a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) monitoring programme designed to understand the emergence and transmission of vector-borne disease in the UK.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Uncertainty loomed as FDA advisors met to discuss this year's COVID shot
FDA advisors wanted to know what switching strains means. FDA couldn't answer.
May 23, 2025 — Source

US excess deaths continue to rise even after the COVID-19 pandemic, study finds
There were over 1.5 million "missing Americans" in 2022 and 2023, deaths that would have been averted if US mortality rates matched those of peer countries. Excess US deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected, and this trend continued during and after the pandemic.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 22nd, 2025

Concerts and Airports Hit by Measles Exposures. Do You Need Another Measles Booster?
The current measles outbreak in the US has grown to more than 1,000 cases.
May 22, 2025 — Source

COVID virus 'reprograms' infection fighters into immune system suppressors, study shows
A study by researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering finds that neutrophils—the most abundant type of white blood cells in humans—may be altered by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to cease their normal function of destroying pathogens in the body and, instead, significantly inhibit other immune cells critical for fighting the virus.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Discovery of DNA switch that controls TB growth could help unlock its antibiotic resistance secrets
The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) may have an "on-off switch" that lets them pause and restart growth, according to a new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford. The research helps explain why TB is so hard to treat with antibiotics and could pave the way for better drugs.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Expanded viral immunity in cholera bacteria linked to large-scale outbreaks in Latin America
Cholera bacteria aren't just battling antibiotics and public health measures—they are also constantly under attack from bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect and kill bacteria. These viruses don't just influence individual infections; they can make or break entire epidemics. In fact, certain bacteriophages are thought to limit the size and duration of cholera outbreaks by killing off Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium behind the disease.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Extreme weather events linked to HIV vulnerabilities among sex workers and sexually diverse men in Kenya
New research published earlier this month in AIDS and Behavior highlights links between extreme weather events, such as drought and flooding, and increased HIV vulnerabilities among sex workers and sexually diverse men in Nairobi, Kenya.
May 22, 2025 — Source

FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups
The agency said it would approve new versions of the vaccine only for adults 65 years of age and older as well as for people with one or more risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. These risk factors include medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Pandemic predictions that promised certainty—and delivered confusion: What we must learn
In the early months of 2020, a curious thing happened. Around the globe, a new kind of number began appearing in government briefings and newspaper headlines. These weren't just case counts or hospital admissions. They were predictions—curves plotted weeks into the future, graphs that told us when the COVID-19 wave would crest, how many ICU beds we'd need, and how soon we'd be safe again. The models had arrived.
May 22, 2025 — Source

RSV infections in children requiring primary care lead to significant economic impact
Infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring primary care led to significant societal economic costs from outpatient treatment and parental work absences in Europe, according to a study just published on Eurosurveillance.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Scientists reveal surface structure of lipid nanoparticles that could improve vaccine and drug delivery
Scientists have developed a method for analysing the structure of lipid nanoparticles that could be used to improve vaccine and drug delivery, targeting a wide range of health issues.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Tuberculous meningitis: Study finds metabolism drives mortality
Radboudumc researchers used metabolomics to study cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from tuberculous meningitis patients in Vietnam and Indonesia, with long-standing collaborators from Bandung and Jakarta (Indonesia), the Broad Institute (Boston) and the Oxford University Research Unit in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
May 22, 2025 — Source

Two-step method dismantles bacterial biofilms and prevents regrowth for months
Most people have encountered the black, gray, or pink stains of bacterial biofilms built up on the bathroom tiles or kitchen sink. Even with vigorous scrubbing and strong cleaning chemicals, this grime can be difficult to remove and often returns with vengeance.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Vaccines: Why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds
Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective tools in fighting infectious diseases, but convincing people to get vaccinated can be tough. Especially young people.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Viral mechanism uses mitochondrial remodeling to block immune response, presenting a new drug target
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which viruses can reprogram mitochondrial structure to silence immune responses and ensure successful viral reproduction.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 13th, 2025

Bacterial immune system uses filament formation to disrupt viral invaders
A joint research team from the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Beijing Institute of Technology has uncovered a pivotal mechanism by which bacteria defend themselves against viral infection.
May 13, 2025 — Source

HIV-1's hidden weapon: Circular RNAs help virus outsmart the immune system
In an important discovery, researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine have identified a never-before-seen mechanism that enables the human immunodeficiency type 1 virus (HIV-1) to evade the body's natural defenses and use it to support its survival and replication.
May 13, 2025 — Source

'Loop'hole: HIV-1 hijacks human immune cells using circular RNAs
Researchers have identified a never-before-seen mechanism that enables HIV-1 to evade the body's natural defenses and use it to support its survival and replication. The 'loophole' is a biological process that involves circular RNAs and marks the first experimental evidence of HIV-1 generating them from an integrated retroviral genome. Findings point to a novel strategy the virus uses to survive, providing a new target in the fight against one of the world's most resilient pathogens.
May 13, 2025 — Source

New study offers insights into designing safe, effective nasal vaccines
Most vaccines—and boosters—are injected directly into muscle tissue, usually in the upper arm, to kickstart the body's immune system in the fight against disease. But for respiratory diseases like COVID-19, it can be important to have protection right where the virus enters: the respiratory tract.
May 13, 2025 — Source

New study reveals our skin's own bacteria can help protect us from the bad effects of sunlight
The skin microbiome plays an important role in health and disease. Researchers have now substantiated that certain skin bacteria can protect us from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation specifically by metabolizing cis-urocanic acid using an enzyme called urocanase. This enables the skin's ability to fine-tune how it responds to UV radiation.
May 13, 2025 — Source

Scientists reveal crystal structure of protein that allows viruses to infect cells in human airway
New research by scientists at the University of Toronto and the Structural Genomics Consortium has deepened our understanding of how viruses like the flu, common cold, and COVID-19 get into cells in human airways.
May 13, 2025 — Source

Sierra Leone reports more than 2,000 Mpox cases, 11 deaths
The number of cases of mpox registered in Sierra Leone since the beginning of the year has hit 2,045, with 11 fatalities, according to a new report by the country's health ministry.
May 13, 2025 — Source

Texas measles outbreak reaches Dallas-Fort Worth, with linked cases in Collin and Rockwall counties
The measles outbreak that began in Gaines County has officially reached the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with two cases now linked to the outbreak.
May 13, 2025 — Source

USPSTF continues to recommend syphilis screening early in pregnancy
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for syphilis during pregnancy. This recommendation forms the basis of a final recommendation statement published online May 13 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
May 13, 2025 — Source

X-ray sterilization effectiveness can change dramatically depending on dose rate and bacterial environment
Radiation sterilization technology destroys the DNA and cellular structures of bacteria and microorganisms using electromagnetic waves with far higher energy than ultraviolet radiation. This technique has become indispensable for sterilization in various fields, including medical devices (e.g., disposable syringes, catheters, artificial joints), pharmaceuticals (e.g., raw materials, tissue grafts), and food products (e.g., sprout inhibition in potatoes).
May 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 9th, 2025

Antibiotics from human use are contaminating rivers worldwide, study shows
Millions of kilometers of rivers around the world are carrying antibiotic pollution at levels high enough to promote drug resistance and harm aquatic life, a new study warns.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Bacterium produces 'organic dishwashing liquid' to degrade oil
The marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis feeds on oil, multiplying rapidly in the wake of oil spills, and thereby accelerating the elimination of pollution, in many cases. It does this by producing an "organic dishwashing liquid" which it uses to attach itself to oil droplets.
May 9, 2025 — Source or Source or Source

Can frisky flies save human lives?
A scientist decided to find out why a bacterial infection makes fruit flies promiscuous. What he discovered could help curb mosquito-borne diseases and manage crop pests.
May 9, 2025 — Source or Source

Fighting infections while expecting: Research examines safe antibiotic use during pregnancy
Pregnant women often think--or are told--that they cannot take medications during pregnancy to avoid harming the mom or baby. But one University of Mississippi professor is hoping new research will help medical professionals reexamine those recommendations.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Guidelines updated for nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis for HIV
Updated recommendations for antiretroviral nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) for HIV have been published in the May 8 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Heart rhythm disorder traced to bacterium lurking in gums
Tempted to skip the floss? Your heart might thank you if you don't. A new study from Hiroshima University (HU) finds that the gum disease bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can slip into the bloodstream and infiltrate the heart. There, it quietly drives scar tissue buildup—known as fibrosis—distorting the heart's architecture, interfering with electrical signals, and raising the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
May 9, 2025 — Source

Needle-free, live-attenuated influenza vaccines with broad protection against human and avian virus subtypes
A research team led by the School of Public Health in the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), in collaboration with the Center for Immunology & Infection (C2i), has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing broadly protective, live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV).
May 9, 2025 — Source

North Dakota becomes the latest state to report measles outbreak
North Dakota is the latest state to find itself dealing with a measles outbreak, becoming the 11th state in the nation to face the challenge, the Associated Press is reporting.
May 9, 2025 — Source or Source

Novel, needle-free, live-attenuated influenza vaccines with broad protection against human and avian virus subtypes
A research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing broadly protective, live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV). These innovative LAIV platforms offer potential to develop universal influenza vaccines that induce a more robust immune response against various virus subtypes, including both human and avian strains.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Protein found in rheumatic diseases causes inflammation in COVID-19 patients
The sCD13 protein has been previously identified by a rheumatology research team at the University of Michigan as a powerful inducer of inflammation in multiple autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Study shows a virtual nurse can persuade you to get vaccinated
Can a virtual nurse persuade people to get vaccinated? Scientists from SWPS University have proven that it is possible. Finding new forms of informing people about vaccinations is particularly important for public health while some question their validity.
May 9, 2025 — Source

The US has 1,001 measles cases and 11 states with active outbreaks
The U.S. surpassed 1,000 measles cases Friday, even as Texas posted one of its lowest counts of newly confirmed cases since its large outbreak began three months ago.
May 9, 2025 — Source

These Superpowered Bacteria Were Made to Tackle Industrial Contamination
A version of Vibrio natriegens with five unusual edits has begun to remediate as many organic pollutants in industrial wastewater.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Vaccine teams in Mexico scramble over measles outbreak rippling out from Mennonite community
In a rickety white Nissan, nurse Sandra Aguirre and her vaccination team drive past apple orchards and cornfields stretching to the desert horizon. Aguirre goes door to door with a cooler of measles vaccines. In one of Latin America's biggest Mennonite communities, she knows many will decline to be vaccinated or even open their doors. But some will ask questions, and a handful might even agree to get shots on the spot.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 6th, 2025

Antimicrobial peptide discovery could transform swine disease management
USask researchers recently published a paper in Scientific Reports that identified a promising alternative for controlling infectious diseases such as swine dysentery. Porcine &beta-defensin 5, or pBD-5, is a host defense peptide (HDP) that may help to reduce the industry's reliance on antibiotics.
May 6, 2025 — Source

COVID boosters might not be updated for next season, FDA commissioner says
The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated Tuesday that the agency is applying a more skeptical approach to this year's round of COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Discovery uses gut bacteria and AI to diagnose a chronic pain syndrome
McGill University researchers, in collaboration with colleagues in Israel and Ireland, have developed AI technology that can detect patterns in gut bacteria to identify complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with remarkable accuracy, potentially transforming how CRPS is diagnosed and treated.
May 6, 2025 — Source or Source

HIV testing and outreach falter as Trump funding cuts sweep the South
Storm clouds hung low above a community center in Jackson, where pastor Andre Devine invited people inside for lunch. Hoagies with smoked turkey and ham drew the crowd, but several people lingered for free preventive health care: tests for HIV and other diseases, flu shots, and blood pressure and glucose monitoring.
May 6, 2025 — Source or Source

Household drinking water identified as key pathway for bacterial transmission
Worldwide, more than 500,000 children under age 5 die each year from gastrointestinal bacterial infections, largely in communities with limited access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. But to alleviate this public health threat, scientists need to better understand how these pathogens spread.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Long COVID may cause long-term changes in heart and lungs, leading to cardiac and pulmonary diseases
Patients suffering from long COVID may exhibit persistent inflammation in the heart and lungs for up to a year following SARS-CoV-2 infection—even when standard medical tests return normal results—potentially placing them at elevated risk for future cardiac and pulmonary conditions. These findings come from a new study conducted by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published April 30, in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Mass spectrometry method identifies pathogens within minutes instead of days
Traditionally, bacterial diseases are diagnosed by the tedious isolation of pathogens and the creation of bacterial cultures. Waiting times of several days are the rule here. Only then can targeted treatment of the disease begin.
May 6, 2025 — Source

New CDC nPEP Guidelines should become 'part of general medical practice,' says expert
A new commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine from Roy Gulick, MD, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, highlights what's new in the updated CDC HIV Non-Occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) Guidelines. According to Dr. Gulick, the streamlined nPEP guidelines should be part of general medical practice, as incorporating them will reduce new HIV infections and improve public health.
May 6, 2025 — Source

New formula may reduce shingles and cold sore pain
Researchers have developed a new treatment formula—known as GS-1—that could reduce the symptoms and contagiousness of the viruses behind shingles and cold sores.
May 6, 2025 — Source

North Dakota is 11th US state with a measles outbreak. Here's what to know
North Dakota is the 11th state in the U.S. with a measles outbreak, logging its first cases since 2011.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Phage therapy may treat drug resistance in patients with cystic fibrosis
Antimicrobial resistance, in which germs like bacteria and fungi no longer respond to medicines, is a rising global threat. When antibiotics and other drugs become ineffective, infections can become difficult or impossible to treat, leading to an increase in the spread and severity of disease.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Scientists discover electricity-conducting bacteria with nickel-based fibers
Conducting electricity is rare among living organisms
May 6, 2025 — Source

Silver nanoparticles produced by fungus could be used to prevent and treat COVID-19
Study in hamsters paves way for development of nasal sprays and other products to fight several viral diseases, including HIV/AIDS, shingles and influenza.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Study highlights mental health challenges among Ecuadorian health care providers during COVID-19
A study conducted by researchers from Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Johns Hopkins University has revealed critical insights into the mental health of health care providers in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 6, 2025 — Source

The virus that stalks urban neighborhoods
West Nile sickened hundreds in the most affluent residential area in Dallas in 2012. Chicago, Los Angeles, and Sacramento suffer from hot spots, too. What's helping it thrive in cities?
May 6, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 5th, 2025

How cruise ship passengers can stay safe from the latest version of norovirus
For Americans planning cruise ship vacations this spring or summer, there could be reason to worry about more than rough seas, experts say.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Immune system shifts may explain why some long COVID patients struggle to breathe
Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has revealed crucial new insights into the immune systems of COVID-19 survivors, particularly those struggling with persistent breathing issues. The study shows that these patients have distinct changes in their immune system that link to the severity of their lung damage. This discovery holds promise for developing targeted treatments for the lung complications of long COVID.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Older adults are acquiring HIV, but prevention focuses on young people
Prevention and treatment campaigns are not adequately targeting the particular needs of the 50+ year age group. Indeed, between 2000 and 2016, the number of adults aged 50 years and older living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa doubled. At present, their HIV prevalence is exceeding that of younger adults.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Sampling, lab capacity could be weak links in African swine fever outbreak
A new model looked at the numbers associated with detecting and containing a potential African swine fever virus (ASFV) outbreak in the U.S. and found that sampling and laboratory capacity are areas of concern—particularly in areas with dense swine farm populations—when samples are tested within the state. The research is published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Structural barriers may prevent cancer care for people living with HIV
People living with HIV are less likely to receive potentially lifesaving cancer treatment if they live in communities with lower income levels and educational attainment, according to a new national study led by researchers from Moffitt Cancer Center.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Urban rats spread deadly bacteria as they migrate, study finds
Urban rats spread a deadly bacteria as they migrate within cities that can be the source of a potentially life-threatening disease in humans, according to a six-year study by Tufts University researchers and their collaborators that also discovered a novel technique for testing rat kidneys.
May 5, 2025 — Source

UVA findings hold promise for developing targeted treatments for Long COVID lung complications
Groundbreaking research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has revealed crucial new insights into the immune systems of COVID-19 survivors, particularly those struggling with persistent breathing issues. The study shows that these patients have distinct changes in their immune system that link to the severity of their lung damage. This discovery holds promise for developing targeted treatments for the lung complications of Long COVID.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 2nd, 2025

Antibodies that recognize lipids: A new path for HIV vaccines and autoimmune disease treatments
Lipids are the fatty molecules that make up cellular membranes, creating a protective barrier that regulates what enters and exits the cell. Until recently, scientists believed antibodies couldn't safely target lipids without risking harm to healthy tissues, since the same lipids that appear in viruses are widely distributed throughout the body.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Can taking vitamins combat infection?
Our bodies depend on an alphabet of vitamins that promote the development, growth and function of cells, including immune cells. Vitamin deficiencies can hinder the immune system's ability to fight infections. Given that most people don't get enough of one vitamin or another, can supplements enhance the body's infection-fighting powers?
May 2, 2025 — Source

CDC reports 216 child deaths this flu season, the most in 15 years
More U.S. children have died this flu season than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago, according to a federal report released Friday.
May 2, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 research overlooks key perspectives from marginalized communities, study finds
During the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that people from historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups were more likely than non-Hispanic white people to be infected, be hospitalized and die from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Electricity-generating bacteria may power future innovations
Researchers uncover surprising survival strategy that could reshape biotechnology and energy systems
May 2, 2025 — Source

Evolutionary rescue: Microbes under environmental stress may sacrifice cooperation for self-sufficiency
Microorganisms—defined as very small living beings, invisible to the naked eye, comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses or others—naturally compete and cooperate in nature for survival. What does the "environmental stress" to which they are subjected due to global changes, such as global warming, sea level rise or air pollution, affect them and to what extent?
May 2, 2025 — Source

Kansas reports 9 new measles cases ahead of summer: Vaccines urged
Kansas saw another bump in measles cases over the past week during an outbreak that has, so far this year, not yet spread to the Kansas City metro.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Lactate mediates training of our innate defenses, research shows
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis, but by inducing trained immunity it also protects against many more respiratory infections. International research led by Radboud University Medical Center shows how this process works. Lactate, a product of scaled-up energy production, appears to play a leading role.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Pertussis vaccination during pregnancy found to increase quantity and quality of antibodies protecting the baby
Researchers at the University of Turku have participated in a study in which vaccinating women with acellular pertussis vaccine in pregnancy boosted the quantity and quality of pertussis-specific antibodies in the early life of infants.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Scientists introduce new engineered drug candidate for Mycobacterium abscessus, a dangerous cousin of TB
In a classic example of scientific problem solving, scientists from the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) and colleagues have published a paper introducing a promising new drug candidate they engineered to target a deadly and emerging infection.
May 2, 2025 — Source

US government to require placebo testing of all new vaccines: How will it affect updated COVID shots?
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department says it will require placebo testing of "all new vaccines," raising questions about the rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines.
May 2, 2025 — Source

WHO defends vaccine safety test standards
The World Health Organization on Thursday said that "extremely high" safety standards are already applied in the development of vaccines, after reports about US plans for a change to testing.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 28th, 2025

A hidden control center: How bacteria regulate their attack strategies
Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have uncovered a surprising way in which harmful bacteria prepare to attack their hosts. The discovery, led by Ph.D. students Lior Aroeti, Netanel Elbaz under the guidance of Prof. Ilan Rosenshine from the Faculty of Medicine could one day help researchers find new ways to fight infectious diseases.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Bacteria use ancient war trick to outsmart viruses—and it could help us fight superbugs
Scientists have discovered a new type of immune defense in E. coli bacteria that turns viral infection machinery against the virus itself. Named after the Chinese military strategist Kongming—who famously used enemy weapons to defeat them—the system reveals a novel immune signaling pathway. This discovery could inform the development of future biotech tools and phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Bacteria's mysterious viruses can fan flames of antibiotic damage, according to new model
Some things just go together in your belly: peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, bacteria and bacteria-eating viruses. For the bacterial species that inhabit your gut, there's a frenzy of viruses called bacteriophages that naturally infect them. Although they co-evolved with bacteria, phages get far less glory. They're harder to classify and so deeply entangled with the bacteria they target that scientists struggle to understand what functions they serve.
April 28, 2025 — Source

BNT162b2 vaccine not only targets COVID-19 virus, but may also help reduce and control innate inflammation
Trinity College Dublin researchers have found that the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine may offer protection beyond its intended primary target. In a study recently published in the Clinical Immunology journal, researchers found that the vaccine not only targeted the COVID-19 virus, it also unexpectedly helped to reduce and control innate inflammation of other bacterial and fungal pathogens not related to the vaccine target.
April 28, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 vaccinations are metabolically safe, according to study
New research from Murdoch University's Australian National Phenome Center confirms that multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines do not cause significant metabolic changes.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Disparities identified in linkage to care for children with hepatitis C
Primary hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascade outcomes are low among children with HCV, with racial and ethnic disparities identified in care access, according to a study published online April 18 in Pediatrics.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Every dose counts: Safeguarding the success of vaccination in Europe
European Immunization Week is an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the vital role immunization plays in preventing diseases and protecting life. This year's EIW runs from 27 April to 3 May.
April 28, 2025 — Source

How the influenza virus hijacks cell machinery to suppress immune alarm signals
The influenza virus manipulates the body's gene regulation system to accelerate its own spread, according to researchers at the University of Gothenburg. Their study also shows that an already approved drug could help strengthen immune defenses—though its effect in humans remains to be confirmed.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Left or right arm? New research reveals why vaccination site matters for immune response
Sydney scientists have revealed why receiving a booster vaccine in the same arm as your first dose can generate a more effective immune response more quickly. The study, led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney and published in the journal Cell, offers new insight that could help improve future vaccination strategies.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Molecule can disarm pathogenic bacteria without harming beneficial microbes
A consortium of researchers with multidisciplinary skills, coordinated by INRAE and including the CNRS, the Universite Paris-Saclay and Inserm, has identified a molecule capable of "disarming" pathogenic bacteria in the face of the immune system, without any negative effects on the host microbiota, promising a new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Researchers find link between HPV and thyroid eye disease
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine researchers have identified molecular evidence linking human papillomavirus (HPV) to thyroid eye disease (TED) through molecular mimicry involving HPV capsid proteins and autoimmune targets. Elevated antibody levels against HPV appeared in participants with TED, suggesting a possible immunological connection influencing disease development.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Researchers uncover how intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium alters host cells
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have shown that the Cryptosporidium parasite exports a protein into infected intestinal cells, altering the gut environment and enabling the parasite to survive and replicate.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Study finds mindfulness can mitigate COVID-19 stress impact on working memory
A person's working memory (WM) allows them to process information, multitask, pay attention and block out distractions, among other mental processes.
April 28, 2025 — Source

The US is approaching a dangerous measles precipice, scientists say
In December, Stanford School of Medicine colleagues, Dr. Nathan Lo and Mathew Kiang got to talking.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Tick-borne meat allergy may be related to urbanization in mid-Atlantic US
A University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill modeling study suggests that wild-habitat disruption may be contributing to the increasing US prevalence of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a tick-borne allergy to animal meat.
April 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 25th, 2025

Bacteria-based fibers offer new hope for bone healing
Have you ever wondered if there is a way to heal bones without having to take bone from another part of the body? A new doctoral thesis from the University of Borås, Sweden, now presents exciting advancements in this area. It involves using bacteria to produce fibers that can help heal bones.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Could this molecule be 'checkmate' for coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2?
A team at UC San Francisco and Gladstone Institutes has developed new drug candidates that show great promise against the virus that causes COVID-19 and potentially other coronaviruses that could cause future pandemics.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Early antibiotic use linked to higher childhood BMI
Taking antibiotics within the first two years of life is linked to a higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood, according to a new study. The research will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2025 Meeting, held April 24-28 in Honolulu.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Enhanced Antibacterial Polylactic Acid-Curcumin Nanofibers for Wound Dressings
In a recent article published in Scientific Reports, researchers presented a composite wound dressing composed of polylactic acid (PLA), curcumin, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), designed to improve mechanical strength and antibacterial activity.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Malaria scorecard: Battles have been won and advances made, but the war isn't over
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of malaria cases in the world. In this region, 11 countries account for two-thirds of the global burden.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Rare lung immune cells act as peacekeepers against deadly COVID-19 inflammation
A rare cell type in the lungs is essential to survival from the COVID-19 virus, a new study shows.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Recreating the respiratory tract in a dish: Modeling viral infections and testing treatments
A study by former Junior Associate Professor Kazuo Takayama, currently a professor of the Institute of Science Tokyo, demonstrates the potential of human iPS cell-derived respiratory organoids as an effective model for studying respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Second Kentucky measles case confirmed by state health officials
Kentucky has reported its second case of measles this year, state officials confirmed in a press release on 24 April.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Scientists unlock weak spot of monkeypox virus, paving way for new drugs
Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus—a close cousin of smallpox—has spread rapidly worldwide. From 2022 to 2025, more than 133,000 cases were reported across 131 countries. In August 2024, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency due to a new strain's outbreak in Africa. Current vaccines offer limited protection, leaving the world in urgent need of better solutions.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Short-term antibiotic use linked to long-lasting resistance in gut bacteria
Stanford University researchers report that ciprofloxacin use drives persistent antibiotic resistance in human gut bacteria, with resistance emerging independently across diverse species and enduring for over 10 weeks.
April 25, 2025 — Source

WHO urges renewed global effort to end malaria
On World Malaria Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for revitalized efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 22nd, 2025

A deadly mosquito-borne illness rises as the US cuts all climate-health funding
Climate change is driving an explosion in dengue cases. Studying that connection is about to get much harder.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Gaps in flu treatment for high-risk adults found in multi-state study
A multi-state study reveals that many high-risk adults diagnosed with influenza (flu) in emergency departments and urgent care centers are not receiving timely antiviral treatment. Researchers found that only slightly more than half of these patients received antiviral prescriptions, and of those, only 80% were filled. This gap in treatment could increase the risk of severe flu complications, particularly for older adults and those with underlying conditions.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Human placenta stress response to maternal COVID-19 infection reinforces maternal-fetal barrier
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth Houston and collaborating institutions reveals that maternal COVID-19 infection triggers distinct stress responses in the placenta, including upregulation of preeclampsia-associated genes.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Iron and blue light enable rapid, low-toxicity creation of carbohydrates for new antibiotics
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have made a discovery that could potentially revolutionize treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, cancer and other challenging gram-negative pathogens without relying on precious metals.
April 22, 2025 — Source

New ultrasound drug delivery system found to be highly effective against bacterial biofilms
Scientists have developed a new drug delivery system using ultrasound-activated nanoparticles to break through and destroy bacterial biofilms. This offers a promising solution that could address the global crisis of chronic antibiotic-resistant infections.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 17th, 2025

Autonomous copper microrobots break down biofilms and kill resistant bacteria
Light-activated copper microrobots use single-atom catalysis and peroxide to penetrate biofilms, generate reactive oxygen species, and eliminate MRSA infections.
April 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 11th, 2025

Africa faces growing mpox threat amid foreign aid reductions
Foreign aid cuts could result in a major outbreak of mpox across the African continent and beyond, with virus control measures already disrupted, public health experts warn.
April 11, 2025 — Source

CDC urges extra measles shot for some US travelers amid outbreak
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends extra measles protection for people traveling to areas with active outbreaks in the United States, CBS News reported.
April 11, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 treatments show minimal serious side effects
Numerous treatment options for COVID-19 have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over the last four years, including antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies that suppress an excessive immune response. Now, research from the Keck School of Medicine of USC has found that COVID-19 therapies cause few serious side effects, based on an evaluation of the full spectrum of evidence available from U.S. biomedical science.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Hantavirus caused 3 recent deaths in California: What to know about the virus
Three people in Mammoth Lakes died recently after contracting hantavirus, the same infection that killed Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa earlier this year. The cases have heightened concerns among public health officials about the spread of the rare but deadly disease that attacks the lungs.
April 11, 2025 — Source

How a population change in medieval Nottingham rewrites the city's Black Death history
A new study from a University of Nottingham archaeologist has revealed surprising insights into the city's medieval past, which challenge long-standing views on the impact of the Black Death and how the population of Nottingham changed between the 14th and 16th centuries.
April 11, 2025 — Source

HPV vaccine uptake rises with help from AI chatbot
The first trial of an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered chatbot designed to inform parents about the HPV vaccine has shown that it increases vaccine uptake and engagement with health professionals.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Most COVID-19 treatments found to be free of serious side effects in analysis of US studies
Numerous treatment options for COVID-19 have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over the last four years, including antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies that suppress an excessive immune response. Now, research from the Keck School of Medicine of USC has found that COVID-19 therapies cause few serious side effects, based on an evaluation of the full spectrum of evidence available from U.S. biomedical science.
April 11, 2025 — Source

New AI chatbot for parents improves HPV vaccine uptake
The first trial of an AI-powered chatbot designed to inform parents about the HPV vaccine has shown that it increases vaccine uptake and engagement with health professionals.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Q&A: Hunting for 'good' viruses in the fight against drug-resistant infections
In the fight against antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) superbugs, an important weapon may just be hiding in some polluted stream, in some remote village that lacks adequate sewage infrastructure, or in a wastewater treatment plant here in Connecticut.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Cancer — April 11th, 2025

Driving the CAR to fight acute myeloid leukemia
A multi-institutional team developed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based strategy for specifically targeting AML cells in patients who relapsed following other treatments. The team identified a monoclonal antibody called KG2032 that reacts with a certain variant of the HLA-DRB1 molecule. KG2032 CAR T cells displayed strong anti-AML effects in a mouse model, and CAR natural killer cells showed similar results. Clinical trials are currently being planned.
April 11, 2025 — Source

New blood test method improves accuracy of cancer detection
A new, error-corrected method for detecting cancer from blood samples is much more sensitive and accurate than prior methods and may be useful for monitoring disease status in patients following treatment, according to a study by Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Genome Center investigators.
April 11, 2025 — Source

New immune boost could expand access to cancer immunotherapy
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that tapping into the body's own immune system and activating a type of immune cell known as B cells, could be the key to boosting the effectiveness of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, or TIL therapy.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Research reveals a hidden vulnerability of lung cancer
Treatment resistance and relapse in the most common type of lung cancer can be traced to a protein called agrin, according to a preclinical study led by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Results of the study, led by Sayan Chakraborty, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Oncology, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at Roswell Park, have been published in the journal Advanced Science.
April 11, 2025 — Source

UK approves 'landmark' breast cancer drug
A new drug that helps slow the spread of an incurable type of breast cancer has been approved for use in Britain's state-run National Health Service, officials said on Friday.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 7th, 2025

AI method outperforms current standard in predicting antibiotic resistance
Drug-resistant infections—especially from deadly bacteria like tuberculosis and staph—are a growing global health crisis. These infections are harder to treat, often require more expensive or toxic medications and are responsible for longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates. In 2021 alone, 450,000 people developed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, with treatment success rates dropping to just 57%, according to the World Health Organization.
April 7, 2025 — Source

AI optimizes antibodies to tackle evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in collaboration with other leading institutions, have successfully used an AI-driven platform to preemptively optimize an antibody to neutralize a broad diversity of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Alternative approach to Lyme disease vaccine development shows promise in pre-clinical models
Meeting the unmet need for a vaccine is the top priority for researchers studying Lyme disease, which infects about 476,000 people in the U.S. each year and can come with severe complications such as ongoing fatigue and joint issues. Vaccine developers have come close to success, but no human vaccine has yet been commercially viable.
April 7, 2025 — Source

HIV prevention medicines could soon be over-the-counter in Georgia
Georgia lawmakers are hoping to pass a bill before the legislative session ends Friday that would allow pharmacists to distribute HIV prevention medicines without a prescription, a policy change that would allow quicker access for people who lack insurance or who live in rural Georgia.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Identifying key diagnostic and socioeconomic factors for pandemic preparedness
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical deficiencies in the global health system and provides important lessons to improve preparedness for future emergencies. A case in point is Latin America, where access to testing was constrained by affordability and poor infrastructure.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Immune amnesia: Why even mild measles infections can lead to serious disease later
Dr. Adam Ratner has heard a lot of myths and misunderstandings about measles in his decades as a New York City pediatric infectious disease specialist.
April 7, 2025 — Source

New antibody research sparks hope for better whooping cough vaccines
Whooping cough, or pertussis, was once a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. and worldwide before the introduction of vaccines in the 1940s. In the decades since, the bacterial disease was nearly eradicated in the U.S., with fatalities falling to double digits each year.
April 7, 2025 — Source

One year later: Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in dairy cattle
The detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, subtype H5N1 in dairy cattle was confirmed in March 2024 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA. This finding was the first of its kind and shocked the global scientific community.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Paxlovid found ineffective for long COVID relief in new trial
The findings came from the Yale Paxlovid for Long COVID (PAX LC) Trial, led by principal investigator Dr. Harlan Krumholz, Harold H. Hines, Jr. Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), and Akiko Iwasaki, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology. The phase 2 investigational new drug clinical trial tested whether a 15-day course of Paxlovid, an FDA-approved antiviral for acute COVID-19, could also help long COVID patients. The PAX LC team pioneered a novel, decentralized design that brought the trial into 100 participants' homes around the nation. It's the first fully decentralized phase 2 trial of its scale, the researchers say.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Predicting treatment failure in cutaneous leishmaniasis with precision medicine
Nearly one million people worldwide are plagued annually by cutaneous leishmaniasis, a devastating skin infection caused by the Leishmania parasite. Predominantly affecting vulnerable populations in tropical and subtropical regions like North Africa and South America, this disease thrives in areas marked by malnutrition, poor housing and population displacement. Left untreated, it can lead to lifelong scars, debilitating disability and deep social stigma. Despite its global impact, there is no vaccine-and existing treatments are ineffective, toxic and difficult to administer.
April 7, 2025 — Source

RFK Jr. Attends Measles Victim's Funeral, Then Pitches Junk Treatment
Eight-year-old Daisy Hildebrand died from measles complications last week, the second such death reported in Texas this year.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Scientists engineer promising vaccine target for Lyme disease
Meeting the unmet need for a vaccine is the top priority for researchers studying Lyme disease, which infects about 476,000 people in the U.S. each year and can come with severe complications such as ongoing fatigue and joint issues. Vaccine developers have come close to success, but no human vaccine has yet been commercially viable.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Why vaccines matter: A medical microbiologist reflects
Peter H. Gilligan, Ph.D., D(ABMM) emeritus and F(AAM) was a medical microbiologist at UNC Health for 35 years. Here, he reflects on the value of vaccines observed throughout his lifetime.
April 7, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 4th, 2025

Research uncovers hidden spread of one of the most common hospital-associated infections
C. difficile (C. diff) is one of the most common and contagious hospital-acquired infections. Research has found that C. diff spreads more than three times more than previously thought. C. diff can spread covertly from surface to surface and remain undetected for weeks until it infects a patient. The results could spur more rigorous preventive measures that stop hidden spread of the disease.
April 4, 2025 — Source

Health — Cancer — April 4th, 2025

NK cells complexed with bispecific antibody yield high response rates in patients with lymphoma
Phase I trial demonstrates AFM13-NK cells are safe and highly effective in heavily pretreated patients
April 4, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 2nd, 2025

A good mood helps COVID-19 vaccines work better
mRNA vaccines, like COVID-19 vaccines, work better if patients are in a good mood, finds new research by Cardiff University.
April 2, 2025 — Source

AI model reveals how genetic similarity drives antibiotic resistance in bacteria
An AI model trained on large amounts of genetic data can predict whether bacteria will become antibiotic-resistant. The new study shows that antibiotic resistance is more easily transmitted between genetically similar bacteria and mainly occurs in wastewater treatment plants and inside the human body.
April 2, 2025 — Source

FDA approves first at-home test to diagnose three STIs in women
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted marketing authorization for the first home-based, nonprescription diagnostic test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis in women, the agency announced Friday.
April 2, 2025 — Source

How Pseudomonas syringae uses a chemical radar to detect and kill amoebas
A research team of the Cluster at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI) and the Friedrich Schiller University, Jena has studied the interaction between amoebas, bacteria, and plants. Researchers from the University of Bayreuth were also involved in the study.
April 2, 2025 — Source

New antibiotic triggers self-destruction in drug-resistant gonorrhea bacteria
Researchers from the universities in Konstanz and Vienna have discovered a new class of antibiotic that selectively targets Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes gonorrhea. These substances trigger a self-destruction program, which also operates in multi-resistant variants of the pathogen.
April 2, 2025 — Source

Study strengthens link between shingles vaccine and lower dementia risk
An unusual public health policy in Wales may have produced the strongest evidence yet that a vaccine can reduce the risk of dementia. In a new study led by Stanford Medicine, researchers analyzing the health records of Welsh older adults discovered that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years than those who did not receive the vaccine.
April 2, 2025 — Source

Tick-borne disease vaccines: 'IscREAM' library reveals potential targets
Ixodes scapularis, also known as the deer tick and black-legged tick, is the primary vector for several tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus disease. Tick-borne diseases are a big and growing public health problem. Lyme disease alone infects 500,000 Americans annually, and warmer temperatures from climate change mean tick species are expanding beyond their traditional habitats.
April 2, 2025 — Source

UK drawing up new action plan to tackle rising TB
Britain on Wednesday urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.
April 2, 2025 — Source

Use of last-resort antibiotics increased during COVID-19 pandemic
A new study by researchers from City St George's, University of London and the Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research, has found that prescriptions of last-resort antibiotics increased across multiple countries during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 2, 2025 — Source

WHO releases first reports on shortages in fungal disease treatments and diagnostics
The World Health Organization (WHO) today published its first-ever reports addressing the critical lack of medicines and diagnostic tools for invasive fungal diseases, showing the urgent need for innovative research and development (R&D) to close these gaps.
April 2, 2025 — Source

Will Colorado's measles case spark an outbreak? Depends on who got exposed
The next two weeks will determine whether a single measles case in Colorado fizzles out or starts an outbreak.
April 2, 2025 — Source

Will the COVID-19 pandemic ever end? What Americans say in new poll
Now five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's time to ask the question of whether COVID-19 is behind us or if the virus is here to stay.
April 2, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 31st, 2025

A hidden strategy: How SARS-CoV-2 uses fibrinogen to evade the immune system
As scientists, we often think we understand a virus—its structure, its tricks, the way it moves through the body. But every once in a while, we stumble upon something unexpected—something that completely changes the way we see an infection.
March 31, 2025 — Source

Artificial intelligence tool predicts virus outbreak hotspots
A new artificial intelligence tool could aid in limiting or even prevent pandemics by identifying animal species that may harbor and spread viruses capable of infecting humans.
March 31, 2025 — Source

Legionella unregulated in Maryland despite regular Baltimore outbreaks
Offices, courthouses, a jail and a psychiatric facility throughout Maryland—most in downtown Baltimore—all found Legionella bacteria in their water systems last year, but state law doesn't have any regulations to address it on a large scale. One group hopes to change that next legislative session.
March 31, 2025 — Source

Machine learning model uses host characteristics and virus genetics to predict potential reservoirs
A new artificial intelligence tool could aid in limiting or even prevent pandemics by identifying animal species that may harbor and spread viruses capable of infecting humans.
March 31, 2025 — Source

Pediatrician offers advice on what to do if a child catches norovirus
Norovirus is a common illness that spreads quickly—especially during winter—but it can make people sick anytime. Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis in the United States and is also the leading cause of food-borne illness.
March 31, 2025 — Source

While others moved on, long COVID-19 changed 'the trajectory' of these women's lives
Sitting in a recliner in her south Kansas City home, wearing a bright pink sweater, matching lipstick, and with her nails neatly manicured, Shantell Williams recalls the months she spent recovering and rehabbing from the effects of long COVID.
March 31, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 28th, 2025

Gender-affirming care may reduce the risk of HIV among trans, nonbinary and gender-diverse people
The study, part of the LEGACY cohort, which analyzed data from more than 8,000 trans patients receiving care at federally qualified health centers, found that compared to trans patients not prescribed GAHT, patients prescribed GAHT had a 37% reduced risk of acquiring HIV, and a 44% lower risk of viral non-suppression (where levels of the virus in the blood are high and can lead to disease progression and HIV transmission to others) for those living with HIV.
March 28, 2025 — Source

New approach could treat anthrax beyond the 'point of no return'
Anthrax, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is often treatable in its early stages. But once the disease has progressed beyond the "point of no return" after just a few days, patients are almost certainly doomed.
March 28, 2025 — Source

Putting the brakes on bacterial mobility: A new approach to fighting disease
Researchers have identified a new way to fight infections like Lyme disease and syphilis by disrupting the bacteria's "motor," preventing it from spreading through the body.
March 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 24th, 2025

AIDS pandemic risks 'resurging globally' amid US funding halt: UN
The world risks returning to the worst days of the global AIDS pandemic following the sudden halt to US foreign aid funding, the UN's top AIDS official said Monday, warning millions would die.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Analytical model predicts how bacteria navigate obstacles to spread
Trying to predict how bacteria will spread is like predicting the flight of a leaf in a windstorm—it's a complicated and chaotic business. Factor in bacteria's encounters with objects such as corners or surfaces and the calculation gets even more complex.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Astigmatism on the rise in kids after COVID-19
Screen time and reduced outdoor activity during the pandemic may have lasting effects on children's eye health, including changes in corneal curvature.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Breaking antibiotic-resistant bacteria's protective shields opens door for immune system response
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious public health threat. Understanding the biology of these bacteria--such as how they synthesise their protective capsules--is essential for developing new strategies to counter antibiotic resistance.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Broadleaf plantain and ribwort plantain may help treat chronic Lyme disease
In Estonia, many people learned a lesson from ethnomedicine as children: that placing a plantain leaf on a scraped knee would help to heal the skin faster. This practice has been a common way to aid skin recovery for generations. Today, scientific studies have confirmed that plantain plants do indeed accelerate wound healing and possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
March 24, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 brought about a large rise in blood circulation disorder cases, study suggests
The number of patients diagnosed with a chronic and oftentimes debilitating blood circulation disorder has risen sharply in the wake of COVID-19, according to new research from the University of Toledo.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Decades-long quest leads to new antibiotic compounds
A team of chemists, biologists and microbiologists led by researchers in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis has found a way to tweak an antimalarial drug and turn it into a potent antibiotic, part of a project more than 20 years in the making. Importantly, the new antibiotic should be largely impervious to the tricks that bacteria have evolved to become resistant to other drugs.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Decoys for misguided antibodies restore antiviral immune defense, study shows
An immune system defect makes affected individuals vulnerable to severe viral diseases such as influenza or COVID-19. It is caused by the body's own antibodies, which inhibit important defense proteins known as type I interferons. UZH researchers have now generated "decoy molecules" that intercept these autoantibodies and restore the immune defense—the foundation for a possible new therapy.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Epstein-Barr virus aggravates ulcerative colitis via macrophage pyroptosis: Findings could yield new therapeutic target
A recent study has revealed how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) intensifies ulcerative colitis (UC), a debilitating inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers discovered that EBV infection triggers macrophage pyroptosis—a form of inflammatory cell death—by accelerating glycolysis, a key metabolic pathway.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Peacekeeper cells protect the body from autoimmunity during infection, research shows
During infections, the immune system needs to distinguish foreign antigens that are expressed by invading bacteria and viruses from self-antigens that are expressed by cells of the body. If not, the immune system can mistakenly attack its own cells, causing lasting damage to tissue and potential long-term disease.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Real-time sepsis risk alerts: An AI model improves ICU patient survival
In a recent development, researchers have created an AI-driven model capable of predicting mortality risk in sepsis patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Leveraging cutting-edge Transformer-based time-series analysis, the model continuously tracks a patient's evolving health status, issuing real-time risk alerts and enabling personalized interventions.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Some psychology-backed tips to cope with stress about measles
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas, so too can public anxiety. News alerts, social media discussions and warnings from health officials can trigger stress and unease, especially among worried parents.
March 24, 2025 — Source

South Sudan suffers worst cholera outbreak in 20 years: UNICEF
South Sudan is suffering its worst cholera outbreak since it became an independent nation in 2011, the United Nations warned Monday, reporting almost 700 deaths in six months, including many children.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis cases continue to rise in Europe
New data published by ECDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe show that with almost 39,000 reported tuberculosis cases in 2023, the 29 European Union and European Economic Area (EU/ EEA) countries continue to see increases in TB notifications. Given that young children have an increased risk of developing tuberculosis disease during the first year after infection, childhood TB serves as a marker for ongoing transmission within a community.
March 24, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 21st, 2025

A newly-tested method may be a more reliable way to detect Chagas disease
Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have successfully tested a faster, more sensitive and reliable way to diagnose Chagas disease, a debilitating parasitic illness that affects approximately 6 million people worldwide.
March 21, 2025 — Source

Deadly bacteria have developed the ability to produce antimicrobials and wipe out competitors, scientists discover
A drug-resistant type of bacteria that has adapted to health care settings evolved in the past several years to weaponize an antimicrobial genetic tool, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominant strain. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists made the discovery when combing through local hospital data—and then confirmed that it was a global phenomenon.
March 21, 2025 — Source

Mosquito-borne chikungunya kills two in France's La Reunion
A disabling mosquito-borne disease called chikungunya has killed two elderly people in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, local authorities said Friday.
March 21, 2025 — Source

People from disadvantaged backgrounds have COVID-19 symptoms for longer, research suggests
Research from King's College London reveals that social factors such as education level, financial stability, and the areas where people live played a significant role in whether individuals reported recovery from the virus more than a year after infection.
March 21, 2025 — Source

Registration Now Open for World Vaccine Congress Washington 2025: Leading Experts from Government, WHO, CEPI, and more to Speak
The World Vaccine Congress Washington 2025, the largest and most influential global vaccine event, is officially open for registration. Taking place from April 21-24, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Congress will bring together thousands of global vaccine experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to drive forward the latest innovations in vaccines, pandemic preparedness, and public health.
March 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 17th, 2025

As measles outbreak spreads, pediatric infectious disease expert discusses vaccine safety
Christina Hermos, MD'03, MMSc, hasn't seen a case of measles since she was doing a fellowship two decades ago. And that was a rare case, involving a child who had arrived from overseas.
March 17, 2025 — Source

Bird flu mutation associated with increased disease severity found in 2 cats
A genetic mutation of the H5N1 bird flu virus—a mutation associated with increased infectiousness and disease severity—has been found in two cats, in what scientists say is another indication of the risks posed by the virus.
March 17, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 pandemic worsens mother, infant birth outcomes, study finds
Arnold School researchers associated with the South Carolina Smart State Center for Healthcare Quality have published new research in the Annals of Epidemiology regarding the impact of COVID-19 infections on women who were pregnant before and during the pandemic. Led by Maria Sevoyan, a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the team found that mothers who became pregnant after the start of the pandemic, those who experienced moderate-to-severe infections during pregnancy, and those who had infections during the third trimester were more likely to have adverse outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, preterm birth, NICU admission).
March 17, 2025 — Source

Innovative boot sock sampling reveals E. coli levels in surface soils of informal settlements
Researchers in Fiji's informal settlements are using their own footsteps to detect the hidden pathogens in soil that traditional techniques often miss.
March 17, 2025 — Source

Measles vaccine rates among Philly-area kindergartners drop below 'community immunity' threshold
Measles vaccination rates among kindergarten students in the Philadelphia region have been declining since the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now below the so-called herd or community immunity rate needed to keep the highly contagious virus from spreading.
March 17, 2025 — Source

NIH-sponsored trial of Lassa vaccine opens
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease that can be fatal and that causes permanent hearing loss.
March 17, 2025 — Source

'Nobody knew exactly what to do': Five years on, what scientific lessons were learned during COVID?
The pandemic stretched us—our communication, our science, our distribution networks, even what it means to be a good citizen amid rapidly developing knowledge.
March 17, 2025 — Source

Travelers warned about Oropouche virus in South American countries
Similar to viruses like dengue and Zika, Oropouche virus symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. The incubation period is 3--10 days, and symptoms last 2--7 days and may recur weeks later in some people. The virus is transmitted by small biting midges and some mosquitos. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito nets and insect repellents containing DEET can help prevent infection.
March 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 14th, 2025

CeSPIACE: A broad spectrum peptide inhibitor against variable SARS-CoV-2 spikes
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, infects cells by binding its spike protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Blocking this interaction with inhibitors could prevent infection. Since these inhibitors act directly on the virus without affecting human cells, they may be safer than some existing treatments. However, mutations in the spike protein can alter its structure, reducing the effectiveness of these inhibitors.
March 14, 2025 — Source

Older adults might be more resistant to bird flu infections than children, research finds
Prior exposures to specific types of seasonal influenza viruses promote cross-reactive immunity against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Older adults who were exposed to seasonal flu viruses that circulated prior to 1968 were found to be more likely to have antibodies that bind to the H5N1 avian flu virus.
March 14, 2025 — Source

Mexico reports 22 measles cases after US outbreak
Mexican health authorities reported 22 cases of measles on Thursday, following an outbreak in the United States where it has killed two and infected more than 200.
March 14, 2025 — Source

Phage identification tool shortens the search for specific viruses to combat dangerous bacteria
A newly developed laboratory tool can, within hours, help to identify specific viruses which can be used to destroy variants of the dangerous pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Viruses of bacteria, known as bacteriophages, offer an alternative approach to antibiotics in treating multiresistant pathogens.
March 14, 2025 — Source

Scientists imitate a bacterium's eating habits to unravel common stomach bug
About two-thirds of us have it in our bodies, but for most people, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori for short) never causes any symptoms. In others, it's a common cause of peptic ulcers, and in some cases it can lead to stomach cancer.
March 14, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 13th, 2025

Antigenic variation: How pathogens control changes in their cell surface to evade the immune system
The immune system responds to an infection by producing antibodies that recognize and bind to the cell surface of the pathogen, thus marking it as an intruder and triggering an immune response. For this to work, the antibodies produced must exactly fit the membrane molecules of the pathogen, like a key fitting a lock.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Changes in bats' diets can increase spread of viruses and spillover risk
Cornell researcher Raina Plowright and her team observed that when bats in Australia lost access to their habitat and natural food sources, they sought food on agricultural lands. And when the animals' diets changed, they shed more virus, increasing the virus' spread to horses, as well as the risk to people.
March 13, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 discovery opens door to new treatments for chronic lung problems
University of Virginia School of Medicine scientists have discovered how severe COVID-19 can destroy immune cells' ability to repair the lungs, helping explain the lingering effects of long COVID. The findings suggest a new treatment approach for long COVID as well as other conditions, both short-term and chronic, caused by respiratory infections such as the flu.
March 13, 2025 — Source

CRISPR-Cascade test detects bloodstream infections in minutes without amplification
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researchers have developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic tool capable of detecting bloodstream infections in minutes without the need for nucleic acid amplification. The CRISPR-Cascade assay achieves attomolar sensitivity and incorporates an OR-gated logic function to identify multiple pathogens simultaneously through DNA from pathogens associated with bloodstream infections.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Electrocatalytic sterilization: Nanowires produce localized highly alkaline microenvironments to kill bacteria
Harmful microorganisms such as bacteria represent one of the largest threats to human health. Efficient sterilization methods are thus a necessity.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Extreme mutation hotspot in bacteria discovered, with high mutation rates linked to transcriptional activation
A new study published in PLOS Genetics has identified an extreme mutational hotspot within the genome of Pseudomonas fluorescens, providing unprecedented insight into the relationship between gene regulation and mutation rates. The findings could have broad implications for understanding bacterial evolution, adaptation, and antibiotic resistance.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Gut microbiota impacts pneumococcal vaccine response in immunodeficient individuals
Gut microbiota may be the key factor explaining why certain individuals do not respond well to the pneumococcal vaccine-a bacterium that can cause various diseases, such as pneumonia. This conclusion is drawn from a recent study led by the B Cell Biology Research Group at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, published in Science Advances.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Measles case at Dulles stresses the importance of vaccination
It's a nightmare scenario for public health officials: a traveler infected with a highly contagious virus passes through an airport while asymptomatic, unknowingly transmitting the disease to others and sparking a widespread outbreak.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Night shifts and sleep debt linked to higher infection risk in nurses
A recent study highlights how shift work, sleep debt, and night shifts increase the risk of infections among nurses, particularly the common cold.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Scientists explore role of gut-brain axis in Parkinson's, anxiety and long COVID
It affects your mood, your sleep, even your motivation to exercise. There's convincing evidence that it's the starting point for Parkinson's disease and could be responsible for long COVID's cognitive effects. And it sits about 2 feet below your brain.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Study links blood-brain barrier dysfunction and inflammation with Down syndrome regression disorder
A new study led by Jonathan D. Santoro, MD, Director of the Neuroimmunology Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, shows evidence of dysfunction of the blood--brain barrier and inflammation in the central nervous system in individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD).
March 13, 2025 — Source

The relationship between gut microbiota, immunoglobulin A, and vaccine efficacy
Gut microbiota may be the key factor explaining why certain individuals do not respond well to the pneumococcal vaccine, a bacterium that can cause various diseases, such as pneumonia. This conclusion is drawn from a recent study led by the B Cell Biology Research Group at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, published in Science Advances.
March 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 12th, 2025

Cause of post-COVID inflammatory shock in children identified
MIS-C is a serious inflammatory shock that affects children. It can occur several weeks after a COVID infection and can be life-threatening. Until now, however, the precise cause of the condition was unknown.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Discovery of metabolic link to immune protein suppression offers new therapeutic avenues
Not long after a threatening organism enters our bodies, our immune system springs into action and starts producing proteins known as type one interferons (IFN-I), which fight viruses and cancer, while also playing pathogenic roles in autoimmune disorders.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Gaps in HPV cancer screening and prevention identified for people living with HIV
A new study published in The Lancet HIV reveals gaps in knowledge surrounding the prevention of HPV-related cancers in people living with HIV and outlines future research priorities. A literature review, conducted by a team of international experts underscores the need for further research and highlights existing disparities in healthcare for this vulnerable population.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Gilead's capsid revolution meets our capsid solutions: Sino Biological -- Engineering the tools to outsmart HIV
Gilead Sciences announced a significant milestone: the U.S. FDA accepted their New Drug Applications (NDAs) for lenacapavir (LEN), a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The FDA granted priority review, with a decision expected by June 19, 2025. LEN represents a novel class of HIV therapies by targeting the viral capsid, a multifunctional protein essential for HIV replication. Unlike traditional antiretrovirals that target enzymes such as reverse transcriptase or protease, LEN binds directly to the capsid protein, disrupting several critical steps in the virus's life cycle.
March 12, 2025 — Source

If You've Been Vaccinated for Measles, Do You Need an MMR Booster?
The US measles outbreak continues to spread. Learn if you are protected and what to do if you're not.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Maryland better-prepared for another pandemic 5 years after COVID-19, experts say
Five years to the day after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, local leaders in COVID-19-related health care say the virus has forever changed Maryland, the U.S. and the world—in some ways, they said, for the better.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Measles at LAX: LA County resident had highly contagious disease when they flew into airport
Public health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in a Los Angeles County resident this year—the second infected person known to have passed through Los Angeles International Airport in 2025.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Meningococcal vaccine found to be safe and effective for infants in sub-Saharan Africa
University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers helped conduct an important new global health study that found a vaccine that protects against five strains of meningitis prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa is safe and effective for use in young children beginning at 9 months of age.
March 12, 2025 — Source

'Nanosnag' virus detection technique could streamline vaccine production quality checks
As viral vaccines are increasingly used to meet global health needs, the pharmaceutical industry is manufacturing larger amounts of virus to make them. A new method of virus detection from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Chemical Engineering is poised to improve quality control in vaccine manufacturing by rapidly quantifying viral genomes in samples taken directly from bioreactors.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Pharmacies in England may be twice as likely to supply antibiotics for sore throat than in Wales
Patients with a sore throat are more than twice as likely to be given antibiotics by a pharmacist through England's Pharmacy First Scheme compared with a similar scheme in Wales, according to an initial analysis published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Reformulation of HIV prevention drug lenacapavir makes it last for a year
A team of pharmaceutical researchers at biopharma company Gilead Sciences has announced that a reformulation of its HIV prevention drug lenacapavir allows it to persist in the body for up to a year. In their paper published in The Lancet journal, the group describes how they injected the new formulation into several HIV-free volunteers and tested them for up to a year, and what they found in doing so.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Should you wear a mask to protect yourself from measles? Not yet recommended, says expert
The West Texas measles outbreak has topped 200 cases, and people across the state are looking into preventive measures to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Study finds significant global disparities in COVID-19 vaccine accessibility
Research offering unprecedented insights into global vaccine distribution patterns has found significant disparities in COVID-19 vaccination accessibility—identifying "vaccine deserts" in both high- and low-income countries.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Tecovirimat is safe but ineffective as treatment for clade II mpox
NIH-sponsored trial data offer further evidence to help inform mpox treatment decisions.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Uganda contains Ebola, but warns it's not over yet
For days, Ezra Byegarazo lay in an isolation ward, his body wracked with fever and weakness.
March 12, 2025 — Source

Updates on influenza vaccine strain recommended by WHO (2025-2026 northern hemisphere)
I. Updates on 2025-2026 northern hemisphere influenza vaccine strains
March 12, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 11th, 2025

A more affordable, lower-risk polio vaccine may be on the horizon
University of Leeds researchers have taken a major step towards producing a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus, but are empty inside. This means there is no risk of infection, but the VLP still causes the immune system to respond.
March 11, 2025 — Source

How the pandemic's narratives are still unfolding, five years on
Do you clearly remember the choices you made a few years ago during the early days of the COVID pandemic? Did you painstakingly wipe down your groceries before putting them away, quarantine your mail three days before opening it, or hoard toilet paper while others were unable to find a roll? Is the nasty argument with your brother-in-law over children's COVID vaccination fully forgotten, or does a twinge of annoyance still flicker when he speaks at family gatherings?
March 11, 2025 — Source

How proteins guide plasma cells to bone marrow for long-term immunity
Vaccine effectiveness relies on creating a strong antibody response that can be reactivated to fight future infections. Now, researchers from Japan report that antibody-producing cells are destined for longevity from the moment they are born.
March 11, 2025 — Source

Inflammation inside and outside the brain may contribute to neurological complications in COVID-19
COVID-19 affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is often associated with long-term neurological abnormalities. Common symptoms include the loss of taste and smell, dizziness, "brain fog", headache, confusion, memory impairment, chronic fatigue, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which can have a major impact on the quality of life of patients.
March 11, 2025 — Source

It could be weeks before Maryland's measles exposure is fully known
It will likely be weeks before public health agencies know the full extent of measles exposure in Virginia and Maryland following the discovery of an infected person living in Howard County, officials said.
March 11, 2025 — Source

Measles 'is not a benign disease'
Northwestern University infectious disease expert Dr. Tina Tan said it's likely the measles outbreak in West Texas and on the border of New Mexico will continue to spread due to a large unvaccinated population that is highly susceptible to "one of the most contagious viruses."
March 11, 2025 — Source

Microplastics could be fueling antibiotic resistance
Microplastics—tiny shards of plastic debris—are all over the planet. They have made their way up food chains, accumulated in oceans, clustered in clouds and on mountains, and been found inside human bodies at alarming rates. Scientists have been racing to uncover the unforeseen impacts of so much plastic in and around us.
March 11, 2025 — Source

Study explores impact of pandemics on birth rates in Switzerland
Researchers at UZH have studied the impact of pandemics on the birth rate in Switzerland for the first time. While the number of births unexpectedly rose initially during COVID-19, it fell significantly during previous pandemics in history.
March 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 10th, 2025

As the measles outbreak grows in Texas, what makes the virus so contagious?
Amid the outbreak of measles in West Texas, there's a question of how contagious the disease is—and whether it will spread in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Bird flu facts for families
Birds in the United States can be affected by avian flu, also called H5N1 bird flu or avian influenza. But can it affect your family?
March 10, 2025 — Source

Federal research cuts could worsen infectious disease toll worldwide, expert warns
Russell Vance is an immunology professor, infectious disease researcher, and the director of UC Berkeley's Cancer Research Laboratory. By studying the immune system's response to bacteria that cause tuberculosis and dysentery, Vance hopes to apply those insights into other areas affecting public health, such as cancer.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Five years ago, WHO's pandemic call shook world into action
Five years ago on Tuesday, the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 had become a pandemic—a moment when the world finally woke up to the unfolding disaster.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Five years later: How COVID changed health care
John Sullivan, chief medical officer of St. Clair Health System, spent 33 years in the Navy. And when he thinks back to this week five years ago, he likens the early COVID-19 days to a military deployment.
March 10, 2025 — Source

In quest to construct a better flu shot, scientists zero in on tiny flu protein shaped like a mushroom
Not long after the first flu shot was introduced in 1945 by University of Michigan virologist Thomas Francis and his co-researcher, Jonas Salk (who would later garner worldwide fame as developer of the first polio vaccine), scientists began a decades-long quest to produce a better immunization against the flu.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Long COVID patients who lost sense of smell can be helped with surgery
A surgical operation normally carried out to correct a blocked nasal passage may help patients who lost their sense of smell after contracting a COVID-19 infection, according to new research by UCL and UCLH researchers published in the journal Facial Plastic Surgery.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Molecular 3D structure of viral 'copying machine' deciphered
Researchers have shown, for the first time, how the genetic material of the Nipah virus replicates in infected cells. The virus can cause fatal encephalitis in humans.
March 10, 2025 — Source

MRNA Vaccines, Once a Trump Boast, Now Face Attacks From Some in GOP
Researchers racing to develop bird flu vaccines for humans have turned to a cutting-edge technology that enabled the rapid development of lifesaving covid shots.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Poll highlights parents' struggle to find accurate bird flu information amid rising concerns
With soaring egg prices and ongoing bird flu headlines, many parents are uncertain about the risks and facts surrounding the virus, a national poll suggests.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Second death from measles reported in unvaccinated adult in New Mexico
Amid the current outbreak of measles centered in counties along the Texas/New Mexico border, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is reporting the death of an unvaccinated adult who tested positive for measles. The decedent was a resident of Lea County, New Mexico.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis relies on protective genes during airborne transmission, study reveals
Tuberculosis lives and thrives in the lungs. When the bacteria that cause the disease are coughed into the air, they are thrust into a comparatively hostile environment, with drastic changes to their surrounding pH and chemistry. How these bacteria survive their airborne journey is key to their persistence, but very little is known about how they protect themselves as they waft from one host to the next.
March 10, 2025 — Source

US measles cases jump 35% in a week: Now found in 12 states
U.S. measles cases jumped by a third over the past week, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, a worrying sign in the outbreak that's already linked to two deaths.
March 10, 2025 — Source

West Texas measles outbreak nears 200 cases, state health officials report
The measles outbreak in West Texas is nearing 200 cases, according to a Friday morning update from the state health department.
March 10, 2025 — Source

What are people asking about COVID-19—and what do doctors wish patients knew?
In the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was full of questions.
March 10, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 8th, 2025

Deadly mold strains highly likely to acquire resistance to new drugs
Scientists have identified strains of one of the world's most dangerous fungal pathogens, already resistant to our most effective antifungal drugs, which are also five times more likely to acquire resistance to desperately needed new treatments in development.
March 8, 2025 — Source

West Texas reports nearly 200 measles cases. New Mexico is up to 30
A historic measles outbreak in West Texas is just short of 200 cases, Texas state health officials said Friday, while the number of cases in neighboring New Mexico tripled to 30.
March 8, 2025 — Source

What is hantavirus, the infection that killed Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa?
Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus infection, officials in New Mexico announced Friday.
March 8, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 28th, 2025

Cold sore discovery identifies unknown trigger for those annoying flare-ups
Scientists have a new target to prevent cold sores after University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers discovered an unexpected way the herpes virus re-activates in the body. The finding could also have important implications for genital herpes caused by the same virus.
February 28, 2025 — Source

E. coli strain in Egyptian dairy products found in Japanese school outbreak
No one should have to fear food poisoning every time they eat or drink, but the reality, even in the 21st century, is that risks remain. An Osaka Metropolitan University-led Egypt-Japan research team found E. coli prevalent in over 25% of popular milk and dairy products in Egypt.
February 28, 2025 — Source

Identification of gene in malarial parasite brings researchers one step closer to an effective live vaccine
The malaria parasite is still killing almost half a million people every year. A project has now identified a gene that holds out the prospect of a safe, effective live vaccine.
February 28, 2025 — Source

Impact of lockdown on stress eating
During the first COVID-19 lockdown, researchers of the University of Vienna assessed the influence of stress, mood, and social interactions on "unhealthy" eating habits in nearly 800 participants across Austria, Italy, and Germany. Surprisingly, results showed that negative mood and less social interactions led to a decrease in "unhealthy" food consumption and enjoyment.
February 28, 2025 — Source

Severe flu season raises concerns about brain complications in kids
As this year's severe flu season rages across the country, federal health officials are investigating a rise in rare but life-threatening brain complications in children.
February 28, 2025 — Source

Texas measles cases rise to 146 in an outbreak that led to a child's death
The number of people with measles in Texas increased to 146 in an outbreak that led this week to the death of an unvaccinated school-aged child, health officials said Friday.
February 28, 2025 — Source

The brain-gut microbiota axis: Impact on mental health & potential treatment avenues
Gut-microbiota has been found in recent years to have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Ted Dinan, the Medical Director at Atlantia Clinical Trials, was interviewed about his work at Atlantia in investigating the impact of gut-microbiota composition and how it might be targeted to improve mental health in human beings.
February 28, 2025 — Source

US cancels Ebola aid in Uganda despite Elon Musk's claims
Hours after billionaire Elon Musk told the president's Cabinet that the U.S. had quickly restored canceled aid to fight Ebola in Uganda, the Trump administration officially ended at least four of five U.S.-funded Ebola contracts in the country.
February 28, 2025 — Source

Why you could catch norovirus more than once this season
People in the U.K. who have already had norovirus this season could still be at risk due to a shift in circulating strains, according to new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
February 28, 2025 — Source

Widespread E. coli contamination found in Egyptian dairy
No one should have to fear food poisoning every time they eat or drink, but the reality, even in the 21st century, is that risks remain. An Osaka Metropolitan University-led Egypt-Japan research team found E. coli prevalent in over 25% of popular milk and dairy products in Egypt.
February 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 18th, 2025

Active ventilation can reduce bioaerosol risks in public restrooms
Bioaerosol emissions during toilet flushing are an often-overlooked source of potential health risks in shared public facilities. A new study published in Risk Analysis found that bioaerosol concentrations of two bacteria -- Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) -- exceeded acceptable levels established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) after toilet flushing. Inhaling these biological particles can produce symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
February 18, 2025 — Source

Biologists transform gut bacteria into tiny protein pharmacies
Hundreds of different species of microbes live in your gut. In the future, one of these might serve a new function: microscopic in-house pharmacist.
February 18, 2025 — Source

Designing antivirals for shape-shifting viruses
A new modeling approach could help design targeted antivirals that account for the dynamic nature of viruses
February 18, 2025 — Source

High-speed microscopy reveals real-time protein translocation across a bacterial membrane
Protein translocation is an essential, nano-scale dynamic process that facilitates the movement of proteins across cellular membranes, enabling them to reach specific locations within the cell or to be transported outside the cell. This process occurs through membrane protein complexes that provide necessary channels for the movement of proteins.
February 18, 2025 — Source

How California can rebuild safer, more resilient cities after wildfires without pricing out workers
The dramatic images of wealthy neighborhoods burning during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires captured global attention, but the damage was much more widespread. Many working-class families lost their homes, businesses and jobs. In all, more than 16,000 structures—most of them homes—were destroyed, leaving thousands of people displaced.
February 18, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 17th, 2025

Beta-glucan from fungi could help protect against influenza
A component found in all fungi may provide a shield against flu-related lung damage, according to a new study.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Breakthrough computational tool enhances design of targeted antiviral therapies
Viruses, like those that cause COVID-19 or HIV, are formidable opponents once they invade our bodies. Antiviral treatments strive to block a virus or halt its replication. However, viruses are dynamic-constantly evolving and changing shape, which can make designing antiviral treatments a challenge.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Colorado has 'very high' flu activity, but not as bad as the rest of the country
The flu is widespread in Colorado, but the virus hasn't hit the state nearly as hard as some others.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Engineers create new glue that mimics mussels and mucus to prevent bacterial buildup
Within the animal kingdom, mussels are masters of underwater adhesion. The marine mollusks cluster atop rocks and along the bottoms of ships, and hold fast against the ocean's waves thanks to a gluey plaque they secrete through their foot. These tenacious adhesive structures have prompted scientists in recent years to design similar bioinspired, waterproof adhesives.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Flu and stomach bugs are spreading fast: Are you prepared?
Flu season is in full swing, making it more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Flu cases up due to lagging vaccinations and better tests
Cases remain high, according to data from the Georgia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But metro Atlanta doctors say it's not too late to get vaccinated against influenza. For those who feel the flu coming on, antiviral medications can make symptoms more bearable.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Help for a sinus infection
If a cold or upper respiratory infection lingers long enough, it may turn into a sinus infection known as sinusitis. Symptoms can include a runny nose and nasal congestion accompanied by pain, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, nose, cheeks or forehead that gets worse when bending over.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Immune cells in pituitary gland help balance hormones, researchers discover
In a new study published in Cell Reports, Finnish researchers show that pituitary macrophages, the immune cells located in the pituitary gland, help regulate hormonal balance. It is possible that in the future, macrophage cells could be used to treat endocrine disorders that can lead, for example, to infertility.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Q&A: Researchers discuss stigma, unequal access and aging population, all challenges to HIV care and prevention
Despite breakthroughs in HIV treatment and prevention worldwide, critical challenges such as stigma, unequal access and managing the virus for an aging population remain, a group of Rutgers Health experts said at a recent event to address these issues.
February 17, 2025 — Source

RSV vaccine program for older people in Scotland shows 62% drop in hospitalizations
A vaccination program has cut hospital admissions for a respiratory virus among older people in Scotland by nearly two-thirds.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Seroprevalence of HPAI A(H5) identified in bovine veterinary practitioners
Seroprevalence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus infection has been identified among bovine veterinary practitioners, according to research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Woman hospitalized in Wyoming with H5N1 bird flu
A woman in Wyoming was hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, according to health officials who say she was likely infected by handling sickened birds in a backyard flock.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 14th, 2025

AI and biophysical modeling unite for novel protein design
An interdisciplinary research team from Leipzig University and the Saxon AI center ScaDS.AI has developed a novel approach that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) methods with biophysical modeling. This innovative strategy can be applied to the development of new therapeutics, such as antibodies and vaccines, including those for pandemic preparedness.
February 14, 2025 — Source

AI model generates antimicrobial peptide structures for screening against treatment-resistant microbes
A team of microbiologists, chemists and pharmaceutical specialists at Shandong University, Guangzhou Medical University, Second Military Medical University and Qingdao University, all in China, has developed an AI model that generates antimicrobial peptide structures for screening against treatment-resistant microbes.
February 14, 2025 — Source

Measles outbreak in undervaccinated Texas area doubles—again
The outbreak now spans four counties.
February 14, 2025 — Source

Urgent CDC Data and Analyses on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate
Sonya Stokes, an emergency room physician in the San Francisco Bay Area, braces herself for a daily deluge of patients sick with coughs, soreness, fevers, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms.
February 14, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 7th, 2025

AI-based technology accelerates discovery of new tuberculosis drug candidates
Tuberculosis is a serious global health threat that infected more than 10 million people in 2022. Spread through the air and into the lungs, the pathogen that causes "TB" can lead to chronic cough, chest pains, fatigue, fever and weight loss. While infections are more extensive in other parts of the world, a serious tuberculosis outbreak currently unfolding in Kansas has led to two deaths and has become one of the largest on record in the United States.
February 7, 2025 — Source

An unexpected mechanism regulates the immune response during parasitic infections
Researchers at the University of Liège (Belgium) have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that regulates the immune response against parasites. During a parasitic infection, specific immune cells, known as virtual memory T cells, become activated and express a surface molecule called CD22, which prevents an excessive immune reaction. This discovery could help in better-controlling inflammation and improving immune responses to infections.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Bacterial species study challenges assumption that structural similarity predicts protein behavior
A new study published in Biochemistry sheds light on how bacteria regulate their genes, challenging long-held assumptions about protein behavior. The research compares how two bacterial species—Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis—use a signaling molecule called cyclic AMP (cAMP) to control important cellular functions.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Bacterium converts individual building blocks of nylon into value-added products
A team of scientists from the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences--Biotechnology at Forschungszentrum Jülich worked together with the company Novonesis to develop a bacterium that "eats" individual building blocks of different types of nylon and converts them into value-added products. The results of this research will help improve nylon recycling.
February 10, 2025 — Source

Cash incentives and counseling could be key to improving TB treatment success rates
A new study has demonstrated that a combination of conditional cash transfers and TB counseling significantly improves treatment success rates and reduces loss to follow-up among TB patients in South Africa.
February 7, 2025 — Source

CDC posts, then deletes, data on bird flu
Scientists are calling on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to disclose data about the risks of bird flu to people and pets that was posted briefly online Wednesday and quickly deleted.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Common bacterial infection may trigger lung transplant rejection
A large team of surgeons and organ transplant researchers affiliated with multiple institutions across the U.S. has found an association between lung transplant patients who become infected with the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and rejection of the transplanted lung.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Comprehensive gene map of malaria parasite offers path to better treatments
A new, comprehensive map of all the genes essential for blood infections in Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi), a parasite that causes malaria in humans, has been generated by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and colleagues. The map contains the most complete classification of essential genes in any Plasmodium species and can be used to identify druggable parasite targets and mechanisms of drug resistance that can inform the development of new treatments for malaria.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Fighting a Bacterial Infection? Put a 'Jumbo Virus' In the Ring
Huge, bacteria-eating viruses could be a game-changer for antibiotics that currently struggle to fend off deadly infections.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Flu season in the US is the most intense it's been in at least 15 years
The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure is the most intense in 15 years.
February 7, 2025 — Source

From Spanish flu to today: How immune cells keep up with a changing virus
In a breakthrough for influenza research, scientists have discovered immune cells that can recognize influenza (flu) viruses even as they mutate, raising hopes for a longer-lasting vaccine and a universal protection against future flu pandemics.
February 10, 2025 — Source

Gut bacteria can alter brain proteins: New glycosylation method uncovers link
Our guts are home to trillions of bacteria, and research over the last few decades has established how essential they are to our physiology—in health and disease. A new study from EMBL Heidelberg researchers shows that gut bacteria can bring about profound molecular changes in one of our most critical organs—the brain.
February 10, 2025 — Source

House cats with bird flu could pose a risk to public health
More than 80 domestic cats, among many other types of mammals, have been confirmed to have had bird flu since 2022 — generally barn cats that lived on dairy farms, as well as feral cats and pets that spend time outdoors and likely caught it by hunting diseased rodents or wild birds.
February 10, 2025 — Source

Influenza surge overcrowding Michigan emergency rooms
Emergency rooms across the state are overcrowded and patients are waiting longer than usual due to an influx of influenza.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Is H5N9 bird flu a threat to humans?
As California's Central Valley makes headlines for the growing number of people testing positive for the bird flu from exposure to dairy cows, Rais Vohra, MD, professor at UC San Francisco, Fresno and interim health officer for the Fresno Department of Public Health (DPH), is in the eye of the storm.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Measles outbreak erupts in one of Texas' least-vaccinated counties
Nine cases are confirmed, 3 are probable. Officials says more are likely to come.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Neural pathway in mice sheds light on how the brain regulates learned immune responses
The brain of humans and other animals is known to contribute to the protection of the body from infections. Past studies have unveiled the existence of the so-called conditioned immune response (CIR), which is a form of Pavlovian conditioning that entails the formation of mental associations between specific sensory stimuli (e.g., a specific odor, taste, etc.) and immunomodulatory agents (i.e., a substance that influences the immune system).
February 7, 2025 — Source

New York temporarily shutters bird markets after seven cases of avian flu are detected in NYC
New York on Friday ordered a weeklong shutdown of all live bird markets in New York City, Westchester and Long Island after seven cases of avian flu were detected at bird markets in the city.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Self-Assembling 'Nanoflowers' Ward Off Wound Infections
Integrating the nanoflowers into a wound dressing helps to fight harmful bacteria while keeping healthy human cells intact.
February 10, 2025 — Source

Texas county reports measles outbreak among unvaccinated children
All cases have been identified among unvaccinated school-aged children who are residents of Gaines County. Symptom onset began within the last two weeks.
February 10, 2025 — Source

This Bacteria Eats Toxic 'Forever Chemicals'
L. portucalensis F11 is hungry for PFAS, but its mealtimes take a little longer than scientists would like.
February 10, 2025 — Source

Tabasco sauce helps validate simpler method for immune cell analysis in inflamed tissue
Neutrophil granulocytes, a type of immune cell, are indispensable for the defense against pathogens. However, if they migrate into injured tissue, for example into the brain after a stroke, they can promote chronic inflammation and cause long-term damage.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis: What to Know About the Recent Outbreak, Symptoms and Treatment
This is what you need to know about tuberculosis and your risk factors.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Uganda sees 'fastest roll-out' for Ebola vaccine trial: WHO
The World Health Organization's emergencies director on Friday praised the "fastest roll-out" of an Ebola vaccine trial in the midst of an epidemic, as Uganda responded to its latest outbreak.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 5th, 2025

Alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations in Canada surged during the COVID-19 pandemic
A new study reveals a 17.6% increase in alcohol-related mortality and an 8.1% rise in hospitalizations from April 2020 to December 2022, with the sharpest increases among younger adults and in Western Canada. Experts call for urgent public health interventions.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Gut microbes' surprising connection to anxiety point toward a potential probiotic solution
Could the key to easing anxiety be hidden in our gut? Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Neuroscience Institute have discovered a crucial connection between gut microbes and anxiety-related behavior.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

H5N1 bird flu spills over again; Nevada cows hit with different, deadly strain
The finding suggests a new spillover event, further dashing hopes of containment.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Jumbo phages love to kill bacteria—could they be used as antibiotics?
Phages are viruses that attack bacteria by injecting their DNA, then usurping bacterial machinery to reproduce. Eventually, they make so many copies of themselves that the bacteria burst. By looking at this process in a unique type of virus called a jumbo phage, scientists hope to learn how to make new antibiotics that can address the growing crisis of resistance.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Modeling study shows school closures' varied impact on COVID-19 outcomes across 74 countries
School closures reduced the impact of COVID-19 in most countries but had negative effects in some, Monash University-led research encompassing 74 countries has found.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Nasal COVID-19 vaccine to enter US clinical trials
A nasal vaccine for COVID-19—based on technology developed at Washington University in St. Louis—is poised to enter a phase 1 clinical trial in the U.S. after an investigational new drug application from Ocugen, Inc. was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ocugen, a U.S.-based biotechnology company, licensed the innovative technology from WashU in 2022.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Next-generation mRNA vaccine delivery system uses biodegradable polymers
A research team from POSTECH has developed a biodegradable polymer-based delivery system that efficiently transports mRNA. The study was recently published in Biomaterials.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Oral bacteria may be linked to changes in brain function as people age
The bacteria in your mouth and on your tongue may be linked to changes in brain function as you age, new research suggested.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Q&A: Researchers develop early detection tool for life-threatening sepsis
It's a copycat killer—often mimicking less severe conditions and delaying much-needed, timely treatments. But sepsis—an infection that can lead to multiple organ failure, shock and even death—is a major global health challenge and is associated with one in five deaths worldwide with the burden being carried by low-resource and vulnerable populations.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

New study highlights the impact of rapid urbanization on the emergence of zoonotic diseases
Nearly 3.5 billion people live in the messy transition zone between cities and wild places, where agriculture abuts homes; suburbs sprawl into the forest; and humans, wildlife, and livestock readily intermix. This wildland-urban interface (WUI) covers just 5% of Earth's land surface, but it could provide prime habitat for the transmission of zoonotic diseases from their wildlife hosts to people, according to a new study led by the Yale School of the Environment.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Why antibiotics can fail even against non-resistant bacteria
Antibiotics are indispensable for treating bacterial infections. But why are they sometimes ineffective, even when the bacteria are not resistant? In their latest study, researchers challenge the conventional view that a small subset of particularly resilient bacteria are responsible for the failure of antibiotic therapies.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 3rd, 2025

Breaking barriers in thioxanthone synthesis: A double aryne insertion strategy
Thioxanthones are fascinating organic compounds that have found their way into many industrial and everyday applications. In the printing industry, for example, they help inks dry faster when exposed to light thanks to their light-absorption properties, making the printing process quicker and more efficient.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Bird flu is spreading: What you need to know
A rapidly-spreading H5N1 avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu, has been devastating bird flocks and showing signs of spreading to other mammals.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Key takeaways from the latest research into gut bacteria
Just 10 to 15 years ago, the idea of discussing our gut bacteria with our friends probably seemed odd. Today, it is no longer strange to talk about anti-inflammatory diets, prebiotics and probiotics, gut-brain axis, home fermentation and other related topics, at least among the health conscious.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

H5N1 bird flu infections continue to rise
H5N1 bird flu, also known as avian influenza, continues to spread, with reports of a third human case from an unknown exposure source. To date, 67 cases have been confirmed, and one death has been reported in the U.S.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Hundreds of Ducks Found Dead of Suspected Bird Flu Around Chicago
23 million birds have contracted H5N1 in the U.S. in the past 30 days, according to USDA.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Microbiome in oral biofilms differs by sex, and shapes immunity differently in females versus males
Imagine a bustling metropolis within your mouth—a dynamic community of microorganisms forming biofilms on your teeth and gums. This oral microbiome is not only essential for maintaining oral health, but also plays a pivotal role in shaping your immune system. But there is more: a new, fascinating aspect of this ecosystem is that it differs between females and males, possibly influencing immunity in sex-specific ways.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Nature-inspired nanotechnology uses genetic drugs as immunotherapy
A large research team led by nanotechnologist Roy van der Meel rebuild the body's own proteins and fats into nano delivery vans that get genetic medicines to exactly the right place in the body. In a joint effort with researchers from Radboudumc they worked for five years on this groundbreaking nanotransport system, the results of which were published in Nature Nanotechnology ("Nature-inspired platform nanotechnology for RNA delivery to myeloid cells and their bone marrow progenitors").
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Rapid antigen-based assay can detect tick-borne diseases before symptoms arise
A team of biomolecular engineers, pathologists, and internal medicine specialists at the University of Texas Medical Branch, working with a colleague from the University of Houston, has developed a quick test for tick-borne spotted fever rickettsioses (SFRs).
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Targeted therapy shows promise for chronic skin condition relief
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a targeted therapy that could bring relief to people living with lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition of the skin, hair, nails, mouth and genitals. They described their findings in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that described their first-in-human, phase 2 clinical trial.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Uganda begins Ebola vaccine trial after new outbreak kills a nurse and infects 2 other people
Ugandan authorities on Monday began a clinical trial of a vaccine against the Sudan strain of Ebola that has killed one person in the outbreak declared last week.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 24th, 2025

AI models forecast COVID-19 risks and treatment for hospitalized patients
Seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are actively circulating throughout the United States. These respiratory illnesses are contributing to widespread health concerns, with cases being reported in various regions nationwide.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Bird flu outbreak forces culling of 100,000 ducks, threatening last duck farm in long island
The last duck farm on New York's Long Island is facing an uncertain future after a bird flu outbreak forced the culling of nearly 100,000 ducks.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

COVID vaccine hesitancy reducing childhood vaccinations, study shows
Hesitancy over the COVID-19 vaccine is leading some parents to skip important vaccinations for their children.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Illinois had at least 103 outbreaks of norovirus in November, December, following national trend
Illinois had at least 103 outbreaks of the stomach bug norovirus in November and December—a dramatic increase from previous years, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Invisible alliances: Kingdoms collide as bacteria and cells form captivating connections
In biology textbooks, the endoplasmic reticulum is often portrayed as a distinct, compact organelle near the nucleus, and is commonly known to be responsible for protein trafficking and secretion. In reality, the ER is vast and dynamic, spread throughout the cell and able to establish contact and communication with and between other organelles. These membrane contacts regulate processes as diverse as fat metabolism, sugar metabolism, and immune responses.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Microscopy innovation turns viruses into precision measurement tools
Measuring objects smaller than the wavelength of light challenges even the most sophisticated microscopes. When biologists study cellular structures just tens of nanometers wide - like the machinery that reads DNA or the channels that transport molecules - they need to know their measurements are accurate. A microscope miscalibrated by just a few nanometers can lead to incorrect conclusions about how cellular components fit and function together.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Personalized COVID-19 protection: Study finds scalable tests identify at-risk individuals
New research emphasizes the need for ongoing COVID-19 protection for people with weakened immune systems, with scalable tests helping identify those most at risk to enable tailored strategies.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Scientists identify molecular 'fingerprint' of long COVID in children's blood
One day, long COVID in children could be objectively diagnosed with a blood test, thanks to the help of artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, a study by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome campus—Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and the Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, has highlighted the molecular signature of long COVID in plasma in pediatric age and used an AI tool capable of making the diagnosis based on the results of the blood sample, with 93% accuracy.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Scientists trace deadly cell-to-cell message chain that spreads in sepsis
Like a poison pen, dying cells prick their neighbors with a lethal message. This may worsen sepsis, Vijay Rathinam and colleagues in the UConn School of Medicine report in the Jan. 23 issue of Cell. Their findings could lead to a new understanding of this dangerous illness.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Study highlights pharmacovigilance challenges in CAR T-cell therapies, suggests specific assessment criteria
Cases of secondary tumors have been reported as a possible adverse reaction to the treatment of certain blood cancers with CAR T-cells. A recent analysis of the cases reported to the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut highlights the challenges in the assessment of these newly diagnosed T-cell diseases. The result: in order to better assess these rare but serious cases and identify possible risk factors, CAR T-cell-specific assessment criteria should be defined in pharmacovigilance activities and specific molecular test methods should be established. These steps will further increase patient safety.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Symptoms of viral influenza, COVID-19, norovirus, and RSV can be signs of potential heart complications, warn experts
With a recent surge in influenza, COVID-19, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses, it's critical to pay close attention to your heart and symptoms—especially if you have heart disease or the risk factors for it.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Using AI machine learning to map hidden molecular interactions in bacteria
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University has uncovered how small molecules within bacteria interact with proteins, revealing a network of molecular connections that could improve drug discovery and cancer research.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 22nd, 2025

Africa malaria jab rollout delivers 10 million doses
Nearly 10 million malaria vaccine doses were delivered to Africa during the first year of routine immunization being rolled out across the continent, the Gavi vaccine alliance said Wednesday.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Females have a 31% higher associated risk of developing long COVID, study shows
Females have a 31% higher associated risk of developing long COVID, with women aged 40 to 55 years having the highest propensity, according to a study led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio).
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Immune cells' location in the gut shapes their disease-fighting roles, study reveals
The human immune system is like an army of specialized soldiers (immune cells) each with a unique role to play in fighting disease. In a new study published in Nature, led by scientists at the Allen Institute, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, and UC San Diego, researchers reveal how cells known as tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells, play unique and specialized roles based on where they are located within the small intestine.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Long-Covid Patients Are Frustrated That Federal Research Hasn't Found New Treatments
Erica Hayes, 40, has not felt healthy since November 2020 when she first fell ill with covid.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Scientists discover how gut modulates development of inflammatory conditions
A study led by David Sancho at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Madrid reveals how an increase in intestinal permeability allows the natural gut bacteria to cross the intestinal barrier and reach the bone marrow, where they induce epigenetic changes—modifications that alter gene activity without affecting DNA sequence—in the stem cells that give rise to immune cells. The epigenetic changes induced by the translocated gut bacteria generate "trained" immune cells primed to respond more efficiently to future infections.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source or Source

Social interventions could lead to major drop in national HIV incidence
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have quantified the impacts of a constellation of social factors on the spread of HIV. Their study, published in Health Care Management Science, found that a hypothetical 100% effective intervention addressing barriers to HIV treatment and care from depression, homelessness, individual and neighborhood poverty, education disparities, lack of insurance and unemployment could reduce the national HIV incidence by 29% over 10 years.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

The secret 'sex lives' of bacteria: Study challenges old ideas about how species form
When Kostas Konstantinidis proved that many bacteria—like plants and animals—are organized into species, he upended a long-held scientific belief. Scientists widely believed that bacteria, due to their unique genetic exchange mechanisms and the vast size of their global populations, did not—and could not—form distinct species.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Ultrasensitive test detects and serially monitors intact virus levels in COVID-19 patients
Investigators from Mass General Brigham have found that a method originally designed for cancer detection can also identify and monitor even tiny amounts of SARS-CoV-2 intact viral particles in blood and other fluids from patients with acute COVID-19 infections, creating the potential for guiding future treatment of patients.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Who to vaccinate first? Engineers answer a life-or-death question with network theory
Engineering and medical researchers at Penn have developed a framework that can determine the best and most computationally optimized distribution strategy for COVID-19 vaccinations in any given community.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 20th, 2025

Aerosol research shows how easily COVID-19 can be caught through the air
The virus winter season has struck—and COVID-19 is still part of everyday life. However, unlike during the pandemic, we now know more about how it spreads through the air we breathe. Research from Lund University in Sweden shows that it only takes a few minutes in the same room as an infected person to catch the virus.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Bird flu outbreak has reached Maryland: How concerned should we be?
The widening U.S. bird flu outbreak has made its way to Maryland, which has counted two cases on commercial poultry farms—one in Caroline County and another in Queen Anne's County—since the start of the year.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Breakthrough study maps critical structure of Nipah virus polymerase
Scientists at Harvard Medical School and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have mapped a critical component of the Nipah virus, a highly lethal bat-borne pathogen that has caused outbreaks in humans almost every year since it was identified in 1999.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Cable bacteria conduct protons over 100 micrometers, hinting at bioelectronic potential
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Aarhus University, Denmark, researchers have confirmed protonic conductivity over distances exceeding 100 micrometers along filamentous Desulfobulbaceae, commonly referred to as cable bacteria. Findings provide insights into microbial proton transport mechanisms and open pathways for applications in bioelectronics.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

CDC: Another human bird flu case brings total to 67
On Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed another case of avian influenza A(H5N1), or bird flu, in California, bringing the nationwide total of cases to 67.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

From Covid to Norovirus: Moderna's mRNA Tech Takes on Stomach Flu
Moderna's Phase III trial will test out its experimental vaccine in 25,000 people over the next two years.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Genital herpes is on the rise. Here's what to know about this common infection
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released new estimates suggesting around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 live with a genital herpes infection.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Georgia halts poultry sales in state after bird flu found
Georgia officials suspended the sale of poultry in the state after confirming a positive case of bird flu in a commercial operation, threatening one of the state's prime industries.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

How HIV cracks the lock to the cell nucleus
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) targets important cells of our immune system, making infected individuals more vulnerable to diseases and infections. Once inside human cells, HIV integrates the viral genome into that of the human host. Ultimately, the virus uses our body's machinery to produce copies of itself and spread infection.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

New review highlights zoonotic infection risks in the Canadian Arctic
A new review on zoonotic infections - diseases transmitted by animals - in the Canadian Arctic provides timely guidance to clinicians as the region experiences heightened global interest as well as climate change, which threatens the region and increases risk of disease transmission. The review, published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), provides guidance on how to identify and manage seven zoonotic infections in people.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Norovirus: What is it? Who's at risk? And why won't hand sanitizers work?
Norovirus—a highly contagious virus known for causing gastrointestinal distress—is making headlines this winter due to a sharp rise in cases and widespread outbreaks in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Scientists uncover structure of critical component in deadly Nipah virus
Findings could inform the design of treatments to combat infection
January 20th, 2025 — Source or Source

Stoking 'good' antibodies could be key to reducing serious bee venom allergic reactions
Monash University scientists have identified an immune system power play behind serious bee venom allergy, which lands twice as many Australians in hospital emergency departments each year as snake or spider bites.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Tanzania confirms new outbreak of Marburg virus
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed on Monday that there was a new outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the East African country.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Tiny vortexes help detect dangerous viruses
Whirlpools are mostly associated with death and danger on the high seas, but these glowing vortexes are working to help humanity. One of the most difficult steps in creating diagnostic tests is purifying samples to remove unwanted particles while concentrating biomarkers of interest.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 17th, 2025

A chain reaction: HIV vaccines can lead to antibodies against antibodies
Many vaccines work by introducing a protein to the body that resembles part of a virus. Ideally, the immune system will produce long-lasting antibodies recognizing that specific virus, thereby providing protection.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications identified in extremophilic bacteria from Andes
An article published in the journal Scientific Reports describes how researchers analyzed biofilm produced by bacteria found in the El Medano hot springs, located in Chile in the central Andes, and concluded that one of its key ingredients can be used to develop natural additives for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Bird flu identified on Virginia's Eastern Shore: Quarantine in place
A commercial flock of broiler chickens on the Eastern Shore has tested positive for H5N1, or bird flu.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Brain changes in Huntington's disease decades before diagnosis may guide future prevention trials
Subtle changes in the brain, detectable through advanced imaging, blood and spinal fluid analysis, happen approximately 20 years before a clinical motor diagnosis in people with Huntington's disease, finds a study led by UCL researchers.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

CDC urges faster testing for bird flu amid growing outbreak
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging health care workers to accelerate bird flu testing for patients hospitalized with flu symptoms, as the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak continues to grow in the United States and Canada.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 infection experience can alleviate or increase fear, depending on severity
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have found that contracting COVID-19 significantly affects fear levels. Mild cases tend to alleviate fear, whereas severe cases tend to increase it. Over time, fear generally decreases. Factors such as age, sex, and a history of respiratory disease also influence fear levels.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Early brain changes in Huntington's disease detected two decades before symptoms
Subtle changes in the brain, detectable through advanced imaging, blood and spinal fluid analysis, happen approximately twenty years before a clinical motor diagnosis in people with Huntington's disease, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Megakaryocytes' immune characteristics and role elucidated
Megakaryocytes (MKs), known for their role in platelet production, have emerged as critical players in immune responses, showcasing versatility in both physiological and pathological contexts. Recent advances in technology have unveiled the diverse immune functions of MKs, which express immune sensors and participate in immune activities, thus expanding their traditional role beyond hemostasis and coagulation.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

New study links cervicovaginal microbiome to increased risk of Chlamydia infections
Research highlights how microbial imbalances elevate susceptibility to infection and reinfection, offering potential pathways for prevention and treatment.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Researchers discover how cigarette smoke impairs critical lung immune cells
Cigarette smoking is widespread and deadly, yet our understanding of how cigarette smoke actually causes serious respiratory illnesses is incomplete, which has severely hampered the development of effective treatments. Today (TBC) Australian researchers reveal how multiple chemicals found in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes alter the function of a key type of immune cell found in the lungs.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Sepsis molecule discovery could lead to improved treatments for critically ill patients
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have uncovered how a molecule found on certain bacteria may drive blood clotting in sepsis, a life-threatening condition that causes about 8 million deaths per year.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Specific neurons with an immune 'doorbell' may influence mood and memory
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key molecule involved in inflammation and plays an important role in both healthy and diseased states. In disease, high levels of IL-1 in the brain are linked to neuroinflammation, which can disrupt the body's stress response, cause sickness-like behaviors, worsen inflammation by activating brain immune cells, and allow immune cells from the body to enter the brain. It also can lead to brain damage by causing support cells to produce harmful molecules.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Study evaluates effectiveness and safety of TMF for chronic hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a significant global health challenge, and effective antiviral therapies are essential for long-term management. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) in a cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Suraxavir trial finds faster flu recovery times for male but not female users
A single 40-mg dose of the antiviral drug suraxavir marboxil significantly shortened flu symptom resolution time in male patients aged 5--65, according to research led by the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in China. Intriguingly, suraxavir did not effectively shorten symptom resolution time for female participants in the study.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 13th, 2025

Adding depression, anxiety measures to CVD prediction model has little impact
Inclusion of measures of depression and anxiety in the American Heart Association Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events (PREVENT) prediction model has little additional impact on risk classification of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published online Jan. 13 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

As dengue cases rise, researchers point to simple solution: Trash cleanup
As cases of dengue fever skyrocketed globally this past year, new findings by Stanford researchers and their international collaborators underscore the importance of one measure that can significantly reduce disease risk: cleaning up trash.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Autoimmune skin condition linked to higher risk of heart disease
Patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), an autoimmune disease that causes skin inflammation, have a higher risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), or hardening of the arteries, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found. Their study, published in JAMA Dermatology, suggests CLE patients should be screened early for heart disease.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Cardiologist offers heart-protecting advice for a peak experience in the mountains
Whether it's a wintry visit to a snow-covered ski resort or a summertime hike in an alpine park, a vacation in the mountains can be breathtaking. Literally.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Did COVID really push some Italians out of the country's cities?
During the summer of 2020, as highlighted by geographers Aurelie Delage and Max Rousseau, media across many European countries widely reported the idea that the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered a massive urban exodus.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Discovery of Semliki Forest virus's brain entry route opens new avenues for tumor treatment
In a recent study, researchers from Uppsala University have shown that the Semliki Forest virus enters the central nervous system by first entering the cerebrospinal fluid and then binding to a specific cell type before penetrating deeper into the brain. This finding could potentially be used to develop the Semliki Forest virus as an agent for treating brain cancer.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Drug candidates target metabolic pathway in bacteria while sparing human cells
Antibiotics are a double-edged sword—they should be as toxic as possible to pathogenic bacteria while being harmless to the cells of the human body. An international research team led by the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) has now developed drug candidates that achieve precisely that. HIPS is a site of the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI) in collaboration with Saarland University.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Evolutionary map uncovers bacterial survival genes
The most detailed study to date on the mechanisms by which a common type of bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, adapts to living on the human body could help improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of certain infections.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

FDA Cites Dirty Equipment, Poor Sanitation at McDonald's Onion Supplier After E. Coli Scare
Federal inspectors uncovered numerous food safety issues at Taylor Farms' Colorado facility, including equipment found with "large amounts of food debris."
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Long COVID burden has decreased over time in health care workers, study finds
The prevalence and burden of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) has decreased over time in health care workers, according to a study published online Nov. 12 in Infection.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Mosquitoes in Australia may be carrying Japanese encephalitis this summer—What to know if you're spending time outdoors
A Victorian man is reportedly in a critical condition in hospital after contracting Japanese encephalitis from a mosquito bite.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Most species of bacteria remain unstudied in scientific research
A biomedical engineer at the University of Michigan has found that just a fraction of all known bacteria species has ever been the main focus of a scientific research effort and subsequent paper. In his research posted on the bioRxiv preprint server, Paul Jensen describes how he searched for information on bacteria species in the PubMed database and found most bacterial research explores only a few species.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Next-generation COVID-19 vaccine presents promising results in mice
Studies conducted in mice have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo's Medical School (FM-USP) in Brazil is safe and efficacious. The vaccine triggered a satisfactory immune response against the pathogen in the mice and protected them from infection.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Polypill treatment for heart disease offers high value in low-income, underserved population
Polypill treatment for cardiovascular disease prevention is of high value in a low-income, underserved population, according to research published in JAMA Cardiology.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Scientists engineer nanostructured surfaces hostile to bacteria but friendly to cells
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created nanostructured alumina surfaces which are strongly antibacterial but can be used to culture cells. They found that anodic porous alumina (APA) surfaces prepared using electrochemistry in concentrated sulfuric acid had unprecedented resistance to bacterial growth, but did not hamper cell cultures.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Scientists uncover genetic secrets of Staphylococcus aureus survival in humans
The most detailed study to date on the mechanisms by which a common type of bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, adapts to living on the human body could help improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of certain infections.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Single-cell method enables rapid identification of airborne pathogens in real-world environment
Aerosols play a critical role in the transmission of airborne pathogens by acting as carriers that transport pathogens between the environment and humans. Timely and accurate detection of these pathogens is essential for containing infectious disease outbreaks at their source and reducing hospital-acquired infection rates.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Special gut bacterium could help cut sugar cravings
Researchers have identified a gut bacterium that may be associated with reduced dietary sugar intake. The findings, which are based on analyses of humans and mice, could aid the development of therapies to manage obesity and metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Study finds cases of ME/CFS increase following SARS-CoV-2
New findings from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative suggest that infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may be associated with an increase in the number of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) cases.
January 13th, 2025 — Source or Source

Study finds that community health workers were vital to Orange County's COVID-19 response
Community health workers were found to be the unsung heroes of the health care system's pandemic response, according to a study led by a team of public health researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and their community partners. Findings also show that current funding and reimbursement mechanisms remain inadequate to sustain their work.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Study reveals how Zika virus hijacks host protein for reproduction
The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head. A new study published Jan. 13 in mBio shows that the Zika virus hijacks a host protein called ANKLE2, which happens to be important for brain development, to assist its own reproduction. Because Zika, unlike most related viruses, can cross the placenta, this can have disastrous consequences in pregnancy.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Study reveals route of entry for Semliki Forest virus into the brain
In a recent study, researchers from Uppsala University show that the Semliki Forest virus enters the central nervous system by first entering the cerebrospinal fluid and then binding to a specific cell type before penetrating deeper into the brain. This finding could potentially be used to develop the Semliki Forest virus as an agent for treating brain cancer. The study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

The impact of extreme weather events on HIV prevention and care
Extreme weather events linked to climate change exacerbate health inequities for people living with HIV, impacting prevention, care, and treatment outcomes, particularly in vulnerable regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

What is HMPV, the cold-like virus circulating in China?
Not many people had heard of human metapneumovirus, or HPMV, until a surge of recent cases in China made headlines.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Your gut bacteria are in a chemical tug-of-war with your body
Our gut is a bustling hub of activity, home to trillions of microbes that work together with our bodies to keep us healthy. A recent study explores one fascinating aspect of this partnership: how gut bacteria team up with the host body to regulate bile acids, essential molecules that control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Wrong place, wrong time: Why Zika virus hijacks a protein needed for brain growth
The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 10th, 2025

AI analysis reveals four long COVID patient subgroups and needs
Across the United States, no hospital is the same. Equipment, staffing, technical capabilities, and patient populations can all differ. So, while the profiles developed for people with common conditions may seem universal, the reality is that there are nuances that require individual attention, both in the make-up of the patients being seen and the situations of the hospitals providing their care.
January 10th, 2025 — Source

Cambodian man dies from bird flu
A 28-year-old Cambodian man died from bird flu on Friday after eating sick chickens, the health ministry said.
January 10th, 2025 — Source

T cells' capability to fully prevent acute viral infections opens new avenues for vaccine development
Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and the Singapore General Hospital have discovered that T cells—white blood cells that can destroy harmful pathogens—can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralizing antibodies.
January 10th, 2025 — Source or Source

Two accused of COVID-19 vaccine fraud under Computer Misuse Act
Investigation says scheme allegedly raked in £145k and sold nearly 2,000 fake records to the unvaccinated
January 10th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 9th, 2025

A third of UK public would have been 'tolerant' of petty corruption during COVID-19 vaccine rollout
A new study reveals that up to a third of the British public felt petty corruption would have been acceptable in order to get early access to vaccines during the UK's COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

AI-powered staining in microbiology: Researchers introduce virtual Gram staining of label-free bacteria
A team of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has introduced a virtual Gram staining technique that could transform how microbiologists stain and classify bacteria. This new technology uses artificial intelligence to convert microscopic images of unstained bacteria into their Gram-stained equivalents, bypassing the traditional chemical staining process.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Biggest flu outbreak in 25 years hits Japan
Japan in the last week of December experienced the biggest influenza outbreak since comparable data became available 25 years ago, health authorities said Thursday.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

China reports 5 cases of new mpox strain
China said on Thursday it had recorded five cases of a new mpox strain, but that the "outbreak has been effectively handled".
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Early-life infection burden linked to risk for later infections
Early-life infection burden is associated with an increased risk for later moderate-to-severe infections and systemic antibiotic treatments to age 10 or 13 years, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Extended nirmatrelvir/ritonavir found to be beneficial for some with long COVID
Extended-course nirmatrelvir/ritonavir yields a meaningful reduction in symptoms for some patients with long COVID, but not all benefits persist, according to a case series published online Jan. 6 in Communications Medicine.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Gut microbes and the body work together to regulate fat metabolism
Beneficial gut microbes and the body work together to fine-tune fat metabolism and cholesterol levels, according to a new preclinical study by investigators from Weill Cornell Medicine and the Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University's Ithaca campus.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Groundbreaking G6PD diagnostic test prequalified by WHO to ensure safe malaria treatment
On 18 December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the first diagnostic test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency which can help to safely deliver WHO-recommended treatments to prevent relapse of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) infection.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

New antibiotic shows promise in fighting tuberculosis
A consortium including scientists from the Tropical Institute at LMU University Hospital has demonstrated the effectiveness of a new antibiotic.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

New molecule shows promise in protecting mice from influenza
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, in collaboration with colleagues in China, have discovered an antibody-like molecule that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The findings could pave the way for new treatments and the development of broader influenza vaccines.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Research shows 8 in 10 infants received RSV protection in the 2023 to 2024 season
Eight in 10 infants received respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protection during the 2023 to 2024 season, according to a research letter published online Jan. 8 in JAMA Network Open.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Parvovirus B19 myocarditis cases reported in preschoolers from Northern Greece
Myocarditis is a rare yet serious condition known for the inflammation of the heart muscle, also known as the myocardium. In severe cases of myocarditis, the heart muscle becomes extremely weak and fails to pump blood effectively. This, in turn, can lead to heart failure and death. A thorough and timely intervention is important for ensuring the effective treatment of myocarditis.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Procalcitonin test fails to shorten antibiotic use in hospitalized children
A groundbreaking UK study led by the University of Liverpool has examined whether an additional blood test called procalcitonin (PCT) could safely shorten the time children spend on intravenous (IV) antibiotics in hospitals.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

'RNA lanterns' could offer new insights into viruses and human memory
RNA is the molecule that reads the genetic information stored in DNA. It's critical for the proper functioning of cells, and in a new study published in Nature Communications, University of California, Irvine scientists have discovered a way of tagging RNA with a glowing bioluminescent molecule that allows them to track RNA in real time as it moves throughout the body. The work promises to help scientists better understand everything from the way viruses propagate to how memories form in the brain.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Syringe exchange fears hobble fight against West Virginia HIV outbreak
More than three years have passed since federal health officials arrived in central Appalachia to assess an alarming outbreak of HIV spread mostly between people who inject opioids or methamphetamine.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

What Illinois residents should know, following the first US death from bird virus
Bird flu is increasingly sparking concern across the country and in Illinois, following news this week of the first human death from the virus in the U.S., and of birds found throughout Illinois with suspected cases of the illness.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 8th, 2025

China is having standard flu season despite widespread HMPV fears
Data shows a completely normal respiratory illness season, WHO says.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Creating Antibacterial Nanoparticles from Goji Berries
Researchers used the common goji berry as an organic source to produce antibacterial silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), reflecting a growing focus on sustainability across industries. The study was published in the journal AIP Advances.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Deadly bacteria behave differently in Saudi Arabia compared with rest of world, epidemiology study finds
A new multi-institutional study led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) provides the largest epidemiological analysis in Saudi Arabia of the multidrug-resistant bacteria species Klebsiella pneumoniae, one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections in the world and a global health priority of the World Health Organization. The study finds that the diversity of bacteria in Saudi Arabia differ from other geographical regions, indicating unique health policies are required.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Expert outlines plan to combat antivaccine movement's next phase
In a recent essay, pediatrician-scientist Peter Hotez proposes a focus on local data, improved benefit-risk communications, actively countering health disinformation, and state-level action to address antivaccine sentiment in the U.S.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Extreme weather impacts HIV prevention and treatment access
New challenges in HIV prevention and care are emerging due to climate change, according to a review published earlier this month in Current Opinions in Infectious Disease.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Kidney disease compromises survival of infection-fighting cells, study reveals
Fighting off infections when one has a chronic disease is a common problem, and during the COVID-19 pandemic that scenario often turned out to be dangerous and deadly. A new study led by Stony Brook Medicine demonstrates that advanced kidney disease compromises the survival of B cells, a type of infection-fighting white blood cell that produces antibodies to kill microbes, and thus significantly reduces the immune response to the influenza virus.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Killing the competition: Bacteria produce molecules that help viruses infect their rivals
In a new study, researchers at Indiana University Bloomington have discovered a new way that bacteria can kill its competitors in complex microbial communities, revealing novel approaches to leverage viruses to kill harmful bacteria.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Scientists unravel how ancient bacteria weave living mats—solving one of nature's oldest mysteries
Scientists have uncovered how cyanobacteria—Earth's first photosynthetic organisms—self-organize into intricate living mats, offering insights into aquatic ecosystems and potential inspiration for material design.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Supported weight management may improve symptoms for people living with long COVID and overweight
Researchers have found that a combination of dietitian and peer-supported weight management may help improve symptoms in people with both long COVID and overweight—however, the study authors stress it was a complex intervention and further research is required.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Toxin-antitoxin systems could target invasive and resistant bacteria
In a counterintuitive move, bacteria are known to produce self-destructive toxins. However, they also make antitoxins, and researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have identified these toxin-antitoxin systems as a possible passkey to hack into bacteria communities.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 7th, 2025

A passive resistance phenomenon: Marine bacteria use low tRNA levels to fend off viruses
As humans, we often focus on viruses and bacteria because of their role in causing various, sometimes severe, diseases. However, an equally fascinating but lesser-known phenomenon is the ongoing battle between bacteria and bacteriophages—viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Biocomposites of 2D Layered Materials
Molecular composites, such as bone and nacre, are everywhere in nature and play crucial roles, ranging from self-defense to carbon sequestration. Extensive research has been conducted on constructing inorganic layered materials at an atomic level inspired by natural composites. These layered materials exfoliated to 2D crystals are an emerging family of nanomaterials with extraordinary properties.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Canceling effect of genetics and environmental changes on bacterial growth
Researchers conducted a high-throughput growth assay and machine learning to address the genetic and environmental interplay on bacterial growth. The findings indicated that the environmental chemicals affecting growth have varying impacts, depending on the amount of sugar present. Moreover, the research team demonstrated that the changes in growth caused by the genetic and environmental changes offset each other.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

First US death from bird flu reported in Louisiana
A Louisiana resident has died after being hospitalized with bird flu in December of last year, marking the first known U.S. death from the virus.
January 7th, 2025 — Source or Source or Source

France confirms first mpox variant case
France has detected its first case of a new mpox virus, the health ministry said Monday, weeks after the World Health Organization maintained its highest alert level amid the epidemic.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

hMPV may be spreading in China. Here's what to know about this virus—and why it's not cause for alarm
Five years on from the first news of COVID, recent reports of an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Norovirus cases reportedly surge in Massachusetts, nasty stomach bug spreading across country
The Bay State is apparently not immune to the surge in nasty stomach bug cases across the country.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Pertussis cases surging in the United States
Rates of pertussis in the United States are surging, with more than 32,000 cases reported as of mid-December—about six times more than at this time last year and more than have been reported since 2014, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Potent compound derived from Brazilian plant offers hope for neglected disease
A compound derived from Nectandra leucantha, a tree native to southern Brazil (local names: canela-seca or canela-branca), has the potential to be used to treat visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease associated with poverty, malnutrition, poor housing and lack of basic sanitation.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Scientists advance nanobody technology to combat deadly Ebola virus
Ebola virus, one of the deadliest pathogens, has a fatality rate of about 50%, posing a serious threat to global health and safety. To address this challenge, researchers have developed the first nanobody-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus.
January 7th, 2025 — Source or Source

Significantly shorter treatment regimens for tuberculosis in children and adults now recommended
Tuberculosis remains a public health crisis. The World Health Organization's Global Tuberculosis Report released in November 2024 painted a sobering picture; approximately 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB in 2023, the highest number since the organization began global TB monitoring in 1995.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Study shows head trauma may activate latent viruses, leading to neurodegeneration
Researchers suggest results may lead to preventive strategies using antiviral drugs
January 7th, 2025 — Source or Source

Undernutrition linked to measles outbreaks in low-income countries
There were an estimated 136,200 deaths caused by measles across the globe in 2022, primarily affecting children under the age of 5. The global number of cases of measles had declined from 2000--2016, then reversed in 2018, in part due to the pandemic and undervaccination.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 6th, 2025

Bird Flu Patient in Louisiana Becomes First Human Death in Current H5N1 Outbreak
The patient acquired bird flu from backyard chickens.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Can vitamin C keep the common cold away?
Winter is flu and cold season. Will taking in more vitamin C keep you healthier and prevent illness?
January 6th, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

DoxyPEP reduces chlamydia and syphilis rates in routine care
A new study has found that rates of chlamydia and syphilis plummet among people prescribed doxycycline for sexually transmitted infection prevention in routine clinical care.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Exploring IL-8⁺ neutrophils and their role in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis
Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is a critical global health issue characterized by acute liver inflammation and an elevated risk of mortality in its severe form (sAH). While the condition has been studied extensively, effective treatments remain scarce, with liver transplantation often being the only viable option for patients with advanced disease.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Extended course of Paxlovid shows promise for some long Covid patients
An up-close look at how patients respond to the drug at different times and doses adds nuance to a recent finding that Paxlovid does not work for long Covid.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Extended Paxlovid may help some people with long COVID
An up-close look at how patients respond to the drug at different times and doses adds nuance to a recent finding that Paxlovid does not work for long COVID.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

'Mosquito Shield' effectively reduces malaria transmission in major clinical trial
The University of Notre Dame and Unitaid have announced that an innovative vector control tool for malaria called a spatial repellent showed a significant impact on reducing malaria infections in a study published in The Lancet.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

State Center offices all clear from Legionella as last building tests within normal limits
The last remaining building in the State Center office complex in downtown Baltimore has been cleared of Legionella bacteria following a retest in late December.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Tuberculosis strains resistant to new drugs are being transmitted between patients, study finds
Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's biggest infectious disease killer, with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) posing a particular threat to global health. A study led by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) shows that resistance to the new MDR-TB treatment regimen recently recommended by the World Health Organization is already spreading between patients.
January 6th, 2025 — Source or Source or Source

Zinc deprivation reveals vulnerability in resistant bacteria, reviving old antibiotics
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a critical vulnerability in drug-resistant bacteria: zinc—or a lack thereof.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 3rd, 2025

Bacteria in Lake Mendota evolve in cycles following seasonal shifts
Like Bill Murray in the movie "Groundhog Day," bacteria species in a Wisconsin lake are in a kind of endless loop that they can't seem to shake. Except in this case, it's more like Groundhog Year.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Brazil's cash transfer program cuts tuberculosis cases and deaths among vulnerable populations
Brazil's Bolsa Família Program (BFP), one of the world's largest conditional cash transfer programmes, was responsible for the reduction of more than half the number of tuberculosis cases and deaths among those living in extreme poverty and Indigenous groups, shows a large study coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center supported by "la Caixa" Foundation, the Institute of Collective Health, and the CIDACS-FIOCRUZ in Bahia, Brazil.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Modeling tool estimates COVID-19 testing saved 1.4 million lives
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how crucial testing is for disease preparedness and response, and new research from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and a team of collaborators underscores that principle.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

NIH researchers discover novel class of anti-malaria antibodies
New antibodies could lead to next generation of interventions against malaria.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Scientists identify novel antibodies for fighting malaria
A novel class of antibodies that binds to a previously untargeted portion of the malaria parasite could lead to new prevention methods, according to a study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published today in Science. The most potent of the new antibodies was found to provide protection against malaria parasites in an animal model.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Social program cuts tuberculosis cases among Brazil's poorest by more than half
Brazil's Bolsa Família Program (BFP), one of the world's largest conditional cash transfer programs, was responsible for the reduction of more than half the number of tuberculosis cases and deaths among those living in extreme poverty and Indigenous groups, shows a large study coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Study highlights the importance of diagnostic tests in pandemic response
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how crucial testing is for disease preparedness and response, and new research from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and a team of collaborators underscores that principle.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Syringe Exchange Fears Hobble Fight Against West Virginia HIV Outbreak
More than three years have passed since federal health officials arrived in central Appalachia to assess an alarming outbreak of HIV spread mostly between people who inject opioids or methamphetamine.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 1st, 2025

Researchers develop 'family tree' system to auto-detect new variants of infectious diseases
Researchers have come up with a new way to identify more infectious variants of viruses or bacteria that start spreading in humans—including those causing flu, COVID, whooping cough and tuberculosis.
January 1st, 2025 — Source

Study traces Ebola's route to the skin surface
Ebola is a deadly hemorrhagic disease caused by a virus that is endemic in parts of East-Central and West Africa. Most people are aware that a primary route for person-to-person transmission is through contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. But more recent outbreaks, including the 2013--2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, demonstrated that infectious Ebola virus (EBOV) is also found on the skin's surface of those who have succumbed to infection or at late times during infection.
January 1st, 2025 — Source

Which infectious disease is likely to be the biggest emerging problem in 2025?
COVID emerged suddenly, spread rapidly and killed millions of people around the world. Since then, I think it's fair to say that most people have been nervous about the emergence of the next big infectious disease—be that a virus, bacterium, fungus or parasite.
January 1st, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 31st, 2024

Accelerated kidney function decline seen with COVID-19 versus pneumonia
COVID-19 is associated with accelerated decline in kidney function, especially after hospitalization, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in JAMA Network Open.
December 31st, 2024 — Source

China says shared Covid information 'without holding anything back'
Beijing insisted on Tuesday that it had shared information on Covid-19 "without holding anything back", after the World Health Organization implored China to offer more data and access to understand the disease's origins.
December 31st, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 30th, 2024

Five years on, WHO urges China to share Covid origins data
The World Health Organization on Monday implored China to share data and access to help understand how COVID-19 began, five years on from the start of the pandemic that upended the planet.
December 30th, 2024 — Source

Foreign DNA 'sneaks' past bacterial defenses, aiding antibiotic resistance
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals how bacterial defense mechanisms can be neutralized, enabling the efficient transfer of genetic material between bacteria. The researchers believe this discovery could pave the way for developing tools to address the antibiotic resistance crisis and promote more effective genetic manipulation methods for medical, industrial, and environmental purposes.
December 30th, 2024 — Source

Immunocompromised may not produce enough protective antibodies against RSV after vaccination, says new study
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have shown that people 60 years or older with weakened immunity—primarily organ transplant recipients who take immunosuppressive medications to reduce the risk of rejection and others with immune system disorders—do not respond as strongly to vaccines against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as people in the same age group with normal immune function.
December 30th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 29th, 2024

Norovirus cases surge in US, causing widespread stomach illness
Cases of a wretched stomach bug are surging in parts of the United States this winter, according to government data.
December 29th, 2024 — Source

Why splash pools can be an infection risk for kids
In the heat of summer, many parents take their children to splash pools or splash pads and other recreational water parks to cool down. But indoor aquatic facilities—with their fountains and spraying jets of water—can often be just as popular over the festive period, once children have got over the novelty of their Christmas gifts and are looking to burn off some energy.
December 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 28th, 2024

Bird flu virus likely mutated within a Louisiana patient, CDC says
A genetic analysis suggests the bird flu virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nation's first severe case of the illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week.
December 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 27th, 2024

A public health emergency is waiting at the bottom of the antibiotic resistance cliff
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria could lead to a catastrophic rise in infection-related deaths, according to new research led by Northern Arizona University.
December 27th, 2024 — Source

Digital health care consultations not enough for safe assessment of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a common reason for visits to the doctor and prescriptions of antibiotics in primary care. To determine whether a patient needs antibiotics, doctors use the so-called Centor Criteria for tonsillitis. The criteria include fever, tender and swollen lymph nodes in the angles of the jaw and inspection of the tonsils.
December 27th, 2024 — Source

Ozone therapy shows promise in treating sepsis-induced lung injury
Sepsis, a severe and often fatal complication of infection, is a leading cause of both ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). These conditions, which are associated with high mortality rates, remain challenging to treat due to the lack of effective therapies. NETs play a central role in the progression of sepsis, as they are involved in trapping pathogens but can also trigger excessive inflammation, exacerbating lung injury.
December 27th, 2024 — Source

Research unveils new bacteriophage more effective than similar species
Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. This "race" can lead to a situation where antibiotics will stop suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Bacteriophages, natural "predators" of bacteria, are considered one of the alternatives.
December 27th, 2024 — Source

Study finds genetic and environmental factors neutralize bacterial growth
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have conducted a high-throughput growth assay and used machine learning to address the genetic and environmental interplay of bacterial growth.
December 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 26th, 2024

Brief outpatient rehab program beneficial for post-COVID-19 condition
A brief outpatient rehabilitation program with a cognitive and behavioral approach is effective and safe for patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), according to a study published online Dec. 19 in JAMA Network Open.
December 26th, 2024 — Source

COVID-19 infection not linked to changes in MS symptom severity
COVID-19 infection is not associated with immediate changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) symptom severity or disability, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in Neurology.
December 26th, 2024 — Source

Japanese gov't under fire for funding native chipmaker Rapidus with $6.2 billion in COVID relief money
$32 billion in funding is hard to find.
December 26th, 2024 — Source

Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu
An Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu, Oregon authorities said, prompting a recall of raw frozen pet food that was sold nationwide.
December 26th, 2024 — Source

Prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition in adults 8.4 percent in 2023
The prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) was 8.4 percent among U.S. adults in 2023, according to a research letter published online Dec. 13 in JAMA Network Open.
December 26th, 2024 — Source

Therapeutic-dose anticoagulation linked to lower mortality in COVID-19
For patients hospitalized for COVID-19, administration of therapeutic-dose versus prophylactic-dose anticoagulation with heparins is associated with lower 28-day mortality, according to a review published online Dec. 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
December 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 25th, 2024

How to detect more antimicrobial resistant bacteria in our waterways
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in waterways presents a critical threat. If commonly used antibiotics are deemed useless, decades of progress in human medicine and agriculture could be undermined.
December 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 20th, 2024

How America lost control of the bird flu, setting the stage for another pandemic
Keith Poulsen's jaw dropped when farmers showed him images on their cellphones at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin in October. A livestock veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin, Poulsen had seen sick cows before, with their noses dripping and udders slack.
December 20th, 2024 — Source

International study reveals COVID-19 pandemic's impact on other causes of death
Researchers have analyzed cause-of-death data for 24 countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that life expectancy declined in 2020 for all but four of the 24 included countries, with the US experiencing the largest decline of 2.1 years for males. In 2021, most countries experienced further declines in life expectancy, with females in Bulgaria and males in Latvia experiencing the largest losses of over two years.
December 20th, 2024 — Source

Louisiana bars health dept. from promoting flu, COVID, mpox vaccines: Report
Staff worried they were no longer helping people and the ban would lead to deaths.
December 20th, 2024 — Source

Norovirus sickens hundreds on three cruise ships: CDC
Just over 300 people have been sickened in norovirus outbreaks on three different cruise ships in December, new government data shows.
December 20th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 16th, 2024

Black adults with long COVID report higher levels of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, research suggests
Black adults living with long COVID pointed to challenges with their physical health—rather than their mental health—when asked to describe their long-COVID symptoms. That is one key finding from our study, published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Combo treatment with xalnesiran shows promise in patients with hep B
For patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with virologic suppression with nucleoside or nucleotide analog (NA) therapy, xalnesiran plus an immunomodulator results in a substantial percentage of patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, according to a study published in the Dec. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Five years on from the pandemic, long COVID keeps lives on hold
Three years ago, Andrea Vanek was studying to be an arts and crafts teacher when spells of dizziness and heart palpitations suddenly started to make it impossible for her to even take short walks.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

How to reduce risk of respiratory infections
Rates of infection for respiratory viruses are currently low in the U.S. but are starting to rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV spread more in fall and winter, especially during holiday gatherings, travel and time spent indoors.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Influenza's protective coat and RNA interactions mapped at atomic level
To fight the virus that causes influenza, one of the avenues being explored by scientists is the development of drugs capable of destabilizing its genome, which is made up of eight RNA molecules. But the challenge is daunting: Each RNA molecule is tightly bound to an assembly of proteins which creates a double helix, forming a protective coat that is difficult to manipulate.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Long COVID's effects on employment: Financial distress, fear of judgment
Though research has shown that people with long COVID are more likely to be unemployed, the statistics don't reveal what patients go through before they cut their hours, stop working or lose their jobs.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

New guidelines unveil advanced strategies for HIV treatment and prevention
On the occasion of World AIDS Day on 1 December 2024, the International Antiviral (formerly AIDS) Society-U.S. (IAS-U.S.) has published new international guidelines for the treatment and prevention of HIV. The updated recommendations were developed by a panel of volunteer medical experts, including Prof Clara Lehmann of the University Hospital Cologne and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Patient in Louisiana hospitalized with first bird flu case in that state
Louisiana has reported what appears to be the state's first case of bird flu.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Pakistan begins last anti-polio vaccination campaign of the year after a surge in cases
Pakistan on Monday began its last nationwide vaccination campaign for the year to protect 45 million children from polio after a surge in new cases hampered efforts to stop the disease, officials said.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

S. aureus thwarts vaccines by turning on a protein that halts immune response, scientists reveal
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections that can sometimes lead to sepsis and toxic shock syndrome. The microbe poses a significant threat to public health, made worse by the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA) in recent years.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Scientists reveal characteristics of Salmonella dry surface biofilm
Food scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have revealed key characteristics of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella dry surface biofilm (DSB), a previously overlooked type of biofilm that commonly exists in dry food processing environments.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 13th, 2024

ACIP updates recommendations for Bexsero MenB-4C vaccine
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations have been updated for the meningococcal serogroup B MenB-4C vaccine (Bexsero), in accordance with the updated U.S. Food and Drug Administration label. The updated recommendations have been published in the Dec. 12 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Can bacteria handle stress? Study reveals how combined stressors overwhelm harmful bacteria
The human body is a stressful place for bacteria to live. They must defend against many chemical and physical stressors, in addition to the immune system. One major physical stressor is fluid flow, which constantly circulates in the bloodstream, urinary tract, and lungs. Research has traditionally ignored the impact of flow on bacteria because it is challenging to model in laboratory settings.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

From Yemen to France, research reveals spread of highly drug-resistant cholera strain
Scientists from the National Reference Center for Vibrios and Cholera at the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with the Center hospitalier de Mayotte, have revealed the spread of a highly drug-resistant cholera strain.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Genetic method leverages bacterial transfer mechanism to produce new active ingredients
Microorganisms produce a wide variety of natural products that can be used as active ingredients to treat diseases such as infections or cancer. The blueprints for these molecules can be found in the microbes' genes, but often remain inactive under laboratory conditions.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Soil ecosystems fuel antibiotic resistance development
Surprisingly, the ground beneath us is packed with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) -; tiny codes that allow bacteria to resist antibiotics. Human activities, such as pollution and changing land use, can disturb soil ecosystems and make it easier for resistance genes to transfer from soil bacteria and infect humans.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Uncovering the evolutionary origins of the hepatitis E virus
An international team of virologists, mammalian ecologists and zoologists has uncovered the evolutionary origins of the hepatitis E virus. In their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group analyzed genomic data for multiple viral hosts.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 6th, 2024

A mystery illness has killed dozens of people in Congo. UN experts are now investigating
The World Health Organization said Friday it was deploying experts to investigate a mystery flu-like illness that has killed dozens of people in southwest Congo in recent weeks.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Broadly effective vaccine design offers new hope in the fight against hepatitis C
The development of an effective vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has posed a significant challenge for decades due to the high genetic diversity of the virus. A research team has now achieved promising results. Using epitope-focused immunogens, they were able to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in laboratory models for the first time.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Cervical self-testing an acceptable HPV screening method, but survey reveals knowledge gap from users
Published today in the Journal of Primary Health Care, the research reveals that HPV self-testing (a vaginal swab) was widely accepted and preferred by people for cervical screening, but gaps were identified in their knowledge about the new process.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Cholera spreading 'rapidly' in South Sudan: MSF
Aid workers in South Sudan warned Friday that a cholera outbreak was "rapidly escalating" in the far north of the young nation where chronic violence has displaced thousands.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

First mouse strain susceptible to severe COVID-19 without the need for genetic modification identified
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory and Trudeau Institute have identified the first mouse strain that is susceptible to severe COVID-19 without the need for genetic modification. This development, reported in Scientific Reports, marks a pivotal step forward in infectious disease research, providing an essential tool to develop vaccines and therapeutics for future coronavirus variants and potential pandemics.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Getting to the bottom of things: Latrine findings help researchers trace movement of people and disease
A McMaster researcher has uncovered evidence of intestinal parasites in a 500-year-old latrine from Bruges, Belgium, and while the finding may induce queasiness in some, it is expected to provide important scientific evidence on how infectious diseases once spread through travel and trade.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Gut microbiota: A consensus paper to regulate the 'wild west' of diagnostic tests
The gut microbiota might perhaps one day become a routine tool for the early diagnosis of many diseases and to guide treatment, but at present there is a lack of solid scientific evidence to support these claims. Yet, day by day, there are more and more offers of commercial kits for do-it-yourself testing, at the moment totally lacking in meaning and scientific solidity.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

How Measles, Whooping Cough, and Worse Could Roar Back on RFK Jr.'s Watch
The availability of safe, effective covid vaccines less than a year into the pandemic marked a high point in the 300-year history of vaccination, seemingly heralding an age of protection against infectious diseases.
December 6th, 2024 — Source or Source

Single mutation in H5N1 influenza surface protein could enable easier human infection
NIH-funded study finds risk of human infection continues to remain low.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Therese Canares, Bus '21 (MBA), a pediatric emergency physician, has a grand vision: to save people from having to make an unnecessary trip to the doctor's office if they think they have strep throat.
#2693
December 6th, 2024 — Source

US to start nationwide testing for H5N1 flu virus in milk supply
Feds can compel any company that handles pre-pasteurized milk to share samples.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 2nd, 2024

Considerable scale-up needed to achieve 2025 goals for HIV PrEP
Considerable scale-up is needed to achieve the 2025 goals for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), according to research published in the Nov. 28 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

COVID lockdowns affected adolescents' brain structures, says research
A recent study reported the somewhat alarming observation that the social disruptions of COVID lockdowns caused significant changes in teenagers' brains.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Enterococcus helps E. coli 'armor up' in dog, poultry co-infections
A new study finds that two subtypes of pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) produce five to 16 times more protective capsular 'slime' when Enterococcus faecalis (EF) is present. The finding could lead to targeted therapies for E. coli infections specific to dogs and poultry.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Genomic analysis reveals trigger for cytokine storm in lethal COVID-19
As part of the COVID-19 International Research Team, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pittsburgh and Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a novel cause of cytokine storm—the extreme inflammatory response associated with increased risk of death in COVID-19 infection.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

HIV: There's hope for a cure—where we stand now
With the help of Sourcenew scientific and technological developments, the HIV/Aids research community is increasingly turning to an ambitious goal: finding a cure for HIV/Aids.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Mental health and HIV in teens: Strategies to end stigma and discrimination
The UNAIDS report shows that Indonesia recorded 540,000 HIV cases as of 2023. That year saw a record high of 57,299 new HIV cases, with 5.5% (3,151) of these cases affecting adolescents aged 15--19.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Minority genetic variation in tuberculosis offers new insights for improving outbreak tracking
Study highlights the potential of minority variation and alternative sequencing methods to enhance epidemiological understanding of TB transmission
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Natural proteins may offer new way to treat covid-19 and autoimmune disorders
Some people naturally have higher levels of proteins that protect them from covid-19. New studies at Umeå University of our immune system may pave the way for more personalized treatments of both covid-19 and autoimmune disorders.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

New antibody discovery offers hope against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered a monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing a wide range of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the elusive omicron subvariants. This antibody, named K4-66, was isolated from a delta breakthrough infection case.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Nutrients related to vitamin B12 influence microbial growth and reshape soil microbiomes, research finds
Communities of microbes (microbiomes), particularly in soils, can be startlingly diverse, with as many as 10,000 species in just a cup of material. Scientists are working to understand how microbiomes and their members respond to their environments. These processes can profoundly shape the properties and composition of soils.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover new cause of cytokine storm in COVID-19
As part of the COVID-19 International Research Team, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pittsburgh and Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a novel cause of cytokine storm -; the extreme inflammatory response associated with increased risk of death in COVID-19 infection.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Scientists discover a natural flu defense mechanism that activates in the nasal cavity during pregnancy
McGill University scientists have discovered that pregnancy may trigger a natural immunity to boost protection against severe flu infection.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Severe COVID-19 may be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis
COVID-19 may be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). This has been shown by new research at Örebro University and Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. The study is published in the journal Brain Communications.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Soil-bacteria-derived molecules found to modulate health and lifespan in C. elegans study
The abundant and varied microbial communities within the human gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in influencing both overall health and aging. The utilization of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotic supplementation has gained traction in disease therapy in humans and prolonged lifespan in mice.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Vaccines can put an end to HIV. African governments must take the lead in developing them
Nowhere is this more evident than in southern and eastern Africa, where the majority of people living with HIV reside. Here new HIV infections remain alarmingly high despite significant advances in prevention and treatment.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 29th, 2024

Bacteria modify their ribosomes in response to the antibiotics
Bacteria modify their ribosomes when exposed to widely used antibiotics, according to research published today in Nature Communications. The subtle changes might be enough to alter the binding site of drug targets and constitute a possible new mechanism of antibiotic resistance.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Best time for COVID-19 booster depends on where you live, infection history
A one-size-fits-all approach for scheduling COVID-19 booster shots may not be the most effective, according to a new study by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) and University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). The best time for people to get a booster actually varies based on where they live and their personal infection history.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Global review charts lethal impact of fungal infection after lung disease
About 32% of people who have had prior damage from lung diseases will die after five years if they also get a common fungal infection, a major global review has found. The review also finds that 15% of people with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) die in the first year following other lung diseases.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Here's everything coming from Apple in December
December's biggest releases are the OS updates that expand Apple Intelligence.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Long COVID appears to be driven by 'long infection.' Here's what the science says
Around 5%--10% of people with COVID infections go on to experience long COVID, with symptoms lasting three months or more.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Microfluidic system offers a '48-hour solution' to antimicrobial resistance evolution
A team of researchers has developed a microfluidic system to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Operating at the picoliter scale, the system condenses billions of bacterial cells into a confined microenvironment, accelerating the experimental evolution of resistance.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Report: Flu, RSV trending upward and COVID remains flat as holiday season arrives
Coronavirus cases have been flat locally, likely due to the outsized surge that occurred this past summer, but the flu appears to be ramping up on its traditional trajectory, indicating that the latest spike of cases will be seen in late December and early January.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Why is a cure for HIV so elusive?
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry researchers are on the cutting-edge of the study of HIV, working toward treatments and a better understanding of how the virus works.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 27th, 2024

Air pollution linked to longer duration of long-COVID symptoms
Exposure to air pollutants is associated with an increased risk of persistent long-COVID symptoms, partly due to its impact on the severity of the acute infection.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Clinical trial reveals twice-yearly injection reduces risk of HIV infection by 96%
For oral medications that prevent new HIV infection to be effective, the patient must take certain actions, including attending doctor's visits every three months and—most importantly—consistency.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
COVID-19, the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu have many similar symptoms. Find out about some of the important differences between these illnesses.
November 27th, 2024 — Source or Source

Flu vaccine estimated to be 21% effective against flu spread to household members
A study of 700 people who tested positive for influenza suggests that their risk of infecting household contacts was 18.8% and that the estimated effectiveness of flu vaccines against secondary infections is 21.0%.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

For people living with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis is still the leading cause of death
The latest World Health Organization's Global Tuberculosis Report released in November 2024 painted a sobering picture; approximately 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in 2023, the highest number since the organization began global TB monitoring in 1995. TB is the leading cause of death among those with HIV/AIDS worldwide. According to the WHO, in 2023, 161,000 people died of HIV-associated TB.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Is bird flu a risk to people yet?
The term "bird flu" refers to a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A, classified as H5N1. Wild birds carry and transmit this flu, though most do not get sick from it. However, it has been detected in birds and mammals at farms such as poultry and dairy cows and has the potential to cause disease in people.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Nanorobot hand made of DNA grabs viruses for diagnostics and blocks cell entry
A tiny, four-fingered "hand" folded from a single piece of DNA can pick up the virus that causes COVID-19 for highly sensitive rapid detection and can even block viral particles from entering cells to infect them, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers report. Dubbed the NanoGripper, the nanorobotic hand also could be programmed to interact with other viruses or to recognize cell surface markers for targeted drug delivery, such as for cancer treatment.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Newly designed nanocrystals can kill bacteria under visible light
Newly developed halide perovskite nanocrystals (HPNCs) show potential as antimicrobial agents that are stable, effective and easy to produce. After almost three years, Rice University scientist Yifan Zhu and colleagues have developed a new HPNC that is effective at killing bacteria in a biofluid under visible light without experiencing light- and moisture-driven degradation common in HPNCs.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Researchers characterize 28 bacteria that produce bioactive substances, offering pharmaceutical potential
Researchers led by Dr. Imen Nouioui and Prof. Dr. Yvonne Mast from the Department Bioresources for Bioeconomy and Health Research at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH have characterized 28 actinomycetes and investigated their biotechnological potential.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals key protein substitutions affect SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in mammals
Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. Zoonotic transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been found to result in infections in more than 30 mammalian species. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds to the host's angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cell surface receptor to gain entry into the cell. ACE2 protein sequence conservation has therefore been evaluated across species, and species with amino acid substitutions in ACE2 were ranked low for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Telehealth significantly boosts treatment success for hepatitis C in rural patients
New research reveals a dramatic improvement in diagnosing and curing people living with hepatitis C in rural communities using both telemedicine and support from peers with lived experience in drug use.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Telemedicine and peer support show promise in treating hepatitis C in rural areas
New research reveals a dramatic improvement in diagnosing and curing people living with hepatitis C in rural communities using both telemedicine and support from peers with lived experience in drug use.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 25th, 2024

Case Western Reserve secures $1.5 million NIH grant to improve bacterial vaginosis treatments
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most prevalent condition affecting the female reproductive system in women aged 15 to 44, is linked to such serious health risks as preterm birth, gynecological malignancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Cyanobacterial circadian clock uses an AM radio-like mechanism to control cellular processes
Cyanobacteria, an ancient lineage of bacteria that perform photosynthesis, have been found to regulate their genes using the same physics principle used in AM radio transmission.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Electrical nerve stimulation eases long COVID pain and fatigue, study finds
Wearable TENS system 'offered immediate, on-demand relief,' say researchers
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Detroit health professionals urge the community to act and address the dangers of antimicrobial resistance
Wayne State University's Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases (CEID) is launching its participation in World AMR Awareness Week with an urgent message: the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance requires immediate community action, so it is critical to educate, advocate, and act now.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Farmworkers diagnosed with rare animal-borne disease in California's Ventura County
A cluster of workers at Ventura County berry farms have been diagnosed with a rare disease often transmitted through sick animals' urine, according to a public health advisory distributed to local doctors by county health officials.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Genetic clues explain why children develop rare post-COVID condition
Scientists have uncovered genetic variants that help to explain why some children with mild COVID-19 go on to develop a severe inflammatory condition weeks after their infection.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

New malaria vaccine shows high protection in clinical trial
Researchers at Leiden University Medical Center and Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands have demonstrated promising safety and efficacy of a late-liver-stage attenuated malaria parasite vaccine in a small clinical trial.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Online health care reviews turned negative following COVID pandemic
Researchers showed online reviews of health facilities took a negative turn after COVID and remain that way.
November 25th, 2024 — Source or Source

Research on key host pathways has implications for Ebola and beyond
Mortality rates from Ebola outbreaks can be as high as 90%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 55 people died in the most recent outbreak in Uganda in 2022.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Therapy using donor T cells stops deadly inflammation in rare brain infection
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but serious brain infection. It gradually destroys brain tissue and often leads to death within a few weeks. It is caused by the human polyomavirus 2—also known as the John Cunningham (JC) virus.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Wearable electrical nerve stimulation device eases long COVID pain and fatigue, say researchers
A wearable electrical nerve stimulation device can provide relief to people experiencing the persistent pain and fatigue linked to long COVID, a study co-led by UCLA and Baylor College of Medicine researchers suggests.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 24th, 2024

Risk perception and antibiotic resistance: Bridging knowledge and action
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats of our time. With microbes increasingly evading the effects of the drugs designed to combat them, we risk losing the ability to treat even common infections effectively. While the urgency of this issue is clear, addressing it requires innovative and targeted approaches, particularly in education.
November 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 23rd, 2024

California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child
Health officials on Friday confirmed bird flu in a California child—the first reported case in a U.S. minor.
November 23rd, 2024 — Source

Listeria outbreak tied to Yu Shang Food leaves California infant dead and 10 people sick
A California infant has died and at least 10 other people have been sickened in an outbreak of listeria food poisoning tied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that include chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank and pork hock, federal health officials reported Friday.
November 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 21st, 2024

Breakthrough discovery could lead to novel malaria vaccines and therapies
Malaria, particularly in its severe forms, remains a global health and economic burden. It causes the deaths of more than 600,000 people every year -- most of them African children under five. In a new study, published in the journal Nature, researchers from EMBL Barcelona, the University of Texas, the University of Copenhagen, and The Scripps Research Institute have discovered human antibodies that can recognize and target some of the proteins that cause severe malaria. This breakthrough could pave the way for future vaccines or anti-malaria treatments.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

COVID-19 mortality higher for leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome patients
The risk for COVID-19 hospitalization is low in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but these individuals have a high mortality risk, according to a study published online Oct. 16 in Frontiers in Oncology.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Global city mobility study reveals COVID-19's impact on transportation habits
COVID-19 reshaped mobility patterns worldwide, affecting walking, driving and public transit use, finds a new study published in The Lancet Public Health. The research, led by an international team including researchers in the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, analyzed data from nearly 300 cities to understand how urban transportation habits adapted during the pandemic.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

New thesis on MAIT cells provides insights into immunity and COVID-19
Tobias Kammann from the Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH) is defending his thesis titled "The diversity of MAIT cells across the human body and in COVID-19," on 29 November, 2024. His main supervisor is Johan Sandberg (MedH).
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Novel nano-vaccine administered as nasal spray found to be effective against all major COVID-19 variants
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an effective, inexpensive, and simple COVID-19 vaccine that can be stored at room temperature and administered as a nasal spray
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Scientists implicate a novel cellular protein in hepatitis A infection
Viruses have thrived in humans for tens of thousands of years, evolving to take advantage of the machinery of cells to replicate and survive inside us. Some can slip past our defenses and invade without even causing symptoms.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Using artificial intelligence to personalize infection treatment and address antimicrobial resistanceNew research from the Centers for Antimicrobial Optimization Network (CAMO-Net) at the University of Liverpool has shown that using artificial intelligence (AI) can improve how we treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), and help to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
#2693
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Why is it so difficult to make a new antibiotic?
The discovery of antibiotics is one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. Before antibiotics, childbirth, a urinary tract infection, or a simple cut could lead to death from infection.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 18th, 2024

Amid record year for dengue infections, study finds climate change responsible for 19% of rising dengue burden
Climate change is having a massive global impact on dengue transmission, accounting for 19% of the current dengue burden, with a potential to spark an additional 40--60% spike by 2050—and by as much as 150--200% in some areas—according to a new study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Antibacterial material restores the efficacy of antibiotics against resistant bacteria
Research from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, shows that resistant bacteria can regain susceptibility to antibiotics when the treatment is combined with a material equipped with antibacterial peptides. The study, performed in a laboratory environment, shows that antibiotics can achieve a 64-fold increase in bactericidal effect when used together with the material, whose antibacterial properties are also greatly enhanced by this combination.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Antibiotic resistance threatens to 'undo a century of medical progress': Five essential reads
Who hasn't been prescribed antibiotics by a doctor—for a chest infection or perhaps a sore throat? It's terrifying to think that these infections can become life threatening if the antibiotic drugs needed to treat them stop working.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

As California taps pandemic stockpile for bird flu, officials keep close eye on spending
California public health officials are dipping into state and federal stockpiles to equip up to 10,000 farmworkers with masks, gloves, goggles, and other safety gear as the state confirms at least 21 human cases of bird flu as of early November. It's the latest reminder of the state's struggle to remain prepared amid multibillion-dollar deficits.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Bird flu detected in Netherlands for first time in 2024
Bird flu was detected on an organic chicken farm in the center of the Netherlands for the first time this year, the government said on Monday.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Carrot E. Coli Recall Grows Larger: Get the Full List of Recalled Products
Grimmway Farms has added four bag sizes of organic carrots to the voluntary recall for E. coli.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

EU health agency urges stepped-up antibiotic resistance fight
The European Union health agency on Monday warned that Europe was set to miss goals on reducing the use of antibiotics, calling for action to prevent antimicrobial resistance from undermining health care.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Get chronic UTIs? Future treatments may add more bacteria to your bladder to beat back harmful microbes
Millions of people in the U.S. and around the world suffer from urinary tract infections every year. Some groups are especially prone to chronic UTIs, including women, older adults and some veterans.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Global antibiotic consumption has increased substantially since 2016, study finds
A new study highlights the recent but fluctuating growth in global human antibiotic consumption, one of the main drivers of growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR results in infections that no longer respond to antibiotics (and other antimicrobial medicines) and often leads to longer hospital stays, higher treatment costs, and higher mortality rates. AMR is estimated to be associated with nearly five million global deaths annually.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

H5N1 bird flu infects 5 more humans in California, and 1 in Oregon
As H5N1 bird flu spreads among California dairy herds and southward-migrating birds, health officials announced Friday six more human cases of infection: five in California and one in Oregon — the state's first.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Microbiome changes in chronic liver disease highlight need for personalized treatment
The bacterial changes also correlate with increased antibiotic resistance, highlighting the need for better targeting of antibiotic treatment.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Nanoplastics can impair the effect of antibiotics
Minuscule particles of plastic are not only bad for the environment. A study led from Umeå University, Sweden, has shown that the so-called nanoplastics which enter the body also can impair the effect of antibiotic treatment. The results also indicate that the nanoplastics may lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. Even the indoor air in our homes contains high levels of nanoplastics from, among other things, nylon, which is particularly problematic.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

New cell model reveals how hepatitis E viruses affect nerve cells
Hepatitis E viruses (HEV) typically cause liver infections. They can, however, also infect other organs and cause neurological disorders. Little is yet known about how this process works.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

New nasal vaccine shows promise in curbing whooping cough spread
As whooping cough cases rise in the U.S., a new nasal vaccine developed by Tulane University may hold the key to reducing the spread of the highly contagious respiratory disease.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

New uses for existing drugs could help combat antimicrobial resistance
In his recent doctoral thesis, defended at the University of Helsinki, Matej Zore investigated two drugs, fingolimod and etrasimod—initially developed to treat autoimmune diseases—for their potential to fight drug-resistant bacterial infections. Both drugs showed notable antibacterial effects, including against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Oropouche virus transmission to unborn child confirmed
The first confirmed case of vertical transmission of Oropouche virus (OROV) has been reported by 23 researchers from eight distinct institutions in Brazil.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Rising temperatures fuel global spread of dengue infections
Climate change is having a massive global impact on dengue transmission, accounting for 19% of the current dengue burden, with a potential to spark an additional 40%-60% spike by 2050 -; and by as much as 150%-200% in some areas -; according to a new study presented today at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).
November 18th, 2024 — Source

RSV immunizations and new ways to protect babies
Nearly all children get infected with respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly known as RSV, at least once by the time they are 2 years old. The virus can be dangerous for infants and some young children. In fact, RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants under 1 year old.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Study uncovers key mechanism behind HIV latency
An immune response that likely evolved to help fight infections appears to be the mechanism that drives human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a latent state, lurking in cells only to erupt anew, researchers at Duke Health report.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Walking pneumonia, whooping cough surge in San Diego County
San Diego County's public health department warned local doctors Friday that the region is in the midst of a significant increase in walking pneumonia cases, especially among children ages 2 to 4, echoing a national trend recently observed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And this surge has not arrived alone. Whooping cough is also making a significant appearance this fall.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 17th, 2024

Best Vitamins and Supplements for Joint Health in 2024
To support your joint health as you age, talk to your doctor about these vitamins and supplements.
November 17th, 2024 — Source

How to Claim Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Before Flu Season Peaks
Be sure to snag your free COVID tests from the US Postal Service before cases spike with December's arrival.
November 17th, 2024 — Source

RSV hospitalizations linked to considerable burden in adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is associated with a considerable burden of hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and in-hospital deaths among adults, according to a study published online Nov. 13 in JAMA Network Open.
November 17th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 16th, 2024

New study shows how salmonella tricks gut defenses to cause infection
A new UC Davis Health study has uncovered how Salmonella bacteria, a major cause of food poisoning, can invade the gut even when protective bacteria are present. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains how the pathogen tricks the gut environment to escape the body's natural defenses.
November 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 15th, 2024

A new experimental infection model in flies offers a fast and cost-effective way to test drugs
Researchers at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute and Hospital have characterized and developed a new study model using Drosophila that will enable the evaluation of various infectious agents.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Antarctic bacteria show promise as biocontrol agents for combating banana wilt
A recent study conducted by scientists at ESPOL has unveiled the biotechnological potential of microorganisms from Antarctica. In this remote continent, where life thrives under extreme conditions, researchers isolated 77 microbial strains from 162 cultures, identifying 49 species, predominantly actinomycetes (66.23%).
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Burden of superficial cutaneous fungal infection quantified in US
The burden of superficial cutaneous fungal infections (SCFIs) among outpatient visits in the United States is high and increasing, according to a study published online Oct. 30 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Chlamydia vaccine shows early promise in mice
An experimental vaccine has shown promise in protecting against the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia, researchers report.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Falling vaccination rates brings spikes in measles worldwide
Waning vaccine coverage has fueled a 20% spike in measles cases worldwide, with 10.3 million people struck by the preventable illness in 2023, health officials reported Wednesday.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

French territory Guadeloupe declares dengue epidemic
The overseas French territory of Guadeloupe declared a dengue epidemic on Thursday, with authorities noting the outbreak was being driven by a less common strain of the mosquito-borne disease.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Health care database analysis highlights lingering symptoms long after COVID-19 infection
A new international study has shed light on the significant burden of post-acute COVID-19 symptoms across North America, Europe and Asia.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

In vitro model enables study of age-specific responses to COVID mRNA vaccines
mRNA vaccines saved lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, but older people had less of an immune response to the vaccines than did younger adults. Why? Boston Children's researchers, led by Byron Brook, Ph.D., and Ofer Levy, MD, Ph.D., have found some answers, while providing proof-of-concept of a new system that can model vaccine responses in a dish.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Researchers focus on occupational burnout from hurricanes and COVID
After Hurricane Helene sent its storm surge into Florida's west coast in late September, local emergency responders and health care workers pulled long hours on the job. Then came Hurricane Milton right behind it, with Category 3 winds and rains wreaking havoc not just to property, but the patience and nerves of those same exhausted crews.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Scientists propose drug-free method to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Recent estimates indicate that deadly antibiotic-resistant infections will rapidly escalate over the next quarter century. More than 1 million people died from drug-resistant infections each year from 1990 to 2021, a recent study reported, with new projections surging to nearly 2 million deaths each year by 2050.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Students who use dating apps take more risks with their sexual health, research finds
In May, the WHO raised the alarm over the rise in the incidence of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) in many regions of the world, currently running at more than a million new cases per day. Among high-income countries, the US has one of the highest prevalence of STIs, and this problem is getting worse.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Microbial density in our gut shapes how diseases are linked to gut health
Using machine learning, researchers have developed a way to predict the total number of microbes in our gut from sequencing data, revealing that microbial density, influenced by factors like age and diet, is a major contributor to gut microbiome variation and could reshape how we study disease connections.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Study of Scotland's last plague reveals humanity in face of 'Black Death'
A new study led by the University of Aberdeen has provided greater understanding of Scotland's final deadly brush with the plague.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Study uncovers first evidence of resistance to standard malaria treatment in African children with severe malaria
An international team of researchers has uncovered evidence of partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives -- the primary treatment for malaria -- in young children with severe malaria.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Zinc deficiency promotes Acinetobacter lung infection, mouse study shows
Dietary zinc deficiency promotes lung infection by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria—a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia, according to a study published Nov. 15 in the journal Nature Microbiology.
November 15th, 2024 — Source or Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 12th, 2024

Bird flu decimates seals, leaving grim scenes of dead animals
"We were totally appalled."
November 12th, 2024 — Source

California Dengue Cases Prompt Swift Response From Public Health Officials
Jason Farned and his team at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District had spent years preparing for the likely arrival of dengue, a dangerous virus typically found in tropical climates outside the mainland United States.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

From pets to pests: Researchers explore new tool to fight disease-carrying insects
Arkansas researchers are testing a product commonly used to treat ticks and fleas on pets to target fly and mosquito larvae with the goal of helping reduce the spread of diseases carried by these insects.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

Goblet cells could be the guardians of the gut
In a recent study, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have provided new insights into the central role of goblet cells—specialized cells that line the gut—in maintaining a healthy and balanced immune environment within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

How immune cells 'sniff out' pathogens: Signaling study could speed up the search for new drugs
Immune cells are capable of detecting infections just like a sniffer dog, using special sensors known as Toll-like receptors, or TLRs for short. But what signals activate TLRs, and what is the relationship between the scale and nature of this activation and the substance being detected?
November 12th, 2024 — Source

Metagenomic sequencing test proves effective in diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen
A genomic test developed at UC San Francisco to rapidly detect almost any kind of pathogen—virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite—has proved successful after a decade of use.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

Multidrug-resistant strain of K. pneumoniae detected in Northeast Brazil
A strain of the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from an 86-year-old woman with a urinary infection admitted to hospital in Brazil's Northeast region in 2022 proved resistant to all available antibiotics. The patient died 24 hours after being hospitalized.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

STD epidemic slows as new syphilis and gonorrhea cases fall in US
The U.S. syphilis epidemic slowed dramatically last year, gonorrhea cases fell and chlamydia cases remained below prepandemic levels, according to federal data released Tuesday.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

Uncovering the mechanisms behind T cell differentiation
T helper (TH) cells are essential immune cells that help other immune cells function effectively. When activated in response to environmental stimuli, these cells can differentiate into either TH1 cells, which fight against viruses and intracellular pathogens, or TH2 cells, which fight against extracellular pathogens like bacteria and parasites.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 10th, 2024

Canada reports first case of bird flu in a person
A teenager in British Columbia has become the first person in Canada to test positive for bird flu, authorities said Saturday.
November 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 8th, 2024

Biomarker study confirms HNL Dimer's efficacy in monitoring sepsis treatment
The biomarker human neutrophil lipocalin HNL was previously shown to be a useful indicator of bacterial infections. Now, the dimeric form of HNL may also be used to effectively monitor the success of antibiotic treatment in sepsis.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

COVID-19 linked to long-term risk for autoimmune, autoinflammatory disease
COVID-19 is associated with long-term risk for autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders, according to a study published online Nov. 6 in JAMA Dermatology.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Examining two cases of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the rapid development and administration of various vaccines worldwide, with some reports linking these vaccines to immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Gut bacteria changes may foreshadow rheumatoid arthritis
Changes in the gut microbiome before rheumatoid arthritis is developed could provide a window of opportunity for preventative treatments, new research suggests.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Gut microbiome changes linked to onset of clinically evident rheumatoid arthritis
Changes in the make-up of the gut microbiome are linked to the onset of clinically evident rheumatoid arthritis in those at risk of the disease because of genetic, environmental, or immunological factors, suggests research published online in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

H5N1 Bird Flu Is Infecting More People Than We Know
New CDC research suggests that a small but significant percentage of dairy farmers working near infected cows have recently contracted H5N1, often without knowing.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Link between COVID-19 and long-term risk of autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders
The study suggests that long-term monitoring and patient management are crucial after COVID-19.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

New AI tool identifies additional undiagnosed cases of long COVID from patient health records
Investigators at Mass General Brigham have developed an AI-based tool to sift through electronic health records to help clinicians identify cases of long COVID, an often mysterious condition that can encompass a litany of enduring symptoms, including fatigue, chronic cough, and brain fog after infection from SARS-CoV-2.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

New medical AI tool identifies more cases of long COVID from patient health records
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to unveil the elusive traces of long COVID in patients' health records using 'precision phenotyping'
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Public trust in COVID-19 vaccine science influences vaccine uptake in the US
Study emphasizes the importance of bolstering trust in health communication from public sources like the CDC and addressing emotional impacts of loss.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Research points to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women
During the COVID-19 pandemic, above all before vaccines were available, an alarm was sounded regarding a possible correlation between severe cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women and preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) in the expectant mother and high levels of protein in her urine (proteinuria). It can entail dangerous complications for mother and baby.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

SARS-CoV-2 'steals' our proteins to protect itself from the immune system, study reveals
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna and the Medical University of Innsbruck discovered that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three important host proteins that dampen the activity of the complement system, a key component of early antiviral immunity.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Scientists in Japan develop new SARS-CoV-2 variant detection method
Scientists in Japan develop new SARS-CoV-2 variant detection method
November 8th, 2024 — Source

SARS-CoV-2 hijacks host proteins to escape immune clearance
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna and the Medical University of Innsbruck discovered that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three important host proteins that dampen the activity of the complement system, a key component of early antiviral immunity. This significantly impairs viral clearance which may affect the course of both acute COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 sequelae. The study was recently published in the journal "Emerging Microbes & Infections".
November 8th, 2024 — Source

SARS-CoV-2 'steals' our proteins to protect itself from the immune system
Virus hijacks three important host proteins that dampen the activity of the complement system
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura cases after CoronaVac raise concerns over vaccine safety
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the rapid development and administration of various vaccines worldwide, with some reports linking these vaccines to immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This report presents two cases of TTP occurring after the administration of the inactivated vaccine CoronaVac from Sinovac Biotech, highlighting the potential association between this type of vaccine and TTP.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Trial shows safety of getting COVID and flu vaccines at same time
Results from a randomized control trial published Nov. 6 in JAMA Network Open show that participants who received mRNA COVID-19 and inactivated influenza vaccines simultaneously had no more adverse effects than those who received the two shots sequentially, 1 or 2 weeks apart.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Washington state reports nearly 1,200 whooping cough cases so far this year
This year could shape up to be the worst year for whooping cough Washington has seen in over a decade.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

WHO study lists top endemic pathogens for which new vaccines are urgently needed
A new World Health Organization (WHO) study published in eBioMedicine names 17 pathogens that regularly cause diseases in communities as top priorities for new vaccine development. The WHO study is the first global effort to systematically prioritize endemic pathogens based on criteria that included regional disease burden, antimicrobial resistance risk and socioeconomic impact.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 7th, 2024

Bird flu infects 1 in 14 dairy workers exposed; CDC urges better protections
About 7% of dairy workers exposed to the avian flu that is spreading through U.S. herds have become infected themselves, federal experts estimate.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Could vitamin D help COVID-19 patients? Meta-analysis highlights potential ICU reduction
New study suggests vitamin D supplementation may lower ICU and intubation rates in COVID-19 patients, with greater benefits seen in older and severe cases.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

COVID-19 burden in hospitals affects risk for in-hospital adverse events
Greater hospital COVID-19 burden is associated with an increased risk for in-hospital adverse events (AEs) among patients with and without COVID-19 in the United States, according to a study published online Nov. 4 in JAMA Network Open.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

DNA sequencing reveals significant decrease in gut bacterial diversity during aging
A new study has revealed that gut bacteria may play a key role in aging, and that specific microbes could be targeted to promote healthy aging.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Don't wait for a holiday surge. Now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines
If you missed the early fall push for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, it's not too late.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Garbage dumps may produce next pandemic, warn epidemiologists
Scientists say the expansion of garbage dumps in low-income countries concentrates people, waste and animals in the same areas and dumps could be dangerous reservoirs for diseases such as COVID-19.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Hepatitis C screenings shown to be uncommon among opioid overdose patients
New research from the University of Missouri School of Medicine indicates that accidental opioid overdose patients in central Missouri have high rates of hepatitis C infections, despite only 40% of patients having a history of testing.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Hexavalent vaccine can reduce spread of whooping cough
Comprehensive coverage of the hexavalent vaccine can protect against whooping cough and polio, averting disease resurgence, writes Esther Nakkazi.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Nanoparticle-Enabled Rapid and Sensitive COVID-19 Detection
Researchers at the Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (IBB-UAB) have developed a new class of nanostructures capable of trapping and neutralizing significant amounts of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, both in liquid solutions and on material surfaces.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Men who have sex with men in Europe still vulnerable to hepatitis A and B
Research analyzing European survey data from 113,884 men who have sex with men (MSM) and published in Eurosurveillance indicates that while most MSM have a basic understanding of viral hepatitis, only 44% report having been vaccinated against both hepatitis A and B. The data highlight notable immunization gaps despite available vaccination and recommendations. Strong public health support and creating an open environment that enables MSM to follow recommendations will be crucial to reduce outbreaks among MSM and eliminate hepatitis B.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

New antibiotic-resistant bacteria strain may be spreading across Asia
A virulent new strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that causes severe disease could be spreading widely across Asia - posing significant challenges to global public health, a new study reveals.
November 7th, 2024 — Source or Source

Spread of dengue fever in Bangladesh worries medics
Bangladesh is struggling to tamp down a surge in dengue cases as climate change turns the disease into a year-round crisis, leaving some pediatric wards packed with children squeezed two to a bed.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Surveillance study traces COVID-19's impact on global flu patterns and evolution
Seasonal influenza epidemics impose substantial burdens on health care systems and cause >5 million hospitalizations of adults each year. The current approach to influenza vaccine development requires comprehensive surveillance of circulating strains, which are constantly moving from continent to continent.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Toddler's backyard snakebite bills totaled more than a quarter million dollars
This spring, a few days after his 2nd birthday, Brigland Pfeffer was playing with his siblings in their San Diego backyard.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Tribal health leaders say feds haven't treated syphilis outbreak as a public health emergency
Natalie Holt sees reminders nearly everywhere of the serious toll a years-long syphilis outbreak has taken in South Dakota. Scrambling to tamp down the spread of the devastating disease, public health officials are blasting messages to South Dakotans on billboards and television, urging people to get tested.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 5th, 2024

Bird flu detected in pigs—here's why virologists are concerned
H5N1 influenza has now been detected in pigs. This was something virologists had been worrying about ever since this highly pathogenic strain of bird flu started its rapid global spread in 2020. But why were we worrying specifically about pigs? And does this case—detected on a farm in Oregon on October 29—change anything?
November 5th, 2024 — Source or Source

Gut microbes play key role in regulating stress responsiveness throughout the day, research finds
A pioneering study has uncovered the vital role that gut microbiota plays in regulating stress responses by interacting with the body's circadian rhythms.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Scientists identify immune molecule that keeps metabolism in tune and on time
Recent research reveals that the immune system interacts with the body's internal clock, influencing both fat storage and temperature regulation.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Stopping mpox: Wild meat markets are a root cause and must be made safer, say researchers
In many countries around the world, wild animals are sometimes killed for food, including monkeys, rats and squirrels.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Study finds pandemic contribution from voluntary sector is 'under-valued'
A study has found that the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector played a "crucial" role supporting Greater Manchester communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout—but that their contribution has been undervalued and under-recognized by the wider health system.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

The Most Dangerous Germs Without Effective Vaccines
Researchers at the World Health Organization have identified 17 pathogens most in need of new or improved vaccines, including threats like HIV, malaria, and influenza.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

WHO identifies priority pathogens for new vaccines development
The World Health Organization on Tuesday listed 17 pathogens that cause widespread disease and death, including HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, for which it said new vaccines were "urgently needed".
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 3rd, 2024

Enhanced screening protocols for Candida auris improve hospital infection control
Mount Sinai researchers have enhanced hospital screening protocols for Candida auris, an often-drug-resistant fungal pathogen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers an urgent global health threat. These new guidelines, published in an analysis in the American Journal of Infection Control on October 31, could promote early detection of the harmful fungus in high-risk patients and prevent hospital outbreaks.
November 3rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 2nd, 2024

Researchers shed light on increased rates of severe human infections caused by Streptococcus subspecies
A concerning increase in global rates of severe invasive infections becoming resistant to key antibiotics has a team of infectious disease researchers at the Houston Methodist Research Institute studying a recently emerged strain of bacteria called Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE). SDSE infects humans via the skin, throat, gastrointestinal tract and female genital tract to cause infections ranging in severity from strep throat (pharyngitis) to necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease).
November 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 1st, 2024

AI tackles huge problem of antimicrobial resistance in intensive care
Artificial intelligence (AI) can provide same-day assessments of antimicrobial resistance for patients in intensive care—critical to preventing life-threatening sepsis.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Beat the bug: Expert tips for managing cold and flu season
As cold and flu season approaches, people face the challenge of keeping themselves—and, in the case of those who are parents, their children—healthy amidst rising illness rates. With viruses becoming increasingly prevalent during this time of year, understanding how to effectively manage symptoms and prevent the spread of illness is crucial.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Climate shifts and urbanisation drive Nepal dengue surge
Nepal is fighting a surge in dengue cases, a potentially deadly disease once unheard of in the country's high-altitude Himalayan regions, as climate change and urbanization nurture fever-bringing mosquitoes in new zones.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

COVID-19 sharply boosts risk for blood-fat disorders, find researchers
A study led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine involving more than 200,000 adults found that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 29% increase in risk for developing dyslipidemia, a condition involving abnormal lipid (fat) levels in the blood.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

How Indigenous knowledge helped solve a mysterious outbreak
When a mysterious and deadly illness began to sicken members of the Navajo community in the Four Corners region of the Southwestern U.S. in 1993, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigators were stumped.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Human histones show promise in fighting bacterial infections
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives from infectious diseases and are considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century. However, as the use (and abuse) of antibiotics has increased over the years, many bacteria have developed resistance to these drugs.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Iron supplements may boost brain development in children with HIV
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has found that giving iron supplements to children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa could be an important first step in optimizing brain development.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Pandemic-linked worldwide declines in childhood vaccination not yet recovered
Countries with COVID-19 pandemic-associated reductions in childhood immunization coverage have not yet recovered, according to research published in the Oct. 31 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Research finds flu vaccine coverage 80.7% for health workers in acute care hospitals
Influenza and 2023 to 2024 COVID-19 vaccination coverage is 80.7 and 15.3%, respectively, among health care personnel at acute care hospitals and is lower among health care personnel at nursing homes, according to research published in the Oct. 31 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Rwanda steps up measures against Rift Valley Fever
Rwanda has been stepping up measures to combat Rift Valley Fever (RVF) following the country's second outbreak in two years, amid concerns it could spread to humans.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Scientists successfully reverse liver fibrosis in mice
Cirrhosis, hepatitis infection and other causes can trigger liver fibrosis—a potentially lethal stiffening of tissue that, once begun, is irreversible. For many patients, a liver transplant is their only hope. However, research at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles may offer patients a glimmer of hope. Scientists there say they've successfully reversed liver fibrosis in mice.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Some COVID test expiration dates have been extended, FDA says
Don't automatically throw out that old COVID-19 at-home test you just came across in your medicine cabinet.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

What you need to know about 'walking pneumonia'
Do you have a runny nose and nagging cough that has persisted for weeks but you've still managed to drag yourself to work and school?
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — Resources

17 Questions and Answers
Confused About Tuberculosis Headlines? Get the Facts
Provides Information — Source

Flu Shot Tip Sheet
Flu season is here. Get the flu shot facts with this timely tipsheet.
Provides Information — Source

Flu.gov
The official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza.
Provides a Service — Source

StopGerms.org
the ultimately resource to guide you to creating and maintaining a healthy home.
Provides Information — Source