Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 13th, 2026

Bacterial extracellular vesicles show potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment
Bacteria shed membrane-enclosed tiny particles filled with proteins, lipids, DNA, RNA and metabolites. These particles, commonly known as bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), are now being explored as possible tools for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
August 13th, 2026 — Source

There's a new flu vaccine on the market. Will it move the needle on reducing disease?
Flu season in the Northern Hemisphere is rapidly approaching, and people looking to get their annual shot may now have an additional option.
August 13th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 12th, 2026

3,500-year-old skeletons challenge what scientists thought they knew about syphilis
Ancient remains from Vietnam suggest diseases like yaws may have been passed from mother to child thousands of years ago, a form of transmission often assumed to indicate syphilis. The discovery could overturn how scientists interpret ancient infections and complicate the long-running mystery of syphilis's origins.
August 12th, 2026 — Source

How drought is reshaping the spread of infectious diseases
From the American West to Europe, droughts are drying up rivers, fueling destructive fires and reshaping ecosystems. They are also changing the spread of infectious diseases, leading to surges in illnesses like cholera and West Nile virus around the world.
August 12th, 2026 — Source

New study finds hexavalent vaccine could make India's immunization program more efficient and family-friendly
A study appearing in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics found that introducing the hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccine into India's Universal Immunization Program (UIP) could improve the efficiency of the country's childhood immunization program. The vaccine would reduce the number of injections infants receive, ease the workload of frontline health workers, lower cold-chain requirements and save caregivers' time.
August 12th, 2026 — Source

U.S. vaccine policy shift may undermine childhood immunization and outbreak prevention
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that recasts the country's childhood vaccination policy to "support maximal parental choice."
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 9th, 2026

New study finds bacterial infections affect about 1 in 20 hospitalized adults with firearm injuries
A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) found that bacterial infections develop in approximately 5% of adults hospitalized with firearm injuries, with most infections occurring during the initial hospitalization rather than after patients return home.
August 9th, 2026 — Source

Scientists discover bacteria that lock toxic uranium into a stable form
Scientists discovered that bacteria can turn dissolved uranium into a surprisingly stable form, revealing a potentially powerful new tool for cleaning contaminated water.
August 9th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 8th, 2026

AI creates 16 new viruses that never existed in nature after learning DNA's pattern from 9 trillion nucleotides — experts warn such applications are way ahead of necessary guardrails
Researchers say the phages can overcome bacterial resistance
August 8th, 2026 — Source

AI-designed E. coli killer points toward new ways to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria
In science, the suffix "phage" means to devour. Thus, the name bacteriophage might conjure images of tiny creatures that "eat" bacteria. While that conception isn't 100% scientifically accurate, bacteriophages are lethal killers of bacteria nonetheless, and scientists are excited about engineering phage DNA as a path to new antibiotics.
August 8th, 2026 — Source

Malaria vaccine add-ons activate three antibody targets, study finds
Malaria kills more than half a million people a year, most of them young children in Africa. Two vaccines are now recommended by the World Health Organization: RTS,S and R21. Both are helpful interventions, but neither works as well or as long as public health officials would like.
August 8th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 7th, 2026

Early respiratory infections linked to atopic dermatitis diagnosis
The researchers found that being in the upper versus lower tertiles of infection episodes and days in COPSAC2010 was associated with an increased risk of yearly AD prevalence during ages 0--10 years in a generalized estimating equation model (adjusted odds ratio, 1.61 and 1.69, respectively). The risk of AD was higher with each infection episode, independent of systemic antibiotic treatments and filaggrin gene (FLG) variants. Respiratory infections were the main driver of the associations.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Exhausted T cells balance graft tolerance and infection risk
A comprehensive new review examines the complex role of T cell exhaustion in organ transplantation, highlighting how this dysfunctional immune state can both promote graft tolerance and create vulnerabilities to infection and malignancy. The authors explore the molecular, epigenetic, transcriptional, and metabolic mechanisms underlying T cell exhaustion and discuss emerging strategies to intentionally induce or modulate exhaustion as a therapeutic tool in transplantation medicine.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Omega-3 plus low-dose aspirin produces antibiotic-like results against severe periodontitis
A combination of omega-3 and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) produced results comparable to antibiotics in treating severe periodontitis. This conclusion is based on a study conducted by researchers affiliated with Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, Guarulhos University (UNG), the University of Taubate (UNITAU), and the Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry at USP (FORP-USP) in Brazil, as well as Harvard University in the United States.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Phages explode bacteria to share vital vitamin B12 with microbes
All living organisms need a little bit of it to form red blood cells and DNA, as well as to build and support brain and nerve cells. But it's hard to come by: Humans don't make it. Animals don't make it. Plants don't make it.
August 7th, 2026 — Source or Source

Q&A: Medicare spending on clinical care for people aging with HIV projected to rise steeply over next decade
As more Americans with HIV live into older age, Medicare spending on their care is projected to rise dramatically from $10.9 billion in 2026 to $27.3 billion in 2035, with HIV medications accounting for nearly two-thirds of total costs.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Report: White House drafting executive order linking vaccines and autism
Trump determined to link life-saving shots to autism, despite science and political risk.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Researchers use AI to build viruses that infect and kill bacteria
Researchers have designed and built functioning viruses that infect bacteria, called bacteriophages, using AI, raising important biosecurity and biosafety concerns.
August 7th, 2026 — Source or Source

Stanford, Arc Institute scientists design first AI-generated viruses
A study published Aug. 6, 2026, in the journal Science detailed how researchers at Stanford University and the Arc Institute built the first complete viral genomes generated fully through artificial intelligence. Those viruses, called bacteriophages, target bacteria and not humans, animals or plants. Brian Hie, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Stanford and an innovation investigator at the Arc Institute in Palo Alto, California, headed the project with Stanford bioengineering graduate student Samuel King.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 5th, 2026

Meningococcal B vaccine linked to lower gonorrhea risk
The meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine could provide protection against more than one disease, with new research linking it to a significant reduction in the risk of gonorrhea in young Territorians. The study, led by Adelaide University in partnership with NT Health, found that two doses of the 4CMenB vaccine were associated with a 38% lower risk of gonorrhea notifications in young people ages 14 to 22.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

People with eczema face higher risk of developing shingles
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, while shingles presents as a painful rash when the virus that causes chicken pox reactivates in the nervous system, particularly later in life or in immunosuppressed individuals.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Tumor-like tissue environments could hold clues to curing HIV
The findings help explain why HIV has been so difficult to cure. Scientists found that viral reservoirs exist within tissue microenvironments that resemble immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, suggesting that future HIV cure strategies may benefit from approaches traditionally used in cancer therapy.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — August 3rd, 2026

New analytical strategies can measure thousands of gut microbial proteins
The trillions of microorganisms living in our intestine influence our health, from digestion and metabolism to immunity. Yet scientists still struggle to understand how these microbes shape these important physiological functions because gut microbiomes are extraordinarily complex, redundant, and dynamic. New technologies are therefore essential for advancing microbiome research. Researchers at the University of Vienna have now reported effective strategies for simultaneously measuring thousands of microbial and host proteins. The findings have been published in Nature Communications.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Using DNA sequencing for accurate identification of microbial infections in cystic fibrosis patients
Lung infections are a constant risk for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a life-threatening genetic disorder which impairs lung function, predisposes people to persistent airway infections and exposes them to acquiring multidrug resistant infections.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 31st, 2026

How intensive poultry farming accelerated the evolution of Campylobacter
Genomic analyses reveal that the rise of industrial poultry farming has transformed the ecology and evolution of Campylobacter jejuni, increasing host switching and expanding poultry-adapted strains that could influence foodborne disease risk.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Long COVID and immune 'soldier' cells: Q&A
Extreme fatigue, a racing pulse, shortness of breath, brain fog, aching joints—the symptoms of long COVID can vary widely, change unpredictably and be difficult to recognize as signs of the condition. Long COVID also remains difficult to treat, as no standard treatments yet exist.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 29th, 2026

A new role for dental providers: Rethinking where vaccines are given
Vaccinations have traditionally been administered in primary care settings or pharmacies. However, for about a decade, some states have authorized dentists to administer vaccines, and many others did so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of this approach has led some countries and states to expand or consider expanding the role of dental providers in delivering routine vaccines, including those against COVID-19 and the human papillomavirus (HPV), and in providing vaccine education.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Climate change shifts malaria risk across sub-Saharan Africa
Malaria is the deadliest climate-sensitive infectious disease. Yet, researchers and public health officials have long argued over how climate change has shaped its spread. A new Nature study resolves this debate, providing the most comprehensive assessment to date. The study quantifies climate change's historical and future impact in sub-Saharan Africa's children, where most cases and deaths occur. It finds that climate change has slightly increased malaria overall. Looking ahead, rising temperatures could increase the malaria risk in southern and East Africa while reducing it where it is most rampant today as it becomes so hot that even mosquitos struggle to survive.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Gut bacteria leave intestinal 'memory,' protecting against inflammation
New Northwestern Medicine research published in Nature Communications suggests that a metabolite produced by gut bacteria when they digest dietary fiber can leave a lasting molecular imprint on intestinal cells, promoting immune tolerance and protecting against inflammatory bowel disease-like conditions long after exposure ends.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

New antimicrobials could help tackle deadly drug-resistant infections
Scientists at Imperial College London and the University of Manchester have developed a promising new way to create safer and more effective treatments for life-threatening fungal infections. The research, published today in Nature, describes a new family of antifungal agents that—when tested in mice—were more potent and less toxic than existing treatments.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Uganda declares itself free of Ebola as Congo continues to struggle with it
Authorities in Uganda declared the East Africa nation free of Ebola on Tuesday following the discharge of the country's last patient in mid-June, a delicate milestone as the virus continues to plague neighboring Congo.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Why the hepatitis E virus cannot infect mice
Many viruses can infect both humans and animals, including hepatitis E virus. This virus is often transmitted to humans via contaminated meat products, such as by ingesting raw or undercooked pork or wild game. However, mouse liver cells are not a suitable host for hepatitis E viruses. Researchers have now discovered why.
July 29th, 2026 — Source or Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 27th, 2026

AI and robotics accelerate search for better gut microbiome therapies
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a method for systematically developing novel, complex combinations of probiotics and prebiotics to more effectively maintain gut health and treat various gastrointestinal diseases.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

DR Congo's Ebola outbreak tops 3,000 cases
Medics have recorded more than 3,000 Ebola cases, including 1,354 deaths, in the Democratic Republic of Congo's 17th outbreak, officials said Sunday, after infections surged by around 1,000 in just 10 days.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

New study tracks rapid spread of drug-resistant Shigella across England
A nationwide genomic epidemiology study involving a researcher from Kingston University has revealed that sexually transmitted Shigella sonnei is spreading faster, over greater geographic distances and with higher transmission intensity than non-sexually transmitted strains in England.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

People are mailing bloodthirsty ticks to a New York lab
The lab is testing thousands of ticks for the pathogens that cause Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, babesiosis, and other dangerous infections.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Stockpiled Ebola vaccines trigger antibody response against Bundibugyo virus in lab tests
A highly contagious Ebola virus species, Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), has driven several outbreaks since 2007, including the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in 2026. Bundibugyo virus causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever that affects multiple organ systems, damages blood vessels and can progress to severe symptoms, including bleeding and shock. Because there was no licensed vaccine designed specifically for the virus, researchers wanted to know whether vaccines already used for the more common Zaire ebolavirus could be repurposed to help protect people against Bundibugyo virus.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 24th, 2026

A new antiviral could stop measles before an outbreak takes off
An experimental pill prevented a measles-like virus from spreading through the air or through close contact in ferrets. It worked when given shortly before or after exposure and also shortened illness and the period when infected animals remained contagious. Researchers say the drug could one day complement vaccination and make outbreaks easier to contain.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Birth exposes babies to maternal gut bacteria that help build early microbiomes
The very first thing many babies encounter when they're born is their mother's poop. If they're born vaginally, head down, with the face against their mother's rectum, the pressure can expel fecal material just as they are born. This early exposure is not only normal but likely to be beneficial.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Experimental plague vaccine strategy protects mice with missing key immune defenses
The plague has killed more people than World War II. The bacterium Yersinia pestis (Yp), which causes plague, has triggered three major pandemics throughout history, leaving behind a casualty toll of more than 200 million people. Although the plague no longer causes pandemics on the scale seen in history, it still occurs in many parts of the world today. Vaccination remains our best defense against the disease, but approved options remain scarce.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Fat-storing cell structures may block viral spread by recruiting antiviral proteins
La Trobe University scientists have uncovered the critical role fatty cell structures play in our body's early detection and defense against viruses. Published in Nature Communications, the discovery could open the door to a new type of antiviral strategy that harnesses the body's innate defense mechanisms rather than targeting individual viruses.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

First person vaccinated during trial of new Ebola jab
A volunteer was injected Friday with the first dose of a rapidly developed vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola driving a deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Oxford University said.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Licensed Zaire Ebola vaccine may offer partial protection against Bundibugyo outbreak
Ebolaviruses are among the most dangerous known human pathogens. Three ebolavirus species have repeatedly caused major disease outbreaks on the African continent. Most outbreaks have been caused by Zaire ebolavirus. Vaccines and therapeutics are available for this virus species. In contrast, no therapeutics or vaccines are currently available against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which is responsible for the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This significantly complicates efforts to control the outbreak, which is already the largest documented Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak to date.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Oral drug candidate blocks transmission of measles-like disease in ferrets
The study explored whether prophylactic (shortly before or after exposure) administration of the recently developed clinical candidate GHP-88310 (described in Science Advances), a broad-spectrum inhibitor of the viral polymerase, prevents virus transmission through close contact or through the air. The results demonstrate that GHP-88310 efficiently blocks both forms of viral spread. In addition, the study showed that treatment of infected animals shortened the time period in which infected animals could transmit the virus.
July 24th, 2026 — Source or Source

Previously unknown Pseudomonas strains emerge in Gulf Coast UTI samples
New research from the University of South Alabama is shedding light on an emerging bacterial cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) that appears to be more common along the Gulf Coast than previously recognized.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

YU Abu Dhabi scientists discover new vulnerability in malaria parasite
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered that the malaria parasite relies on a specific type of fat to survive and multiply within the human host, uncovering a previously unknown vulnerability that could help guide future treatments.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 23rd, 2026

A woman got a UTI. Two years later, the bacteria had evolved, invaded her brain.
The case provides a novel report of the emergence of heterovirulence.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

By the Numbers: This year's Ebola outbreak has spread faster than the worst on record
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has killed over 1,000 people, reaching the grim milestone nearly three times faster than the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic that is considered the worst on record.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

CRISPR-Cas orchestrates a layered defense network to fight bacterial viruses
All cellular life-from humans to bacteria-possesses two layers of immunity: innate and adaptive. Scientists have long understood how these two types of immunity work together in higher organisms but not in the microbial world.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Environmental bacteria ferry genes that boost antibiotic resistance over 10,000-fold
A patient with a severe infection is prescribed a potent antibiotic. Hopes for improvement are high, but just after treatment is given, resistance to the drug increases thousands of times. How could this happen?
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

How the encephalomyocarditis virus hijacks host protein machinery
Viruses lack the molecular machinery required for protein synthesis. Instead, they hijack the host's protein-making machinery, specifically ribosomes and translational factors. This process is essential for viral multiplication and infection. Viruses have RNA genomes or mRNAs containing structured regions called internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) that help capture the host ribosome to translate viral genes while translation of host genes is blocked.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

New bacterial control strategy helps revive failing last-line antibiotics
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the world's most alarming public health challenges, because the multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria increasingly render even last-line antibiotics ineffective, leading to substantially higher mortality rates. Polymyxins are a class of antibiotics that remain among the few treatment options available for severe infections caused by resistant Escherichia coli. But their widespread use is limited by serious side effects, including kidney and nerve toxicity.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Study finds malaria chemoprevention for school-aged children could deliver billions in health and economic benefits
Providing malaria chemoprevention to school-age children in some of Africa's highest-burden countries could generate billions of dollars in societal benefits while improving health and education outcomes, according to a new study led by researchers at LSTM.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Study reveals stress a significant factor in women experiencing long COVID
Stress appears to play a role in women with young children who are diagnosed with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as Long COVID, and those who report having Long COVID symptoms. This finding, based on results from 2,500 U.S. women who completed an online survey in July 2023, is reported with related findings in an article published in Health Psychology.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source or Source

Study reveals unexpected mechanism driving extreme antibiotic resistance
A patient with a severe infection is prescribed a potent antibiotic. Hopes for improvement are high, but just after treatment is given, resistance to the drug increases thousands of times. How could this happen?
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Two new therapies and rapid tests could reshape drug-resistant gonorrhea care
Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the bacterium that causes gonorrhea) has become one of the most urgent antimicrobial-resistant threats to public health worldwide. Clinicians expect to be confronted by rising rates of treatment failure in the years to come.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 22nd, 2026

5th person dies in Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City
The New York City Health Department said it has confirmed the presence of the bacteria in 34 cooling towers in 33 buildings, all of which are being cleaned. Officials still haven't identified the source of the bacteria that has sickened more than six dozen people in the last month.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

A single RSV shot emerges as a promising new shield for infants at risk of severe disease
Viral infections that attack the lungs are among the leading reasons infants are hospitalized. A new treatment may offer protection against these infections that is as effective and safe as existing options but requires far fewer injections. The Phase III SMART clinical trial investigated the safety and efficacy of clesrovimab (brand name ENFLONSIA), a long-acting medicine designed to protect babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Antibiotic-tolerant bacteria rely on a hidden RNA-based survival strategy
Antibiotics are a medical marvel, but many microbes are gaining the ability to resist and tolerate these therapeutics. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have uncovered how S. pneumoniae adapts to antibiotic exposure and immune pressures. Their findings reveal that changes in RNA regulation enable bacteria to enter a state of antibiotic tolerance. The results provide a deeper understanding of how pathogens survive treatment and could inform strategies to improve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed nearly 1,000 people
At least 999 people have died from the Ebola outbreak in Congo, according to official data published overnight into Wednesday, a grim toll in what's already been declared the fastest Ebola outbreak in history, as conflict, community resistance and an uneven response fuel its spread.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

COVID PPE failures left health care workers and patients at risk: What lessons the government needs to learn
The latest report published as part of the COVID-19 inquiry has found the UK was not adequately prepared for a pandemic.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Floating colonies: Engineering 3D microbial architectures in liquid cultures
Microbes in the gut, lungs and biofilms do not simply exist as perfectly mixed populations; instead, they grow in layered and clustered three-dimensional (3D) arrangements. This spatial organization shapes how nutrients and chemical signals move between neighboring cells and how much oxygen different microbes can access. Scientists are increasingly recognizing that the relative spatial arrangement of microbes plays a role in digestion, immunity and overall health.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Gut microbiomes follow distinct trajectories during urbanization across South Asia
Urbanization is one of the most consequential demographic shifts of the 21st century. As communities move from traditional or rural to urbanized ways of life, changes in diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures can influence many aspects of human biology and health. Research has shown that urbanization can alter the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract, but whether this transition follows a common pattern across different global populations has remained unclear.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

How a pandemic detour helped researchers uncover clues to a mysterious disease
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down international travel in 2020, Michigan State University researcher Eric Benbow faced a problem. A $2.5 million research project designed to study an environmental pathogen in South America was suddenly on hold. With fieldwork canceled and uncertainty surrounding when travel might resume, Benbow and his collaborators needed a new plan.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Nearly all countries overuse powerful antibiotics, global study finds
Certain antibiotics are overused in most countries, while too few people receive the specific antibiotic treatments they need, according to a study of antibiotic use across 186 countries published in The Lancet Public Health journal. The study provides scientific estimates of how many and which types of antibiotics each country could be expected to use ideally, based on local rates of infection and antibiotic resistance.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Scientists revive a powerful antibiotic that superbugs had defeated
Scientists have found a way to revive vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic that some dangerous bacteria have learned to resist. Instead of creating an entirely new drug, researchers paired vancomycin with a small molecule called pghi-4, which blocks a bacterial enzyme linked to resistance. The combination restored the antibiotic's ability to kill drug-resistant E. faecium, raising hopes that similar chemical helpers could rescue other failing medicines.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Survey finds widespread uncertainty over pregnancy vaccine recommendations
Most Americans are unaware or unsure of which vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends during pregnancy, according to a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

The lone star tick is bringing another infection concern, the Bourbon virus
Tick-borne diseases are common throughout the United States, and most cases are treated effectively. A rarely diagnosed tick-borne infection, the Bourbon virus, transmitted by the common lone star tick, could soon begin to complicate diagnoses if it becomes more prevalent this summer and in coming years.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Tick-borne meat allergy: Many carry alpha-gal antibodies without symptoms
Many more Americans than previously estimated carry antibodies related to a meat allergy caused by tick bites, a new study says. Nearly 1 in 4 adults in states with the highest rates of alpha-gal syndrome carry antibodies related to the condition, researchers report in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 16th, 2026

COVID-19 booster strategies provide lasting immunity
Smaller doses of COVID-19 booster vaccines can provide long-lasting immunity, helping reduce costs and improve access to vaccination, according to new research. The findings could also inform vaccine dosing and options during future pandemics.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Ebola spreading in DRC 'faster than any previous outbreak': WHO
The World Health Organization warned Thursday that Ebola was spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo at a faster pace than during any previous outbreak of the deadly virus.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

How bacteria sacrifice themselves to render antibiotics ineffective
Bacteria can defend themselves against antibiotics with the help of an enzyme released by dying cells, according to a study by a team from the Institute for Biological Physics at the University of Cologne and Wageningen University & Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This discovery helps scientists understand bacterial survival mechanisms and improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Invertebrates can distinguish good from bad bacteria
Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and Kiel University (CAU) have examined immune system function in an early-branching animal—a sea anemone. They discovered that the immune systems of these animals can selectively distinguish between different microorganisms, protecting beneficial bacteria from harmful bacteria—an ability that has been attributed only to vertebrates to date. So-called "nematosomes" play an important role in this process.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 12th, 2026

Bacteria from gum disease may cause inflammation, harden heart valves
According to the American Heart Association, calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) occurs when the aortic valve thickens and calcifies, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. In early stages, there may be no symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, it can cause fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, heart failure and sometimes premature death. Standard treatment for severe CAVS is valve replacement surgery.
July 12th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 11th, 2026

Cruise ship pollution increases risk of viral infections in ports
Air pollution from cruise ships could be damaging the health of people living in port cities by increasing inflammation and susceptibility to viruses such as the common cold and COVID-19.
July 11th, 2026 — Source

New bionic skin wound dressing accelerates infected tissue healing
Dressings face a critical limitation: no single product has successfully integrated protective function, wearing comfort, and efficient antibacterial activity. Now, researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, led by Professor Xungai Wang, Professor Shuo Shi, Professor Huiqun Zhou, and Professor Yang Ming, together with collaborators from City University of Hong Kong, Jiangnan University, and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, have presented a breakthrough bionic wound dressing that bridges the gap between passive coverage and active healing.
July 11th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 10th, 2026

Bacteria turn dissolved uranium into stable compound in 130 days, study finds
Researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), together with Wismut GmbH and scientists from the University of Granada in Spain, have demonstrated for the first time that bacteria can convert uranium dissolved in water into a stable chemical compound when they have access to glycerol as a food source.
July 10th, 2026 — Source

Cruise ship air pollution at port cities could make viral infections worse
Air pollution from cruise ships could be damaging the health of people living in port cities by increasing inflammation and susceptibility to viruses such as the common cold and COVID-19. New research from the University of Southampton, published in Environment International, studied the air within Southampton's port.
July 10th, 2026 — Source

Exposure to port-derived particles facilitates the replication of COVID-19 and cold viruses
Air pollution from cruise ships could be damaging the health of people living in port cities by increasing inflammation and susceptibility to viruses such as the common cold and COVID-19.
July 10th, 2026 — Source

If so many people live with toxoplasmosis, how dangerous is this brain parasite really? Should I be worried?
About 1 in 3 people worldwide have been infected with a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii—or simply "toxo"—which can cause toxoplasmosis. After the initial infection, toxo settles into our muscles and brains, where it can remain for life.
July 10th, 2026 — Source

Largest viral-protein library gives researchers new way to probe emerging pathogens
To prevent viruses from sickening or killing us—whether it's an individual case of hepatitis B or a COVID pandemic—it's crucial to understand how the proteins they make initiate changes in our bodies that allow them to flourish. A new tool has broadened the scale at which researchers can study these proteins, promising to speed basic discoveries in virology, inform the development of new vaccines and treatments, and help humanity protect against emerging pathogens.
July 10th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 9th, 2026

Nine gut bacteria linked to future type 2 diabetes risk
A large prospective study of older Swedish adults identified specific gut bacteria and microbial functions linked to future type 2 diabetes risk, with dietary fiber emerging as a potential modifier of one of the microbiome's most closely watched species.
July 9th, 2026 — Source

Outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite grows to more than 1,000 cases
Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation's largest in years.
July 9th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 8th, 2026

A robot that reads bacteria by touch
Researchers have developed a robotic platform that identifies Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through touch-based electrical signals, without staining or chemical labels. The study achieved rapid classification within 0.62 seconds and 90.93% accuracy.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Dry mRNA vaccine patches reveal design rules for room-temperature storage
New research could help make future mRNA vaccines easier to store and distribute. The study, involving RMIT University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School, identified conditions that help protect the particles that carry mRNA in dry vaccine patches, offering practical guidance for future patch design.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Gut bacteria boost immune system, help send vitamin A to T cells
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that gut bacteria help regulate the development of the body's immune system by directing the movement of vitamin A through a previously unrecognized cellular network. The preclinical findings, published in Cell Host & Microbe, could reshape how researchers view conditions in which immune development is disrupted, highlighting nutrient pathways as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Lower diversity and poorer function of gut bacteria linked to frailty in older women
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear links between the composition of gut bacteria and frailty in older women. In cases of high frailty, with an increased risk of illness and death, gut bacterial diversity is lower and function is impaired. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, is based on a population of 2,081 Swedish women ages 75--80. The study demonstrates that frailty is linked to lower diversity and poorer functional capacity of the gut microbiota. These results are largely confirmed by an independent Chinese cohort comprising 1,448 older men and women.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Researchers develop diagnostic model to detect COVID-related eye problems
Mild COVID-19 can cause severe and long-lasting eye problems, according to a study from Linköping University, Sweden. The study also explains why it has been difficult for sufferers to get help: The abnormal eye behavior cannot be detected by standard methods. The researchers have developed a diagnostic model to detect COVID-related eye problems.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Scientists uncover how fungi 'blind' the immune system—offering new hope against superbugs
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that a fungus deadly to people with weakened immune systems can disable a critical defense used by neutrophils, the body's front-line, infection-fighting white blood cells.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Study explains long-term ocular symptoms following mild COVID-19
Mild COVID-19 can cause severe and long-lasting eye problems, according to a study from Linköping University, Sweden. The study also explains why it has been difficult for sufferers to get help: the abnormal eye behavior cannot be detected by standard methods. The researchers have developed a diagnostic model to detect COVID-related eye problems.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 4th, 2026

Bacterial protein reveals a hidden rule for controlling calcium
A small change in acidity can transform the world around us. A squeeze of lemon changes the taste of food. Vinegar preserves vegetables. Stomach acid helps break down a meal. These familiar effects come from protons—tiny charged particles that can reshape chemical interactions.
July 4th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — July 2nd, 2026

COVID's lingering shadow faded after omicron—but not for everyone
Six years after the world first learned of COVID-19, the pandemic has faded into an unpleasant memory for many. For others, however, it never fully ended. A long-term study by Hiroshima University has found that while lingering symptoms became far less common after the omicron variant arrived, some people have continued to experience health problems years after infection.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

How to stop a mouse plague
The scenes are biblical. Tens of thousands of rodents scattering across canola fields, behind sheds, into machinery. River fish with bellies full of mice. Carcasses littering the street, the sidewalk, outside your home. In supermarkets, the inescapable stench of dead and dying mice. These are the undeniable signs of a mouse plague.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Light flips bacterial signaling enzyme between two shapes, unlocking how signals travel
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth and Forschungszentrum Jülich have demonstrated that specific light-sensitive enzymes—so-called sensor histidine kinases (SHKs)—transmit their signal through a light-controlled change in asymmetry. With their new study, the researchers contribute to a better understanding of a central mechanism of bacterial signal processing. This may help develop new tools for biomedicine or biotechnology.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Marburg virus detected in Uganda toddler
The World Health Organization said Thursday that a case of Marburg virus disease had been detected in a toddler in Uganda during enhanced surveillance for Ebola.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

New Poll Connects Social Media and Chatbots With Spread of Vaccine Misinformation
A recent survey suggests that using apps and artificial intelligence for health advice may be linked to vaccine distrust.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Researchers call for increased screening for parasitic disease linked to HIV and cervical cancer risk
New research from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has highlighted the need to test millions of women and girls for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected disease that can increase the risk of chronic illness, HIV and cervical cancer.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Study tracks long-term recovery patterns of COVID-19 patients
Six years after the world first learned of COVID-19, the pandemic has faded into an unpleasant memory for many. For others, however, it never fully ended.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Trial of potential Ebola treatments begins in DR Congo
The trial of two potential treatments for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola behind the deadly outbreak in the DR Congo began in the country Thursday, the World Health Organization said.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

WHO declares cruise ship hantavirus outbreak over
The World Health Organization on Thursday declared an end to the deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that sparked international alarm, after the last person left quarantine.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 26th, 2026

AI and multiomics reveal how gut bacteria trigger colon cancer
Over the past two decades, high‑throughput sequencing has dramatically expanded our understanding of the gut microbiome's composition. However, most studies have simply listed which bacteria are present in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, without explaining how they actually function. The field now faces major analytical hurdles: microbiome data are compositional (a change in one microbe forces apparent changes in all others), extremely sparse (most bacteria are absent from most samples), and high‑dimensional (thousands of features for a small number of patients).
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Dual human antibodies stop lethal Nipah and Hendra even after infection begins
An international research team led by investigators in the Department of Microbiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has developed the first fully human monoclonal antibody cocktail shown to provide complete protection against lethal Nipah and Hendra virus infection. The protection was seen even when treatment was given after infection had begun.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Ebola deaths exceed 300 in DR Congo: Heath authorities
The Ebola epidemic has claimed more than 300 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a little more than one month after it was declared, health authorities said Friday.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Emergency department testing scheme finding hundreds of unidentified HIV cases in UK
Hundreds of people in England who were unknowingly living with HIV are receiving a diagnosis and starting life-saving antiretroviral treatment, thanks to a pioneering NHS testing initiative rolled out in hospital emergency departments (EDs).
June 26th, 2026 — Source

How a 'copper economy' helps fungi and bacteria build stubborn biofilms
Scientists have discovered that two common human pathogens can work together by managing copper in their shared environment—a finding that could open new ways to break down stubborn mixed biofilms.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

How bacteria use circadian clocks to colonize their world
Research has revealed how bacteria rely on circadian clocks to control the spread of their multicellular colonies. The findings provide important clues as to how we might improve soil health and plant growth. They may also help explain how some bacteria spread hospital-acquired infections. Researchers at the John Innes Center, University of Munich and Leiden University made the discovery while studying the widespread soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

New project investigates gut microbiome for personalized bowel disease therapies
The gut microbiome plays an important role in inflammatory bowel disease. In the research project MikrobiomProCheck, researchers are investigating how microbiome data can in future be used for diagnostics, disease monitoring and personalized therapies. Bielefeld University is contributing clinical, bioinformatic and data-driven expertise to this collaborative project spanning North Rhine-Westphalia.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

New research may lead to a vaccine against severe diarrhea
Research led by the University of Bergen (UiB) and NORCE may help pave the way for a new vaccine targeting one of the world's leading causes of severe diarrheal disease. The technology has now been licensed to the international vaccine company Valneva, which will take the work forward toward a potential future vaccine.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

pH-triggered nanocomposite delivers dual blow to wound infections
Researchers design a ZIF-8-based platform that synchronizes the release of antibacterial and antioxidant agents, offering a new strategy for smart wound dressings.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Smart microneedles bend to heal diabetic wounds from within
AI-designed microneedles bend at body temperature to close diabetic wounds while delivering DNA therapy and antibacterial protection.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 23rd, 2026

Completing DNA replication triggers genomic instability in bacteria
If you are anything like us, whenever you plan a journey, you spend a remarkable amount of time thinking about the start and the middle. Is everything packed? What time should we leave? Will there be traffic? Is there a faster route? We rarely think about the arrival; we just—arrive.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Discovery of 3 severe pneumonia subtypes could lead to tailored treatments
Cambridge researchers have shown that severe pneumonia has three different subtypes, helping explain why some patients in intensive care units (ICUs) recover from their illness faster than others, while for other patients the disease can be life-threatening.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Keeping HIV at bay: New approach explores broadly neutralizing antibodies to treat infants
In the ongoing effort to find new therapeutics for infants born infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, an international team of investigators has discovered that babies can tolerate treatment with anti-HIV antibodies.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

One of the world's most popular weedkillers may be fueling deadly superbugs
A widely used weedkiller may be giving dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria an unexpected advantage in the fight for survival.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Quarantine comes to an end for the last of the hantavirus ship passengers in Nebraska
The last eight American passengers who endured 42 days in a specialized hospital quarantine unit after exposure to an unusual hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that killed three people have left the Nebraska facility.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Researchers identify control switch protein that starves tuberculosis bacteria
A protein that acts as a 'control switch,' preventing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from accessing the energy sources it needs to survive, has been identified by researchers at the University of Surrey. The discovery points to a specific vulnerability in the bacterium that could be targeted by new tuberculosis (TB) treatments.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Scientists finally solved how H5N1 bird flu hid in dairy cows
Scientists cracked the mystery of bird flu's strange behavior in cattle—and the answer could help predict the virus's next move.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Sri Lanka troops to battle deadly dengue mosquitoes as cases rise
Sri Lanka is deploying the military to contain the spread of mosquito-borne dengue fever, as health authorities warned Tuesday that hospitals are being overwhelmed with more than 1,000 admissions a day.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

This natural compound may help boost vaccine responses in older adults
Researchers at NDORMS have found that a naturally occurring compound called spermidine may help improve vaccine responses in some older adults by reducing signs of immune system aging.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 22nd, 2026

1976 Legionnaires' disease outbreak—50 years later, scientists know the cause but outbreaks continue
Soon after Philadelphia hosted America's bicentennial celebrations in late July 1976, more than 200 attendees of the American Legion Convention at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia fell ill with pneumonia symptoms, including fever, cough and trouble breathing.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo outbreak top 1,000 with 254 deaths, authorities say
Confirmed cases in the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said in a statement late Sunday, as tracing those who had been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

How RSV manipulates the immune response in respiratory cells
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in newborns and older adults. How the virus manages to evade the immune system and what changes it triggers in infected cells have not been fully understood. Researchers from TWINCORE, Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, together with interdisciplinary colleagues from Würzburg, Regensburg, Braunschweig and Hannover, have now demonstrated how the virus interferes with the genetic program of respiratory cells, inhibits the immune response and disrupts cell function.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Researchers develop antiviral candidate for deadly mosquito-borne brain infections
Can newly identified antiviral compounds help stop some of the most dangerous mosquito-borne viruses that attack the brain? A research team led by scientists at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, has generated a new class of antiviral compounds that show strong therapeutic potential against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), considered the most dangerous neurotropic alphavirus known to infect humans.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Researchers reveal the pathogenesis of a rare respiratory disease through super-resolution microscopy
Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have uncovered how mutations in a specific gene can trigger a rare respiratory disease, shedding light on the critical role played by cellular structures known as cilia. Cilia are tiny hair-like organelles extruding from the surface of most cell types, serving either sensory or motile functions.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 20th, 2026

AI-designed protein unlocks virus-like shells that could reshape vaccine and drug delivery
An international research team led by a Korean scientist has succeeded in designing large-scale protein structures that faithfully replicate the self-assembly principles found in naturally occurring viruses, using artificial intelligence (AI).
June 20th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 19th, 2026

How H5N1 bird flu hid unrecognized for weeks in dairy cattle
When H5N1 bird flu first began infecting U.S. cattle in early 2024, diagnosis was elusive because, in cows, the disease looked completely different. Instead of affecting the lungs, as H5N1 does in other mammalian species, it caused severe infection in the cows' udders, largely sparing the lungs.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

NYU Langone performs the world's first HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive lung transplant
The surgery brings new hope for HIV-positive patients in need of lung transplants, as it opens a pool of potential donors who were previously ineligible.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Quarantine over for almost all hantavirus ship passengers, crew
Almost all the passengers and crew of the cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak who had to quarantine in the Netherlands are now allowed to return home, the WHO chief said Thursday.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Scientists find mechanism behind bird flu infections in dairy cattle
When H5N1 bird flu first began infecting U.S. cattle in early 2024, diagnosis was elusive, because in cows, the disease looked completely different. Instead of affecting the lungs, as H5N1 does in other mammalian species, it caused severe infection in the cows' udders, largely sparing the lungs.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Why don't some people get vaccinated? It's more complicated than you think
When vaccination rates drop—as is the case with adult influenza vaccinations in Canada and child measles vaccinations in British Columbia—the explanation is often that people are "hesitant."
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 15th, 2026

Cohabiting people share about a quarter of their gut and oral microbiota, study finds
The researchers also found a link between more transmissible microbes and health, particularly type 2 diabetes. The findings could help design more targeted therapies for improving people's microbiomes.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

New mRNA flu vaccine offers broader protection against influenza strains
A new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that an investigational mRNA influenza vaccine helps the immune system recognize a wider range of influenza viruses than today's standard flu shot, offering stronger and potentially longer-lasting protection.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

What to know about alpha-gal syndrome, the life-threatening meat allergy caused by tick bites
It's common knowledge that ticks can spread infections that cause serious illnesses, including Lyme disease. Now health officials are trying to raise awareness of a lesser-known problem: a life-threatening allergy to meat triggered by tick bites.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 10th, 2026

A Florida hospital is using Palantir to catch sepsis earlier, it's saved 866 lives so far
The system is identifying warning signs that clinicians might otherwise miss
June 10th, 2026 — Source

How a louse-borne pathogen evades the immune system
Louse-borne relapsing fever is caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia recurrentis, which is transmitted by body lice (not head lice). The disease was first described by Hippocrates (460--370 B.C.). Initial symptoms include a high fever lasting several days, followed by a fever-free interval. Typically, several recurrent episodes of fever follow. The disease can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, however, infection with Borrelia recurrentis is fatal in up to 20% of cases—particularly in regions where comprehensive medical care is not available.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Japan's quality of life kept sliding after COVID restrictions ended, study reveals
A nationwide study tracking Japanese adults before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic found that health-related quality of life steadily declined over seven years and did not rebound after the public health emergency ended. Researchers say the decline may reflect the cumulative impact of pandemic-related changes in physical activity, mental well-being and social interaction among working-age adults across Japan.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Microbial alliances, not mitochondria alone, may have built first eukaryotic cells
All cells in animals, plants, fungi, and protists share a fundamental characteristic: they are eukaryotic cells—complex cells with specialized internal compartments. The cells that make up our bodies are no exception.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Researchers identify which eye infections pose greatest threat to vision
Eye surgery today is safer than ever, yet ophthalmologists must remain watchful for a rare but serious complication that can threaten sight within days: a bacterial eye infection called endophthalmitis. Now, clinician-scientists at the University of Utah's John A. Moran Eye Center have identified which types of endophthalmitis pose the greatest danger—findings that could help deliver faster, more personalized treatment to improve a patient's chances of recovery.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Safety concerns biggest barrier to vaccination for parents
They described decades of evidence showing that routine childhood vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics have dramatically reduced serious infectious diseases and have an overwhelmingly excellent safety record. The same results have been produced by Australia's National Immunisation Program (NIP).
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Why Andes hantavirus is not the next COVID-19
After a cruise ship-linked outbreak sparked fears of another COVID-19-style crisis, scientists examined the evidence and found that Andes hantavirus spreads, evolves, and causes disease in fundamentally different ways, making a similar pandemic unlikely.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 8th, 2026

$3.8 million grant funds study on early lung immune responses to tuberculosis
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team was awarded a 5-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study early immune responses in the lung and how they influence tuberculosis infection outcomes.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Ancient dental calculus uncovers regional and historical shifts in Japan's oral microbiome
Researchers have characterized the oral microbiomes of the Japanese population across time by analyzing the DNA preserved in dental calculus of human skeletal remains. The researchers compared microbial composition in dental calculus primarily from Edo-period individuals with that of modern dental calculus, and identified differences associated with time period, region, and the phylogeny of several oral bacterial species. The findings show that dental calculus can provide new avenues for examining human history and the relationships between humans and microorganisms.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Antibiotic by-products in waterways continue promoting bacterial resistance
Antibiotics continue to drive resistance to bacteria, even after they are broken down in wastewater treatment plants and discharged into rivers and seas, new research published on World Oceans Day has shown for the first time.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Antibiotics drive resistance in waterways—even after they break down
When we take antibiotics, around 90% of the drug passing through our bodies goes into toilets and ends up in sewage. Previous research has shown that even in our waterways, the drugs may continue to drive bacteria to become resistant, and these bacteria can be ingested by river and sea swimmers and surfers. It contributes to the global issue of antibiotics failing to treat infection, a growing problem already a factor in five million deaths a year globally.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

As climate shifts, malaria gains ground in southern Africa
In a remote South African village, Paulina Mhlongo sits in the yard as health workers in green protective gear move briskly through her home, soaking the walls with anti-mosquito insecticide.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

Bacteria can learn and form memories without a brain
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have shown that bacteria can learn from past experiences, store memories across generations and adapt their behavior to changing environments, all without a brain or nervous system. The research could shape how scientists think about bacterial infections and antibiotic treatment.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Defective HIV copies explain most persistent traces in blood following treatment, study finds
Antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection have enabled most people living with the virus to live long and healthy lives. However, a small portion of people experience detectable—and worrisome—traces of the virus that causes AIDS despite strict adherence to long-term treatment regimens and the absence of symptoms.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

Ebola: Vaccines alone won't stop an outbreak—here's what else is needed
Tensions have recently emerged around the Ebola response in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These tensions have manifested in a series of incidents, including the burning of an Ebola treatment facility in Mongbwalu, confrontations involving families seeking to reclaim the bodies of relatives who had died from the disease, and reports of police firing warning shots.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

New project launches to advance chikungunya vaccine in Africa
Funded by the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking, a new €15.3 million project coordinated by Institut Pasteur brings together seven partners across four continents to advance clinical trials and prepare for the manufacturing of a chikungunya vaccine in Africa.
June 8th, 2026 — Source< or Source

Study: Antibiotic resistance is increasing in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
Resistance to antimicrobial agents is rising among human infections with Escherichia coli bacteria that produce the Shiga toxin, according to a study analyzing data from nearly 2,000 infections in the United States between 2010 and 2021.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

Testing AI against public health's existing tools shows mixed results
A new Penn-led randomized controlled trial has found that AI-powered chatbots can make vaccine-hesitant parents more likely to say they will immunize their children against human papillomavirus (HPV), but no more than standard written public health materials.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 7th, 2026

Africa CDC and WHO unite to combat Ebola outbreak
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) today launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan on the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The plan aims to raise US$ 518 million to support African countries together with partners to prepare for, rapidly detect and respond to the outbreak.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Study reveals how germinal centers consistently produce antibodies
A new study tracking thousands of B cells across more than 100 germinal centers in mice reveals how the system consistently produces highly effective antibodies.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 6th, 2026

Argentina expands hantavirus probe, sending teams to trap and test rats in Mendoza
Argentina on Friday said it was expanding its investigation into the origins of the hantavirus outbreak that struck an Atlantic cruise ship last month, sending scientists to trap and test rats in the western province of Mendoza while lab results are pending from the southernmost city of Ushuaia.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Cohort makes data from more than 5,800 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 available to the scientific community
The Biostatistics Unit at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), in collaboration with researchers from several Catalan health care and research institutions, has published the DIVINE study database in Scientific Data. The journal specializes in publishing datasets and promotes the accessibility, proper documentation and reusability of these resources by the scientific community.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could reach 20,000 cases without strong public health measures
The Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could grow to 20,000 cases or more, depending on how quickly infected people are isolated to slow the spread, according to a new analysis by U.S. health officials.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

First AI-designed 'universal vaccine' tested in humans: UK researchers
A vaccine targeting a broad range of viruses that was designed using artificial intelligence had a "modest" effect on immune systems in a small, early trial, according to a new study.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Scientists sound the alarm as dangerous amoebas spread globally
Scientists warn that free-living amoebae may be an underappreciated public health threat, capable of causing deadly infections and shielding other dangerous microbes from water treatment. Climate change and aging infrastructure could help these resilient organisms spread more widely in the years ahead.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Some ancient microbes frozen with Ötzi the Iceman are still growing
What's the difference between a person, an artifact, and an ecosystem?
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — June 5th, 2026

AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine passes first human trial
Scientists have successfully tested an AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine in humans for the first time, finding it to be safe and well tolerated. The vaccine generated immune responses against multiple coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS, and related bat viruses with pandemic potential. By targeting features shared across an entire virus family, it aims to provide protection even as viruses evolve.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Maternal RSV vaccine cuts infant hospitalizations by 70%, study shows
A study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC published in JAMA Network Open, found that vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during pregnancy reduced the risk of hospitalization in young infants by nearly 70%.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

New study urges earlier detection of Valley Fever as cases climb
The paper was authored and led by Ayomidamope "Ayo" Adebiyi, DNP, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and clinical lead at UC Merced Occupational Health Services. Adebiyi recently completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice, with a focus on executive systems leadership and health policy, and a post-master's certificate in nursing education, both at Johns Hopkins University.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

The University of Cambridge says it successfully tested a vaccine with an AI-designed antigen
The "super-antigen" could provide long-term protection against a wide range of diseases spread by humans.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Three new Ebola vaccines are being developed: An infectious disease expert explains
When it comes to Ebola outbreaks, it's not often we have two pieces of good news in one week. First, we heard there's new funding of up to US$62 million to fast-track the development of vaccine candidates against the type of virus circulating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Untargeted metabolomics approach identifies potential biomarkers for latent tuberculosis diagnosis
Announcing a new article publication in BIO Integration. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of a definitive gold standard. This study aimed to explore plasma metabolic alterations associated with LTBIs using an untargeted metabolomics approach.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Vitamin A poisonings rose almost 40% as measles misinformation spread in 2025
There can be too much of a good thing, and that has been the case with Vitamin A in the U.S.. A recent study in JAMA Network Open has found that between January and March 2025, America's Poison Centers reported a 38.7% increase in vitamin A exposures during the measles outbreak across many states.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 30th, 2026

Grifters, cynics, and true believers: The family tree of vaccine opponents
A new book looks into the long history of people who have opposed vaccines.
May 30th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 29th, 2026

New antibiotic design could help treat drug-resistant infections
A new way of designing antibiotics could support the discovery of new treatments for drug-resistant infections. It could also help revive antibiotics that have lost effectiveness because bacteria have evolved over time to survive the drugs meant to kill them.
May 29th, 2026 — Source

What tick tests can—and can't—tell you
It's quick to spot a tick, but harder to know if that tick carries Lyme disease. Emergency room visits for tick bites provide important data for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but doctors often cannot immediately confirm whether a patient has Lyme disease. Blood tests depend on antibodies that typically take about two weeks to develop after infection.
May 29th, 2026 — Source

WHO chief in Ebola-hit DR Congo which sees first recovery
The UN health chief was on Friday in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where authorities are struggling to contain the spread of a deadly Ebola outbreak but the recovery of a patient, the first since the crisis began, was confirmed.
May 29th, 2026 — Source

WHO prioritizes candidate vaccines and therapeutics for Bundibugyo virus
In response to the current outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with cases also reported in Uganda, WHO convened several of its expert and advisory groups. These groups assessed potential vaccines and therapeutics for both prevention and treatment of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). The WHO advisory groups recommended that all the products identified and considered be used exclusively within clinical trials to generate robust data and ensure safe, ethical, and effective research.
May 29th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 28th, 2026

Gut microbe found to worsen sepsis by triggering hyperinflammatory immune responses
Sepsis is a severe condition in which the body's immune system overreacts to infection, causing widespread inflammation and organ damage. In many cases, the excessive immune response itself becomes more dangerous than the bacteria causing the infection.
May 28th, 2026 — Source

Platform fast-tracks microbial design for high-temp manufacturing
Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a platform that engineers heat-loving microbes for industrial-scale manufacturing in a matter of weeks compared with previous approaches that can take months to years. This biotechnology tool strengthens American manufacturing capacity, supporting long-term energy security and global competitiveness.
May 28th, 2026 — Source

Scientists validate a link between autoimmunity and long COVID
A Mount Sinai-led research team has demonstrated that autoimmunity, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, is responsible for the often-debilitating and confounding symptoms of long COVID in a subset of people.
May 28th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 24th, 2026

Ebola toll tops 200, other African countries seen at risk
Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo updated the death toll from the Ebola outbreak to 204 late Saturday, hours after the Red Cross said three volunteers had died there and Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases.
May 24th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 23rd, 2026

How South African scientists identified hantavirus on a cruise ship thousands of miles away
When South African infectious disease specialist Lucille Blumberg checked her email on the morning of May 1, while the country was celebrating the Labor Day holiday, an urgent message caught her attention.
May 23rd, 2026 — Source

'Permanently wet' coating method could transform wastewater treatment by helping bacteria survive better
Living bacteria embedded in coatings could clean wastewater, capture carbon and generate biofuels—but only if they survive the manufacturing process. Researchers at the University of Surrey and the University of Warwick have developed a method that keeps bacteria submerged throughout coating formation, increasing the number of surviving cells by around 500 times compared to conventional approaches.
May 23rd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 22nd, 2026

5 things to know about the Ebola outbreak
Michele Barry, director of the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, explains how this strain differs, why public risk outside the DRC remains low, and what a global response requires.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Advocacy is key to preserving vital vaccine research, researchers say
Scientists and physicians should advocate to protect the vaccine research infrastructure that has saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, according to a new commentary by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and the University of Washington.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Boston Children's scientists create new booster-free mRNA vaccine strategy
Boston Children's scientists create new booster-free mRNA vaccine strategy
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine plus immune system enhancer may reduce need for repeated boosters, say researchers
In a new study published in Nature Immunology, researchers at Boston Children's Hospital demonstrated that pairing the original COVID-19 mRNA vaccine with an immune system enhancer, known as an adjuvant, improved the duration of the vaccine's protection in mice. The combo also showed a more pronounced response against omicron viral components than the vaccine alone.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Deadly DR Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to M23-held South Kivu
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to eastern South Kivu province in an area under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia, the group's spokesman said Thursday, heightening fears of the deadly disease's growing reach.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Gut-lung microbe shifts may explain clozapine's severe bowel and lung side effects
Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder characterized by hallucinations, false and rigid beliefs (i.e., delusions), impaired mental functions, disorganized speech and, in some cases, repetitive body movements. This debilitating disorder is typically treated with antipsychotics, medications that alter the signaling between neurons.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

How does Andes hantavirus spread between people?
In April 2026, a passenger boarded a Dutch cruise ship in Ushuaia, Argentina after a bird-watching trip. Ten days later, he died. The cause of his death, while initially unclear, was determined to be Andes hantavirus (ANDV), which he picked up prior to boarding the ship. His wife, sickened by the same virus, later died as well.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Innovative platform bridges the gap between OUD treatment and HIV prevention
People with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at increased risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While there are effective interventions that can substantially reduce HIV incidence and opioid overdose, like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), many patients still face barriers to accessing and staying engaged in care.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Running the numbers shows ivermectin could help beat malaria
When a stranger from Spain called Cassidy Rist in her first months at Virginia Tech, she almost didn't take the meeting. The caller was Carlos Chaccour, a physician at the University of Navarra who worked on global health and tropical diseases. He told her he was working on ivermectin for malaria.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Sequential antibiotic strategy can weaken dangerous pathogens
Antibiotic-resistant pathogens pose one of the greatest threats to public health today. Due to the misuse and overuse of antibacterial agents in recent decades, numerous pathogens have now become resistant to antibiotics, including many last-resort antibiotics used to treat particularly severe cases.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 21st, 2026

High prevalence of hantavirus in some areas of the Pacific Northwest
The Sin Nombre virus—a hantavirus that can cause a deadly respiratory disease in humans—may be more widespread among rodent populations in parts of the Pacific Northwest than previously recognized. A recent study conducted in the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho found that nearly 30% of rodents showed evidence of past infection with the virus. About 10% were actively infected, meaning they were carrying and could potentially shed the virus.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

Scientists discover how to harness T cells to combat entire viral families
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This "pan-arenavirus" vaccine approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses with pandemic potential.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 18th, 2026

Bringing bacteria into better focus
New optical fiber uses laser heating and bubble convection to trap thousands of bacteria and nanoparticles in 60 seconds, enabling faster, more sensitive detection.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Dust reveals 54 viruses in buildings, pointing to new outbreak warning tool
Gathering dust from buildings may hold promise as a more efficient way to track viral outbreaks in indoor settings, according to a new study published in Building and Environment by researchers from the Ohio State University. After collecting nearly 30 vacuumed dust samples from places like schools, university residence halls and office buildings, the team simultaneously identified the presence of 54 distinct viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, norovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and others.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

From medieval plague ships to hantavirus: How outbreaks at sea helped to shape the international public health system
Cruise ships are convenient floating hotels by which to see far-flung parts of the world—but as an epidemiologist, I know they are also everything an infectious pathogen could want: thousands of strangers packed into enclosed spaces for days or weeks, sharing dining rooms and high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons and handrails, breathing recirculated air.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Gut microbiome metabolite butyrate relieves chronic jaw joint pain
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is associated with disrupted gut microbiome metabolites. Researchers reveal that butyrate, administered as tributyrin, alleviates pain by restoring histone acetylation and reversing gene regulatory changes in the brain. The team identified key genes involved in pain modulation, such as Nop14 using a mouse model as well as single-cell multi-omics sequencing. Targeting butyrate-related epigenetic pathways may offer a promising non-opioid strategy for treating TMJ pain.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Health experts outline symptoms and risks of shipboard hantavirus
Two Texans were aboard a cruise ship recently on which 147 passengers and crew may have been exposed to hantavirus -- a severe, potentially fatal respiratory virus that originates from rodent droppings. The outbreak was reported to the World Health Organization on May 2, 2026, and the disease was quickly confirmed to be the Andes strain of hantavirus.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

In Tierra del Fuego, a hunt for the rodent carrier of hantavirus
A scientific mission was set to kick off the search Monday for rodents that may be hantavirus carriers after an outbreak on a cruise ship departed this region at the southern tip of Argentina on April 1.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

What you need to know about the Ebola outbreak that has the WHO concerned
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa a public health emergency of international concern.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

WHO keeps evaluation of hantavirus as 'low risk'
The World Health Organization said Sunday it was maintaining its assessment of the hantavirus outbreak as "low risk" as the cruise ship where the outbreak originated approached the Netherlands.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

WHO kicks off annual assembly amid hantavirus, Ebola crises
World Health Organization member states gather for their annual meeting in Geneva Monday amid concern over deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks and uncertainty over announced US and Argentinian withdrawals.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 17th, 2026

Breast cancer that has begun to spread could be controlled for longer with targeted radiotherapy
Once cancer has begun to spread within the body (metastasized), it generally becomes harder to treat and survival rates are lower. The new research focuses on patients with oligometastatic breast cancer, meaning a few small secondary tumors have broken away from the main tumor and begun to grow elsewhere in the body.
May 17th, 2026 — Source

Canada cruise passenger 'presumptive positive' for hantavirus
Canadian public health officials said Saturday a "high-risk" passenger who was aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius tested "presumptive positive" for the Andes hantavirus.
May 17th, 2026 — Source

What to know about the Ebola outbreak that the WHO has declared a global health emergency
The World Health Organization declared Sunday the Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
May 17th, 2026 — Source

WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda
The World Health Organization declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by a rare virus in Congo and neighboring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday, after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths.
May 17th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 16th, 2026

A look at major Ebola outbreaks and when the disease was first identified
All the major Ebola outbreaks have been in sub-Saharan Africa, where the viruses that cause it are native. The worst have been in West and Central Africa.
May 16th, 2026 — Source

Cancer risk awareness and concrete plans boosted gastric screening during COVID-19
A study conducted by researchers at University of Tsukuba revealed that individuals with higher cancer-related health literacy, perceived susceptibility to gastric cancer, and encouragement from family members or health care providers demonstrated stronger intentions to undergo gastric cancer screening, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. These intentions were significantly associated with subsequent screening participation. In contrast, while fear of COVID-19 increased screening intention in the short term, over time it could suppress screening behavior.
May 16th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 15th, 2026

A man's been convicted for spreading genital herpes: Why that might backfire
In an Australian first, a Canberra man has been convicted of giving genital herpes to a sexual partner. The man pleaded guilty to the charge of "recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm," which carries a maximum sentence of 13 years. He will be serving his 13-month sentence, handed down last week, under a community correction order.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Australia's RSV immunization program cuts newborn hospitalizations by almost half
The latest research conducted by The Kids Research Institute Australia, the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) and Monash University, in collaboration with 13 hospitals across Australia, found RSV-associated hospitalizations fell by 43.8% in babies aged less than three months—the group at highest risk of severe RSV disease.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Bacterial energy enzyme reveals dual-trigger sodium pump mechanism, offering antibiotic clues
The Na+-NQR enzyme is vital for energy production in pathogenic bacteria like the one that causes cholera, making it a highly promising target for new antibiotics. Researchers combined modified artificial intelligence techniques with extensive supercomputer simulations to visualize the hidden, dynamic movements of this enzyme during sodium transport.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Exploiting tuberculosis 'superspreading niches' to curb transmission
Superspreading became a familiar concept to many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior studies examining infectious disease epidemics, including those on COVID-19, have found that some individuals are much more likely to transmit infections to other people. Superspreading, when one person with an infection passes it to an unusually large number of other people, is a key feature of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Hantavirus: A cruise ship, a deer mouse and the fictional line between human and animal health
In February 2025, the classical pianist Betsy Arakawa died in her New Mexico home from a virus most people had never heard of. Her husband, the actor Gene Hackman, died a week later of heart disease. The pathogen that killed her was hantavirus, almost certainly picked up from deer mouse droppings on the property.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Researchers identify first suite of human antibodies against measles virus
NIH-funded study lays foundation for antibody-based measles treatment.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Routine vaccines may cut dementia risk—experts have startling hypothesis on how
More and more routine vaccines are being linked to lower risks of dementia. Shots against seasonal flu, RSV, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), pneumococcal infections, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid have all been linked to lower risks. And one of the strongest connections is from vaccination against shingles, with more data supporting the link still coming in. But as the evidence mounts, scientists continue to puzzle over the pleasant surprise—how are vaccines that target specific pathogens inadvertently shielding our minds from deterioration?
May 15th, 2026 — Source

What do Argentine scientists know about hantavirus so far?
The Andes strain of hantavirus typically circulates via rodents, but human-to-human transmission such as the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius is not impossible either.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

What the 2026 World Cup means for measles risk in Vancouver
With less than five weeks until kickoff, and hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, Vancouver is preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 following British Columbia's worst measles outbreak in years.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 14th, 2026

France blames stomach bug for new cruise outbreak, lifts lockdown
French authorities on Wednesday allowed asymptomatic passengers to leave a British cruise ship, saying a gastrointestinal virus was behind an outbreak of sickness that came after an elderly man died of a heart attack.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Friendly skin bacteria shut down inflammatory driver of eczema
Friendly skin bacteria could hold the key to stopping eczema in its tracks, according to a breakthrough by a team of UK and Japanese scientists. Their new study reveals harmless microbes living on our skin release powerful molecules that can shut down the inflammatory chaos triggered by Staphylococcus aureus, the bug long known to wreak havoc in eczema.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

From Black Death to Covid, ships have long hosted outbreaks
A deadly outbreak on a cruise liner is just the latest in a long history of infectious diseases spreading rapidly in the cramped confines of ships, from the Black Death to COVID.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Identifying the methodology gap that prevents treatment of infection-triggered chronic diseases
Thousands of Americans develop chronic persistent symptoms-such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties ("brain fog"), and other debilitating issues-each year following acute infections from Lyme disease, COVID-19, and other pathogens. Efforts to identify causes and produce treatments have failed. However, 16 leading researchers think they know part of the problem: study design.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Scientists develop a dual action strategy to destabilize the COVID virus
An unprecedented study led by researchers at the University of Malaga proposes a new antiviral strategy against SARS-CoV-2 -the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 disease- based on a treatment that combines two complementary approaches, capable of attacking the virus simultaneously, forcing its instability and hindering its ability to adapt.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Scientists say studies of infection-triggered chronic conditions have been undermined by unproven diagnoses
Thousands of Americans develop chronic persistent symptoms—such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties ("brain fog"), and other debilitating issues—each year following acute infections from Lyme disease, COVID-19, and other pathogens. Efforts to identify causes and produce treatments have failed. However, 16 leading researchers think they know part of the problem: study design.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

US patient with hantavirus symptoms tests negative
US health officials said Wednesday a patient who had exhibited mild hantavirus symptoms has tested negative for the illness and was no longer in a biocontainment unit.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

WHO confirms eight cases of Andes hantavirus in outbreak
Eight people infected in the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship have tested positive for the Andes virus, the only strain transmitted between humans, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Why measles is spreading again and who faces the highest risk
Measles in adults and children in the last few months in California have brought home the fact that the extremely contagious virus is in our backyard. Once under control and even eradicated, measles is making a strong comeback, including almost 50 cases in the state, the highest since 2019, and almost 1,800 nationally as of April, marking the largest surge in decades.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 11th, 2026

2 passengers, French and American, test positive for hantavirus after cruise ship evacuation
A French woman evacuated from a cruise ship has tested positive for hantavirus and her health worsened in the hospital overnight, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said Monday.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Study compares two antibiotics in treating severe hemorrhagic bacterial pneumonia
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is a multidrug-resistant bacterium that can cause severe and life-threatening hemorrhagic pneumonia in individuals with weakened immune systems. Despite this, there are limited treatment options for this bacterium and the infections it causes are extremely difficult to treat. The commonly used antibiotic, levofloxacin (LVFX), currently stands as one of the most effective, but reported evidence of S. maltophilia resistance has been increasing. Alternatively, cefiderocol (CFDC), a new antimicrobial agent, has shown effectiveness against S. maltophilia in experimental studies.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 10th, 2026

Hantavirus on small cruise ship may have been spread by human contact
The deaths of three people aboard a small cruise ship during a suspected outbreak of hantavirus demonstrate the potential deadliness of the rodent-borne illness. "Once somebody gets sick, once somebody comes in contact with hantavirus, they can develop severe illness fairly quickly," said Neil Maniar, director of Northeastern's master of public health program.
May 10th, 2026 — Source

Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship arrives at Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands
A hantavirus-stricken cruise ship with more than 140 people on board has arrived at Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, off the coast of West Africa, where the passengers and some of the crew are to disembark.
May 10th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 9th, 2026

Everyone on hantavirus-hit ship 'high-risk contact', must be monitored: WHO
The World Health Organization said Saturday it considered everyone on board a cruise ship hit with a deadly hantavirus outbreak as "high-risk" contacts who should be actively monitored for 42 days.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

Hantavirus and tuberculosis cases: Should we be worried?
Recent news reports have highlighted several infectious diseases incidents, including three tuberculosis clusters in Singapore and a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

Hantavirus scare revives COVID-era conspiracy theories
An outbreak of the deadly hantavirus on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship is reviving conspiracy theories about vaccines, alleged depopulation campaigns and miracle cures that flourished during the COVID pandemic.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

Malaria's hidden toll on children: Why survivors may struggle in school years later
A disease transmitted by the bite of a tiny insect—one that once devastated entire armies—remains among the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2024 alone, there were 282 million cases of malaria reported and 610,000 deaths caused by the illness. Among those who have survived malaria due to proper treatment, the aftereffects can linger for a long time.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

WHO says six hantavirus cases confirmed so far
There are six confirmed cases of hantavirus so far out of eight suspected ones following an outbreak on a cruise ship, the World Health Organization said Friday.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 8th, 2026

A timeline of the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak and when passengers fell sick
At least three passengers have died and several others are sick and were evacuated from the ship. Health authorities are trying to trace passengers who left the ship previously and people who might have had contact with them.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship raises transmission concerns
A deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered an international health response after at least three passengers died and several others fell ill during a voyage in the South Atlantic. Health officials across multiple countries are tracing passengers amid concerns over the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread through close human contact.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Health authorities work to contain cruise ship hantavirus outbreak
The World Health Organization confirmed the outbreak on May 4, noting a total of seven infections, with three deaths since the outbreak began in early April. An eighth case was confirmed on May 6.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

How public health officials are tracing people who came in contact with hantavirus victims
Hantaviruses do not spread easily between people, which makes health officials confident the recent outbreak on a cruise ship that has killed three people will not turn into an epidemic.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Infectious H5N1 virus detected in dairy farm air
Infectious H5N1 virus detected in dairy farm air and wastewater, alongside evidence of hidden cattle infections, suggests an outbreak may be spreading through more routes than previously recognized.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Malaria vaccine averts 1 in 8 child deaths across three African countries in first rollout
Over a period of four years, an estimated 1 in 8 child deaths were averted among those eligible to receive the malaria vaccine in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. According to the authors, the positive impact is likely to be as high or higher in other African countries now offering malaria vaccines to young children in areas of high malaria burden.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Pneumonia occurs more often after breathing tube removal than during ventilation
A Hiroshima University study of more than 31,000 patients found that pneumonia occurred more often after breathing tubes were removed than during ventilation, with most cases developing within a 1--2 week window after surgery. The findings suggest this underrecognized condition may be a distinct clinical entity linked to swallowing dysfunction-and that early assessment and intervention, including identification of high-risk patients, may be key to prevention and improved outcomes.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Promising new Hanta virus vaccine under development by University of Bath researchers
A highly promising vaccine for Hanta virus is being developed by researchers from the University of Bath. The team is led by Professor Asel Sartbaeva, Chemistry researcher at the University and co-founder of University spinout company Ensilitech.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Science Newsfrom research organizationsScientists discover a new way to prevent gum disease without killing good bacteria
Scientists have uncovered a surprising way to influence the bacteria living in our mouths — not by killing them, but by interrupting how they "talk" to each other. Researchers found that dental plaque bacteria use chemical signals to coordinate growth, and by blocking those signals, they were able to encourage healthier bacteria while reducing disease-linked microbes tied to gum disease. Even more intriguing, the bacterial conversations changed depending on oxygen levels above and below the gums, revealing an entirely new layer of complexity inside the mouth.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Third Briton has suspected hantavirus after cruise outbreak: health agency
A third British national has been diagnosed with suspected hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak, health officials said Friday.
May 8th, 2026 — Source< or Source

This anti-CRISPR stops the protein assembly line in bacteria
Bacteria fend off invading viruses with molecular scissors that slice up viral DNA—a system called CRISPR that's become indispensable to gene editing. But viruses can fight back with a molecular trick that stops the scissors from ever being made.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

WHO warns of more hantavirus cases in 'limited' outbreak
The World Health Organization said Thursday that more hantavirus cases could emerge after the disease killed three passengers from a cruise ship, but it expected the outbreak to be limited if precautions were taken.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 7th, 2026

Cranberry juice may help stop antibiotic resistance in UTIs
Cranberry juice may help extend the lifespan of a key UTI antibiotic by reprogramming how bacteria absorb fosfomycin and evolve resistance.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

First hantavirus infection could not have been during cruise: WHO expert
The first hantavirus case on the MV Hondius could not have been infected during the cruise, a World Health Organization expert told AFP on Wednesday.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

'Freedom framing' could be more effective than mandates for vaccine-hesitant Americans
University of Houston researchers are applying the principles of marketing science to public health, proposing that the way vaccines are "framed" could be a factor in overcoming hesitancy.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Hantavirus is on the rise in Argentina, where a stricken cruise ship began its journey
Officials and experts in Argentina are scrambling to determine if their country is the source of a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has gripped an Atlantic cruise.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Hantavirus scare on cruise ship prompts WHO response
A mysterious cluster of severe illness aboard a remote cruise voyage has triggered a global health response, as experts race to trace the source of a rare but deadly hantavirus infection.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

How a deadly hantavirus outbreak unfolded on a cruise ship for weeks before it was identified
How a deadly hantavirus outbreak unfolded on a cruise ship for weeks before it was identified
May 7th, 2026 — Source

I've investigated a hantavirus outbreak. Here's what I can tell you about the cruise ship cluster
The cruise ship cluster of hantavirus cases continues to grow. The World Health Organization reports that as of May 6 there were eight cases, three of whom are confirmed by laboratory testing as hantavirus. In recent days, we heard three passengers had died.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Scientists take crucial step in developing world's first measles treatment
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) are the first in the world to characterize human antibodies capable of neutralizing measles virus. These antibodies bind to key sites on measles virus and prevent the virus from entering host cells. The new panel of human antibodies may form the basis for future medical therapies against measles infection. In the study, an infusion of these antibodies resulted in a 500-fold lower viral load in a rodent model of measles infection.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Study identifies post-extubation pneumonia as a distinct condition after surgery and determines key risk factors
A Hiroshima University study of more than 31,000 patients found that pneumonia occurred more often after breathing tubes were removed than during ventilation, with most cases developing within a 1--2 week window after surgery. The findings suggest this under-recognized condition may be a distinct clinical entity linked to swallowing dysfunction and that early assessment and intervention, including identification of high-risk patients, may be key to prevention and improved outcomes.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Turning up the volume on macrophage-driven immune responses
As part of the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders, macrophages play an integral role in the innate immune system. However, the ability of macrophages to interpret and respond to diverse danger signals remains incompletely understood.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

What is hantavirus? Symptoms, transmission and treatment explained
As an Atlantic cruise ship remains isolated off the South African coast due to a deadly hantavirus outbreak, the world watches with anticipation to learn more about this uncommon but dangerous infectious disease.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

What to know about hantavirus, the illness linked to a cruise ship outbreak
An outbreak aboard a cruise ship of a rare rodent-borne illness called hantavirus has left three passengers dead and sickened others, but global health officials say the risk to the general public remains low because the germ does not easily spread between people.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — May 4th, 2026

Cranberry juice may boost antibiotic effectiveness against urinary infections
More than 400 million people experience a urinary tract infection every year, and some epidemiological studies estimate that more than half of all women will develop at least one in their lifetime. Most UTIs are caused by pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli bacteria, and the antibiotic fosfomycin is often prescribed as the first line of treatment.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Cranberry juice may boost UTI antibiotics
More than 400 million people experience a urinary tract infection every year, and some epidemiological studies estimate that more than half of all women will develop at least one in their lifetime. Most UTIs are caused by pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli bacteria, and the antibiotic fosfomycin is often prescribed as the first line of treatment. However, increasing resistance to antibiotics is driving a search for alternative approaches to treatment.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Food baskets for tuberculosis patients could save thousands of lives
Undernutrition is the single greatest modifiable risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), contributing to immune suppression, treatment failure, and death. Despite this, nutritional support has not traditionally been a part of standard TB treatment. Researchers from Boston University (BU) and Boston Medical Center (BMC), in close collaboration with India's National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), found that providing food baskets to people with TB and their households may not only be cost-effective, but may also save tens of thousands of lives annually in India if implemented at scale.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

How a common gut bacterium may protect health
A growing body of research reveals how a single gut microbe may protect against infections and influence pregnancy outcomes, while also cautioning that its effects can vary widely depending on diet, disease, and host biology.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

New genetic tool tracks how bacteria spread between people
In a collaboration between experts at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Australia, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and the University of Oslo, researchers used the TRACS tool to map the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the bacterium that causes pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, across different populations.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Providing food baskets to people with tuberculosis is cost-effective, could avert over 100,000 deaths annually in India
Undernutrition is the single greatest modifiable risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), contributing to immune suppression, treatment failure, and death. Despite this, nutritional support has not traditionally been a part of standard TB treatment. Researchers from Boston University (BU) and Boston Medical Center (BMC), in close collaboration with India's National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), found that providing food baskets to people with TB and their households may not only be cost-effective, but may also save tens of thousands of lives annually in India if implemented at scale.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Scientists find that human embryos are vulnerable to COVID
A University of California, Riverside study reports that cells in the earliest stages of human development could be susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, offering new insight into how the virus interacts with developing human tissues and why that may matter for pregnancy research.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Syphilis cases in expectant mothers have dramatically risen since the pandemic—here's what's driving the trend
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Use of hepatitis C-positive donors reduces pancreas transplant wait times
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University have discovered that utilizing organs from donors who are hepatitis C virus-positive (HCV+) can greatly shorten wait times for those awaiting pancreas transplants. According to their study published in the American Journal of Transplantation, patients receiving HCV+ organs experienced an average reduction of 117 days in wait time, all while maintaining comparable safety and organ function to those receiving organs from HCV-negative donors.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 27th, 2026

An unexpected limit to SARS-CoV-2's immune defenses reveal a hidden virus trade-off
A new study has revealed that while SARS-CoV-2 can weaken part of the body's early immune response, it may also unintentionally trigger another defense that helps cells fight back. A new collaborative study has revealed a hidden weakness in how the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) evades the immune system.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Delaying hepatitis B birth vaccines increases infant infection risks
Delaying hepatitis B vaccination after birth increases infections among newborns and decreases their survival rates and quality of life, according to a new Cornell University study.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Did life-saving HIV drugs unintentionally fuel a syphilis comeback?
A life-saving HIV breakthrough reshaped survival. But did it also reshape sexual behavior and spark an unexpected public health challenge?
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Final talks begin on missing piece for pandemic treaty
An extra week of negotiations to complete an international agreement on handling future pandemics kicked off in Geneva on Monday, with sharp divisions holding up an accord.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

New study suggests reduced newborn hepatitis B vaccination coverage may increase infant infections
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection acquired at birth or during early infancy can lead to lifelong health complications, including chronic liver disease. Despite longstanding recommendations for prenatal screening, an estimated 12% to 16% of pregnant individuals in the U.S. are not screened for hepatitis B. This gap leaves a portion of newborns at risk for undetected exposure. Vaccination at birth serves as a safeguard, particularly for infants born to mothers whose hepatitis B status is unknown.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Rare ribosome tweak in E. coli reveals possible antibiotic target
Storing genetic material as DNA or RNA is all well and good for life on Earth, but it would be entirely pointless if we couldn't do anything with it. To use our genetic blueprints, all organisms need to translate the message from their nucleic acid forms into protein, which then become the building blocks that make up each organism. Because this is such a critical part of life, ribosomes—the machinery responsible for the translation of RNA into protein—are fairly conserved across all living things.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Scientists at Stanford University have discovered that DRT3, a unique defense system found in bacteria, creates DNA to protect against viral infections. DRT3 is made up of two different enzymes called reverse transcriptases, Drt3a and Drt3b, and a piece of noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Together, this trio makes long, double-stranded DNA consisting of alternating repeats (GT/AC).
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April 27th, 2026 — Source

Where people get their news influences their beliefs about vaccines, survey finds
People who follow "new right" media outlets are more than twice as likely to be vaccine-hesitant compared to those who never engage with those outlets, a new Johns Hopkins University study finds.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Why epithelial cancer is more aggressive in some tissues
A team led by scientists from the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool have revealed why a group of cancers common in older adults exposed to environmental damage behaves so differently depending on where they develop in the body.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 26th, 2026

New biosensor detects active tuberculosis in 60 minutes using a fluorescent protein signal
A research team at IDM is leading the development of a sensor that paves the way for the rapid, selective and cost-effective detection of active tuberculosis. The device detects the presence of a protein secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the disease. It provides results in just 60 minutes—significantly less time than conventional methods, such as microbiological culture, which can take several weeks.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 24th, 2026

Animal-linked influenza D multiplies efficiently in human respiratory tissue, hinting at spillover
The influenza D virus that researchers say has been flying under the radar since its detection in animals in 2011 can vigorously make copies of itself in human cells and lung tissue samples, a new study shows. The findings suggest influenza D has strong potential to spill over to humans, the scientists say. Some people who work with cattle, considered the primary host for this virus, have been found to have influenza D antibodies in their blood, but no active human infection has been discovered to date.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

COVID-19 and severe heart attack increase mortality by 25% after 1 year, more than double pre-pandemic rates
Findings from the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction (NACMI) registry demonstrate significantly higher one-year mortality rates in patients with COVID-19 and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared to patients with STEMI alone. This registry is the first study to describe long-term outcomes in patients with STEMI and COVID-19.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

COVID-19 patients with STEMI show higher one-year mortality rates
Findings from the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction (NACMI) registry demonstrate significantly higher one-year mortality rates in patients with COVID-19 and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared to patients with STEMI alone. This registry is the first study to describe long-term outcomes in patients with STEMI and COVID-19.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Evaluating effectiveness of maternal RSV vaccination and nirsevimab for severe RSV-related illness in infants
A new study found that infants receiving maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination or Nirsevimab after birth had significantly lower RSV infection and health care use compared to unprotected infants. It also showed fewer severe complications in RSV-positive infants with prevention. These findings highlight the positive impact of RSV preventive measures in high-risk populations.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

First measles case of the year reported in New Jersey
Health officials in New Jersey are warning folks of possible measles exposure after confirming the state's first case of the year.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Influenza D shows strong potential to spill over to humans
The influenza D virus that researchers say has been flying under the radar since its detection in animals in 2011 can vigorously make copies of itself in human cells and lung tissue samples, a new study shows.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Long-term study supports tenofovir alafenamide for chronic hepatitis B
Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has demonstrated comparable efficacy to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), with improved renal and bone safety, in Chinese participants with chronic hepatitis B enrolled in two Phase 3 trials. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term virologic efficacy, serological and biochemical responses, resistance, and renal and bone safety of TAF over eight years in this population.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

The Big Catch-Up reaches millions of children with life-saving vaccines
The Big Catch-Up (BCU), a historic multi-year, multi-country effort to address vaccination declines driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reached an estimated 18.3 million children aged 1 to 5 across 36 countries with more than 100 million doses of life-saving vaccines, helping to narrow critical immunity gaps, announced Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), WHO, and UNICEF at the start of World Immunization Week.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 23rd, 2026

Gene-sharing view challenged as bacteria shown to police DNA exchange
A new study finds that bacteria can actively block the transfer of beneficial genes to neighboring cells, using specialized proteins to specifically destroy shared DNA before it spreads. This challenges the long-held view that bacteria freely exchange genetic material and reveals a more competitive system in which microbes tightly control who gets access to valuable traits, an insight that could help scientists better understand and potentially limit the spread of antibiotic resistance.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Late-night eating may amplify the effects of stress on gut health
It's well known that chronic stress can disrupt bowel function, sending people running to the bathroom or making them constipated. New research to be presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2026 suggests that eating late at night amplifies these effects, with implications for both digestive health and the gut microbiome.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

New approach identified for treating infections with Hepatitis E virus
Instead of directly attacking the virus, the compound acts on the host cell and prevents infection.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Q&A: As ticks spread, so do the diseases they carry
Up-close tick encounters are nothing new to Peter Krause. As a tick-borne disease researcher, he's conducted fieldwork where these parasites live. After one trip to Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island where ticks are endemic, Krause had the jarring experience that's become all too common for many others, too.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 21st, 2026

Breaking a shared defense restores antibiotics against two cystic fibrosis lung bacteria
A newly discovered mechanism renders antibiotic-resistant bacteria vulnerable by disabling both their individual resistance and a process known as cross-protection, the ability of resistant bacteria to shield nearby, otherwise sensitive strains. This occurs because resistant bacteria can degrade antibiotics in their surroundings, reducing drug levels and allowing other microbes to survive.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Early immune responses linked to broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV
Some people living with HIV develop antibodies capable of neutralizing many different strains of the virus. New research links this to immune responses that occur early in infection. The findings come from an international research collaboration that includes the University of Gothenburg.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

HIV's earliest immune battle leaves blood traces that forecast powerful antibodies years later
Some people living with HIV develop antibodies capable of neutralizing many different strains of the virus. New research links this to immune responses that occur early in infection. The findings, published in PLOS Pathogens, come from an international research collaboration that includes the University of Gothenburg.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Nanorobot kills superbugs and destroys their resistance genes
A biohybrid nanorobot pairs a bacterial virus with catalytic nanoparticles to destroy drug-resistant biofilms and shred the resistance genes they release.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Oral bacteria can reveal your true biological age and health risks
A simple oral rinse may hold the key to measuring how fast you are aging, offering a noninvasive way to flag early risks of frailty, kidney decline, and life-threatening diseases.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

This bioengineered chewing gum wipes out cancer-linked mouth microbes while sparing healthy bacteria
Researchers led by Henry Daniell of the School of Dental Medicine have shown that extracts from bioengineered chewing gum reduce the levels of three microbes known to be associated with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), paving the way for more effective and affordable therapies.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Uganda's Python Cave reveals how a Marburg virus outbreak could begin
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic disease in humans caused by the Marburg virus. It is carried by Egyptian fruit bats and can spread to people after exposure in caves or mines where they live. So imagine the surprise of researchers when they monitored Python Cave in Uganda, a known Marburg virus reservoir, and found that, despite the danger, dozens of people were entering the site. Most of these visitors were unprotected and ignored safety rules, creating a golden opportunity for the virus to jump from bats to the local community.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 17th, 2026

A new era of personalized care for patients with meningioma
A comprehensive new review led by Mayo Clinic is helping shape how clinicians diagnose and treat meningioma, the most common primary brain tumor, with a focus on personalized, patient-centered care and the latest advances in precision oncology. Published in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, the review brings together global expertise to map the future of meningioma care, highlighting innovations that aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of urinary incontinence in women
The accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, especially visceral fat (fat that accumulates between organs), significantly increases the risk of stress urinary incontinence in women. A study conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, identified this region as the one most strongly associated with involuntary urine leakage, surpassing total body fat.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Blood pressure drug effective for treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, study finds
Infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria are difficult to treat and are responsible for over 2.8 million infections and more than 35,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. A new study in Nature Communications reports that a drug used to lower blood pressure could also be the basis of a promising new treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 14th, 2026

AI spots hidden behavior patterns in self-organizing bacteria
Life moves in mysterious ways—and perhaps especially so for organisms that undergo dramatic shifts in levels of self-organization, such as Myxococcus xanthus. A custom-built artificial intelligence system developed by Rice University researchers helped uncover how bacterial communities organize themselves, showing that the earliest moments of a biological transition carry far more information than previously considered.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

No great equalizer: Young laborers were hit hardest by early modern plague
A multidisciplinary archaeological team has examined plague burials from a 17th-century monastery turned hospital in Basel, Switzerland, shedding light on how social status impacted plague mortality in Early Modern Europe. Their study, "All equal in the face of death? Life histories of confirmed victims of the last plague epidemic in Basel," is published in the journal Antiquity.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Ultrasensitive test reveals evidence of previously undetected tuberculosis in hospital patients
Researchers at Boston University have discovered an unexpectedly high prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA (TB DNA) in patients hospitalized in Boston, suggesting that tuberculosis disease may be significantly underdiagnosed in the United States. The findings, published in Nature Communications, could reshape how clinicians approach tuberculosis (TB) detection and help accelerate progress toward elimination goals.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 13th, 2026

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics earns CE mark for new assay delivering bacterial vs viral infection results in approximately 20 minutes
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a Danaher company and global leader in clinical diagnostics, today announced it has received CE 2797 mark under IVDR for the Access MeMed BV assay, enabling broad availability of a high-throughput host‑response test that helps clinicians differentiate between bacterial and viral infections in approximately 20 minutes.
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Fighting malaria more effectively with climate data
In many parts of East Africa, small pools of water that form after heavy rainfall are ideal breeding sites for the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have analyzed how such environmental conditions affect the effectiveness of mosquito nets. They combined high-resolution climate and hydrology models with malaria data from Kenya to enable better assessments of when and where the nets are especially effective at preventing infections.
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Nanodiscs capture HIV and Ebola surface proteins in lifelike membranes for vaccine design
Viruses are masters at invading cells thanks to specialized proteins that coat their surfaces. When scientists design vaccines, they often create versions of these viral surface proteins to study how the immune system might respond. But those lab-made proteins typically lack key parts that sit within the virus's membrane, so they don't always behave the way they would on a real virus. This has made it difficult to understand how antibodies actually identify and neutralize these viral targets.
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 12th, 2026

Hidden weak spots in HIV and Ebola revealed with breakthrough nanodisc technology
A new "nanodisc" technology lets scientists see viruses as they truly are—opening the door to smarter, more powerful vaccines.
April 12th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 11th, 2026

A nanoscale robotic cleaner can hunt, capture and remove bacteria
Tiny robots—around 50 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair—open up fascinating possibilities: they enable the controlled manipulation of objects far too small for human hands. This brings us closer to a long-standing dream—the direct interaction with the microscopic world.
April 11th, 2026 — Source

Microbial hockey: Scientists discover how bacteria rotate tiny pucks
At the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Jeremie Palacci's research group is venturing into metallurgy—albeit with a twist. Instead of traditional tools, the scientists use E. coli bacteria, often associated with infection linked to contaminated food.
April 11th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 9th, 2026

Breathing new life Into tubercolosis treatment with inhalable nanomedicine
Scientists are developing an inhalable nanosystem to transport TB medicines directly into the lungs.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

CDC study shows COVID shot benefits; Trump official blocks release
Study found shots cut urgent care and hospitalization by about 50% in healthy adults.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Flu treatment shields lungs, cuts pneumonia risk
A new flu treatment could drastically reduce one of flu's deadliest complications—bacterial pneumonia—by helping the lungs defend themselves, rather than targeting the virus directly. Influenza specialist Associate Professor Michelle Tate's latest research has shown that a synthetic peptide called LAT9997, delivered directly into the airway, can protect against both severe flu and the secondary bacterial infections that frequently follow it—often with fatal consequences.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Gut bacteria linked to levels of latent HIV
The composition of gut bacteria appears to be associated with how much latent HIV remains in the blood of people receiving antiretroviral therapy. This is shown in a new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in Gut Pathogens. The findings offer clues as to how the gut microbiome may influence the amount of virus that persists in the body.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Influenza frequently missed in winter deaths, new study finds
A population-based study, published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection and due to be presented next week at ESCMID Global 2026, has found that influenza was detected in 11% of winter deaths, yet only 17% of these infections were diagnosed before death. The study tested 857 deceased persons across four influenza seasons in Spain, regardless of the reported cause of death.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Keeping up with the phages: How V. cholerae neighbors swap defenses against viruses
Like most bacteria, Vibrio cholerae lives under constant attack from viruses. To survive, bacteria equip themselves with antiviral immune systems. Previous work has shown that V. cholerae carries a large genetic element called a sedentary chromosomal integron (SCI). This structure contains hundreds of small mobile DNA units known as "gene cassettes" arranged in a long array, like a chain of pearls.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Scientists discover hidden gut trigger behind ALS and dementia
A hidden culprit in the gut may be driving devastating brain diseases—and scientists just found a way to fight back.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Scientists discover the antibacterial potential of 'hero' Korean skincare ingredient
Fans of Korean skincare may be familiar with "hero ingredient" Madecassic acid for its skin-soothing properties, but researchers at Kent have revealed its greater potential for use in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

This giant virus just gave up its atomic blueprint
In this study, the researchers applied a "block-based reconstruction method" to the analysis of electron microscopy images, achieving a dramatic improvement in the resolution of the three-dimensional reconstruction. This enabled them to elucidate the detailed arrangement of proteins constituting the massive capsid (250 nm in diameter).
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Who should get the vaccine first? Lessons from the pandemic
It has been six years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but one question remains relevant: Who should be first in line when vaccines are scarce? When COVID-19 vaccines first became available, supply was limited and governments had to make difficult choices. In most countries, priority was based on medical risk. Older people, health care workers and those with underlying conditions were vaccinated first.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 8th, 2026

AI uncovers hidden immune defenses inside bacteria
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered thousands of new proteins that protect bacteria from virus attacks using an AI system called DefensePredictor. What would usually take months of lab work can now be narrowed down to promising candidates in minutes.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Drones and AI take flight to combat mosquito-borne disease
As warming temperatures spread dengue to new regions, Stanford researchers are using AI-powered drones to hunt down hidden mosquito breeding sites. Anyone who has left water standing in a wading pool or empty flower pot knows how quickly mosquitoes arrive. But these backyard nuisances can spawn serious diseases: dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are all transmitted by mosquitoes breeding in water that collects in shallow containers.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Pilot study confirms cost-effective way to combat ICU drug-resistant infections
A QUT-led pilot study has shown the use of a relatively simple and cost-effective method of monitoring the presence of infectious disease-causing bacteria in intensive care units and their sites of transmission. The collaborative project between QUT, University of Southern Queensland, University of Queensland and St Vincent's Private Hospital in Toowoomba has demonstrated the power of academia and hospitals working together to address the critical problem of hospital-acquired infections.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 6th, 2026

GLP-1 agonist drugs show digestive side effects but may help fight infections
Originally developed to treat diabetes, a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now stepping into the spotlight as weight loss drugs. A recent umbrella review draws attention to safety concerns regarding the use of this GLP medication, alongside a mix of potential benefits.
April 6th, 2026 — Source

Study finds hunger hit mental health harder than job loss amid COVID-19 pandemic
Not having enough food may have had a greater negative effect on mental health in the United States than unemployment or loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study led by Penn State researchers. The study, published in PLOS One, examined how loss of income or employment and food sufficiency impacted the mental health of Americans during the pandemic. The researchers found that not having enough food—or food insufficiency—was more strongly linked to poorer mental health than losing income, and both food insufficiency and lower income mattered more than unemployment alone.
April 6th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 3rd, 2026

A shift away from traditional antifungal research: Study points toward immune reprogramming to treat candidiasis
Systemic candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection that has been difficult to treat effectively. Research published in a paper in the April edition of Cell Host & Microbe suggests that immune metabolic reprogramming could be a new strategy to fight the infection rather than developing another specific antifungal medication.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Bacterial enzyme uses a donut-shaped ring to shred tough collagen, study reveals
Collagen is an important protein that helps build the tissues of humans and animals. It is very strong because it is made of three protein strands twisted tightly together like a rope. Because of this sturdy structure, ordinary protein-cutting enzymes usually cannot break it down.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Immune-capable cervix-on-a-chip enables study of sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) not only impact an individual's health, but also result in multibillion-dollar economic losses worldwide. To study these diseases, a team of researchers has developed the first-of-its-kind, immune-capable organ-on-a-chip model that realistically reproduces the human cervical environment, allowing scientists to study how the microbiome, immune system, and STIs interact—something that has not been possible before with oversimplified cell cultures or animal models.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.3.2 ('cicada') monitoring emphasizes no cause for alarm
The Global Virus Network (GVN) is monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.3.2, sometimes informally referred to in media reports as the "cicada" variant, and emphasizes that current evidence does not indicate cause for alarm or heightened public concern.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Scientists map how the body traps 'sleeping' tuberculosis
Scientists at James Cook University have uncovered new insights into how the body contains latent tuberculosis, using a cutting-edge technique that allows researchers to map exactly where immune cells and bacteria interact inside tissues.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Study finds female veterans faced steeper well-being declines after COVID-19
While the COVID-19 pandemic challenged all veterans transitioning to civilian life, female post-9/11 veterans experienced a sharper decline in overall well-being compared to their male counterparts, according to new research from the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Study reveals widening gender gap in veteran well-being after COVID-19
While the COVID-19 pandemic challenged all veterans transitioning to civilian life, female post-9/11 veterans experienced a sharper decline in overall well-being compared to their male counterparts, according to new research from the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 2nd, 2026

Congo says its mpox outbreak is over after 2 years and more than 2,200 suspected deaths
Congo on Thursday declared the end of a two-year outbreak of the mpox disease that's believed to have caused more than 2,200 deaths in the country.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

DNA-binding protein blocks virulence cascade in a diarrhea pathogen outside hosts, study finds
Some pathogens use temperature as a trigger and activate virulence only after entering the warmer environment of a host. A research team from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, and the University of Münster, Germany, investigated how a diarrheal pathogen suppresses its virulence outside of the human body. Their study focused on the DNA-binding protein Fis, which is more abundant at cooler ambient temperatures of about 25°C.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Flu vaccine halves heart attack risk after breakthrough infection
Influenza vaccination could significantly reduce the risk of influenza-associated heart attack and stroke even among people who get infected after getting the vaccine, according to research just published in Eurosurveillance.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Gut microbiota found to differ in children with rare food allergy
Children with the rare but serious allergic disease FPIES have an atypical gut microbiota compared to healthy children. This is shown in a new study from Umeå University, published in the journal the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

How disinfectants influence microbes across hospital rooms
Just because a topical antiseptic is swabbed on the skin doesn't mean it stays on the skin. In a new study, Northwestern University scientists studied how a powerful antiseptic, called chlorhexidine, affects bacteria in hospital environments. To prevent infections, hospitals heavily rely on chlorhexidine wipes to sterilize patients' skin before procedures.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

New drying technique stabilizes vital vaccines at room temperature
A significant challenge in global healthcare and biotechnology is the "cold chain"-the network of refrigerated storage and transport required to keep protein-based drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests from degrading. This reliance on constant low temperatures is expensive and energy-intensive, and often fails in regions lacking reliable electricity, leading to high wastage rates. Now, a team from the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science has validated a promising alternative: a simple, room-temperature drying technique that locks functional proteins into a stable, sugar-based "glass."
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Study explores how a powerful antiseptic affects bacteria in hospital environments
Just because a topical antiseptic is swabbed on the skin doesn't mean it stays on the skin.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Study finds third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is crucial for immunocompromised patients
Because the immune systems of people with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) don't function like everyone else's, it was unclear until now how well COVID-19 vaccinations protected them. In a new study, posted on the medRxiv preprint server, scientists have identified that even IEI patients who usually fail to produce the usual neutralizing antibodies used to measure vaccine success benefited from three COVID-19 vaccine doses.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — April 1st, 2026

Air surveillance reveals hidden reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes
A review finds that antibiotic resistance genes—capable of undermining modern medicine—can travel through the air across both cities and farmland, and argues that airborne spread represents an overlooked public health risk.
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Antibiotic use before and during pregnancy linked to psychological distress
Perinatal depression, which occurs during pregnancy or in the period after childbirth, is one of the most common mental health conditions experienced by women. The condition affects the well-being of the mother during both pregnancy and after childbirth, as well as the development of the child.
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 31st, 2026

Antibacterial soaps and wipes can fuel antimicrobial resistance, scientists warn
An international team of scientists is warning that everyday antibacterial soaps, wipes, sprays, and other "germ-killing" products are quietly contributing to the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) while providing no added health benefit for most consumer uses.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Common antidepressant eases fatigue associated with long COVID, study finds
A global research team co‑led by McMaster University has identified one of the first medications shown to meaningfully reduce fatigue in people living with long COVID—a breakthrough for millions still struggling with persistent symptoms years after the pandemic began.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Hospitals are failing to identify malnutrition
Malnutrition not only negatively impacts health, but also causes poor healing and increased infection risks, lengthening hospital stays and further burdening an under-resourced system. One in three hospital patients are not being screened for malnutrition, despite the fact that 30%--40% of patients experience the issue, new Swinburne research has found. The study is published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

New catalyst enables targeted antibiotic redesign to beat resistant bacteria
Antibiotics, our infantry against bacteria, are losing their ability to fight against bacterial infections due to the rise of superbugs—microbes that have developed resistance to medications that are designed to kill them.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Study reveals how gut bacteria secretly sabotage nanoparticle drug delivery
Researchers discovered a gut-liver serotonin axis where intestinal bacteria activate liver immune cells to clear drug delivery nanoparticles, revealing new ways to boost treatment efficacy.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Viruses 'eavesdrop' on each other—but it can backfire
University of Exeter scientists studied chemical communication by phages (viruses that infect bacteria). The phages assessed in the study have two choices when they enter a cell: lie dormant or kill the cell and release new virus particles to infect other cells nearby. It was recently discovered that some phages use chemical communication systems to optimize this decision.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Why vaginal microbiota transplants aren't working yet
A landmark trial shows that antibiotic-free microbiota transplants alone aren't enough to treat vaginal dysbiosis, yet new insights suggest the therapy could still succeed.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 24th, 2026

Air-sampling tunnel reveals major person-to-person differences in release of infectious virus
Using a newly developed air-sampling system in a controlled human infection study, researchers captured live influenza virus directly from the air expelled by infected participants and traced its genetic diversity from the body into the environment.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Autoantibodies implicated as drivers of long COVID in new study
A growing body of evidence suggests that long COVID (or post-COVID syndrome), a condition affecting more than 10% of people after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, may be driven by the immune system turning against the body. Now, new research coordinated by UMC Utrecht and Amsterdam UMC provides some of the strongest functional evidence yet that autoantibodies (antibodies that mistakenly target the body's own tissues) could play a causal role.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Gut microbes drive fat browning in response to diet
White adipose tissue stores energy, while brown and beige fat burn energy through thermogenesis. Under certain environmental conditions, white fat can transition into beige fat in a process known as browning. This transformation increases energy expenditure potentially influencing metabolic health and aiding in weight management
March 24th, 2026 — Source

New lipid nanoparticle design improves precision of mRNA vaccine delivery
Modified lipid nanoparticles shift delivery toward lymph nodes, enabling more potent immune therapies.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Repurposed cancer drug shows promise against drug-resistant herpes infections
UIC researchers have successfully repurposed an FDA-approved cancer drug, doxorubicin, to treat drug-resistant strains of herpes. Their work appears in the journal Drug Resistance Updates.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 22nd, 2026

Could a gut microbe influence muscle strength?
The trillions of microbes living in the human gut are increasingly recognized as important partners in human health. Scientists have linked the gut microbiome to several aspects of health, from metabolism and immunity to mental health.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Sepsis is linked to nearly one in five pediatric hospital deaths in the US
Nearly one in five pediatric hospital deaths in the United States involve sepsis, according to a new national study published in JAMA. The study also found that sepsis occurs in about one in every 75 pediatric hospitalizations and that more than one in 10 children with sepsis die during hospitalization. Based on these findings, the authors estimate that more than 18,000 hospitalized children in the United States have sepsis each year, including more than 1,800 who do not survive to discharge.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 21st, 2026

DNA-engineered silver nanoclusters enable precision killing of drug-resistant bacteria
DNA scaffolds organize silver nanoclusters into potent antimicrobials that precisely kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including those causing meningitis.
March 21st, 2026 — Source

Kimchi-derived probiotic found to promote binding and excretion of intestinal nanoplastics
A lactic acid bacterium isolated from kimchi may help promote the removal of nanoplastics from the body by binding to them in the intestine. Nanoplastics are ultrafine plastic particles measuring less than 1 micrometer that are generated during the degradation of larger plastic materials. These particles can enter the human body through food and drinking water. Due to their extremely small size, nanoplastics may cross the intestinal barrier and accumulate in organs such as the kidneys and brain. However, biological strategies to reduce nanoplastic accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract remain at an early stage of research.
March 21st, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 20th, 2026

Amid vaccine policy whiplash, here's how a pediatrician talks to families
A judge has blocked the Trump administration's vaccine policy decisions but distrust remains
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Bacterial meningitis is deadly, but can also have life‑altering, long‑term effects, new study says
Bacterial meningitis is once again in global headlines, with recent cases linked to the University of Otago in New Zealand and a fast-growing outbreak at the University of Kent in England.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Meningitis vaccine doesn't protect gay, bisexual men from gonorrhea, clinical trial concludes
A meningitis vaccine does not protect against gonorrhea spread between men, a new clinical trial has concluded. Experts had hoped that a meningococcal B vaccine called 4CMenB might prevent the spread of gonorrhea, based on an earlier study that linked the vaccine to a 38% reduced risk of the sexually transmitted infection.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Promising active substance against hepatitis E identified
Around 70,000 people die each year from infections with the hepatitis E virus. There is currently neither a vaccine nor a specific drug against this virus. This could change with the identification of bemnifosbuvir as a compound effective against hepatitis E viruses (HEV).
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Remote mental health consultations during COVID-19 not associated with rise in hospital admissions
New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, in partnership with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, has found that the introduction of remote consultations in primary care during the pandemic wasn't associated with an increase of psychiatric hospital admissions for people with anxiety, depression or severe mental illness.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Scientists have found a way to make one of the most aggressive brain tumors vulnerable to the immune system. A single injection of a modified virus can invade glioblastoma, kill cancer cells, and summon immune fighters deep into the tumor. These immune cells persist and attack, which was linked to longer survival in patients.This virus therapy supercharges the immune system against brain cancer
https://petapixel.com/2026/03/20/ttartisan-wants-you-to-pay-400-to-beta-test-its-folding-instant-camera/
March 20th, 2026 — Source

This common vaccine cuts heart risk nearly in half in new study
A simple shingles vaccine may secretly be one of the most powerful heart protectors yet.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Why some people naturally control HIV even after stopping therapy—and how we can leverage that to treat others
For millions of people living with HIV, a daily regimen of medications is a lifelong necessity. If they stop taking the drugs—commonly referred to as antiretroviral therapy—the virus usually rushes back within weeks. But not for everyone; scientists have been baffled by rare individuals who, after stopping the drug regimen, keep the virus under control for months or even years.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 18th, 2026

Experimental hookworm vaccine shows promising protection in phase 2 human trial
Researchers at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine report encouraging results from a phase 2 clinical trial evaluating a candidate vaccine to prevent hookworm infection—one of the world's most common parasitic diseases. The findings, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, show that a formulation of the investigational vaccine significantly reduced the intensity of infection in healthy adult volunteers exposed to the parasite under carefully controlled conditions.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

HPV vaccination protects girls living with HIV in South Africa, study shows
New research shows first population-level evidence globally that a national HPV vaccination program can be highly effective in a high HIV-prevalence setting. In South Africa, where the burden of HIV remains high, women living with HIV face a disproportionately increased risk of cervical cancer, around six times higher than women without HIV. This heightened risk is driven by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). In settings where access to HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment is uneven, the impact on women's health and lives is profound.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Kent's meningitis outbreak was years in the making. Here's why
Two young people are dead and 20 are receiving treatment after a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent. The students caught up in it belong to a generation that has never been routinely vaccinated against the strain responsible.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Microbial teamwork enables efficient breakdown of phthalate plastic pollutants
Plastic trash has reached the world's most remote locations, from the bottom of the Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest. Hundreds of plastic-eating microbes that could help us clean up have been discovered over the past quarter of a century, but there is a long way to go before they can be put to work in natural environments: microbial digestion of plastic is still slow, requires high temperatures, and only proceeds efficiently in bioreactors. Moreover, most plastic-eating microbes discovered so far can only digest a single kind of plastic.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Multi-strain probiotic therapy shows promise in preventing bacterial vaginosis recurrence
A global team of experts has identified a promising new approach to prevent recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. In a Phase I randomized clinical trial of women in the U.S. and South Africa, researchers found that a short course of a multi-strain probiotic restored protective bacteria to the vagina, significantly reducing disease recurrence.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Mystery of quinine biosynthesis solved with newly discovered enzymes
For over 350 years, quinine and other extracts from the cinchona tree (Cinchona spp.) were the only effective medicines against malaria, a tropical fever caused by single-celled parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The name "cinchona tree" actually originates from South America and comes from the Quechua term quina-quina, meaning "bark of barks."
March 18th, 2026 — Source

New approach tracks metabolic fingerprints of tuberculosis-infected human cells
Researchers from King's College London and the University of Surrey have developed a new technique to measure the content of individual human cells infected with bacteria that model tuberculosis -- and it is already revealing biological changes that conventional analysis would miss.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Number of suspected cases rises in deadly UK meningitis outbreak
The number of meningitis cases being probed by UK authorities has risen to 20, health officials said Wednesday, following an "unprecedented" deadly outbreak centered on a university.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Pre-pandemic health patterns influence risk of developing post-COVID
Women who frequently sought healthcare for recurring symptoms before the pandemic were more likely to later be diagnosed with post-COVID, according to a thesis at the University of Gothenburg.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Prototype breath tests spot bacterial infections in minutes
Infectious diseases are a major cause of death worldwide, and diagnosing bacterial infections remains a challenge in medicine. And doing so reliably is more important than ever, given the increasing frequency of antibiotic resistance. Now, research published in ACS Central Science could help health care professionals non-invasively diagnose bacterial infections, using breath-based tests. Initial experiments demonstrated the approach in animals with pneumonia and infections in the bloodstream, muscles and bones.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Rapid reaction: What is meningitis B?
Over a dozen people are seriously unwell in hospital and two people have died from an outbreak of meningitis in the UK, according to reports from the UK Health Security Agency.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 16th, 2026

Studies suggest Maine wild blueberries support gut and heart health
Wild blueberries—the iconic Maine crop dotting hillsides, decorating sweatshirts and adding personality to local menus—is more than a cultural symbol. More than 20 years of preclinical and clinical studies suggest that regularly consuming wild blueberries supports gut and heart health and may reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

The Alzheimer's gut-brain link: How butyrate could curb amyloid-&beta buildup and inflammation
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive memory loss and a significant decline in mental functions. Past studies have shown that people with AD exhibit a buildup of a protein called amyloid-&beta (A&beta), forming deposits known as amyloid plaques that disrupt communication between neurons.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Turning mosquitoes into flying vaccine carriers to protect against bat-borne viruses
Bats are reservoirs for several zoonotic viruses, such as Ebola and coronaviruses. These pathogens can spread to humans through direct contact with the flying mammals or their bodily fluids, or indirectly through contaminated food and water or through intermediate animal hosts. Efforts to reduce these risks have included culling and experimental attempts to vaccinate individual animals. However, these methods are often ineffective, as well as being impractical and potentially harmful to ecosystems.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Twice‑yearly injectable HIV regimen treatment demonstrates strong efficacy and safety in Phase 2 trial
A new study published in The Lancet Microbe reports the first twice-yearly injectable HIV treatment regimen—combining lenacapavir, teropavimab, and zinlirvimab—has achieved high rates of viral suppression and demonstrated a favorable safety profile at 26 weeks. Led by Joe Eron, MD, a researcher with the UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, the findings mark a significant milestone toward what could become the first complete long-acting HIV regimen requiring dosing only twice per year.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 13th, 2026

Doctors Warn of a Deadly Complication From Measles Outbreaks
The first sign came when Deepanwita Dasgupta was 5 and started stumbling more while playing at her home in Bangalore in southern India. The girl was always up to something, so her parents figured extra bumps and bruises were just symptoms of an active childhood. Maybe, they thought, it was ill-fitting shoes.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Severe COVID or flu may raise lung cancer risk years later
A severe case of COVID-19 or influenza could increase the risk of lung cancer later on, according to new research. Scientists discovered that serious viral infections can alter immune cells in the lungs, leaving behind chronic inflammation that may help tumors develop months or years later. The increased risk was seen mainly after severe infections that required hospitalization. Vaccination, however, appears to prevent the dangerous lung changes.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 12th, 2026

Trial finds vitamin D supplements don't reduce COVID severity but could reduce long COVID risk
In a large, randomized trial, researchers at Mass General Brigham found that high-dose vitamin D3 did not reduce COVID-19 infection severity, but may impact long COVID outcomes.
March 12, 2026 — Source

We study pandemics, and the resurgence of measles is a grim sign of what's coming
The US eliminated measles in 2000, but the disease is once again circulating.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 11th, 2026

Antibiotics can affect the gut microbiome for several years, study shows
Antibiotic treatments can affect the composition of the community of bacteria living in the gut, known as the gut microbiome, for a long time. A new study shows that certain types of antibiotics can be linked to changes in the gut microbiome as long as four to eight years after treatment.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Building protection against infectious diseases with nanostructured vaccines
Scientists combined vaccine and adjuvant technology uses nanoscale precision enabled by DNA origami to induce broad immunity against infectious viruses.
March 11, 2026 — Source

DNA origami vaccine platform shows promise against multiple infectious viruses
The COVID-19 pandemic brought messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines to the forefront of global health care. After their clinical trial stages, the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was administered on 8 December 2020 and mathematical models suggest that mRNA vaccines prevented at least 14.4 million deaths from COVID-19 in the first year alone. Their extraordinary effectiveness in having softened the blow of the disease, has led to the development of mRNA vaccines to also combat other infectious pathogens. Clinical trials for influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), HIV, Zika, Epstein-Barr virus, and tuberculosis bacteria are all on the way. Importantly, however, COVID-19 research has revealed shortcomings of mRNA vaccines that highlight the need for different approaches.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Enhancing gut-brain communication reverses cognitive decline and improves memory formation in aging mice
Although we've all experienced the sensation of "eating" with our eyes and noses before food meets mouth, much less is known about the information superhighway, known as the vagus nerve, that sends signals in the opposite direction—from your gut straight to your brain.
March 11, 2026 — Source

How one flu virus can hamper the immune response to another
Prior exposure to one strain of influenza virus may weaken children's ability to mount an effective antibody response against their subsequent exposure to a different flu strain, according to a study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. The analysis of the pediatric response to H3N2 and H1N1 influenza A viruses, two of the most common causes of flu, provides insight into the concept of "immune imprinting," and supports the idea that childhood vaccination, if properly designed, may be able to mitigate its adverse effects.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Mothers' exposure to microbes protects their newborn babies against infection
The study, published, in Nature, explored why only some babies develop severe infection to common bacteria. E. coli is a common bacterium that lives in the intestines of nearly all people and is a leading cause of severe infection in newborn babies. The research revealed that the babies that became most severely ill from E. coli infections also had markedly lower levels of germ-fighting antibodies transferred from their mothers.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Some antibiotics alter gut microbiome composition for up to eight years
Antibiotic treatments can affect the composition of the community of bacteria living in the gut, known as the gut microbiome, for a long time. A new study shows that certain types of antibiotics can be linked to changes in the gut microbiome as long as four to eight years after treatment. The findings have now been published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 5th, 2026

First global 'early warning system' for dengue launches
A new online dashboard will give researchers, governments, and the public a real-time picture of the global dengue situation for the first time. The Global Dengue Observatory, developed by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), draws together the latest data from 88 countries around the world to estimate the current number of dengue cases each month at both a national and a continental level.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Long COVID taste loss tied to reduced expression of key taste genes
Even after the virus disappears, some people continue to experience altered taste. New research suggests that subtle molecular changes in taste receptor cells, not visible damage, may explain why sweet, umami, and bitter flavors remain disrupted long after COVID-19 infection.
March 5, 2026 — Source

New findings provide objective look at broad sensory impairments among long COVID sufferers
New research from The Ohio State University College of Medicine is the first to objectively measure multisensory losses in COVID-19 patients. "Our goal is to understand why some long COVID patients experience different profiles of sensory losses while others do not," said Kai Zhao, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery. "We believe this knowledge will help us improve the care for long COVID patients."
March 5, 2026 — Source

Researchers identify immune markers linked to cognitive decline after viral infections
What impact does a viral infection have on our memory, attention, and concentration? The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited interest in this question, which has now been extended to other infections such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis. A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospital (HUG) reviewed over 900 scientific articles exploring the links between the immune system and cognitive functions.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Review of 931 papers finds immune 'signatures' tied to post-viral brain fog
What impact does a viral infection have on our memory, attention, and concentration? The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited interest in this question, which has now been extended to other infections such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Spatial intelligence platform supports health policy decisions aimed at ending HIV
INCLIVA Healthcare Research Institute-University Clinical Hospital of Valencia, the Universitat Politècnica de València - through its VRAIN Institute, the Valencia Anti-AIDS Committee and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT) have joined forces to develop a spatial intelligence platform to support health policy decisions aimed at optimizing the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and accelerating its early diagnosis.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Targeting a dangerous gut infection: Studies reveal how C. diff behaves inside the body
Affecting roughly half a million Americans each year, bacterial infections caused by Clostridioides difficile—commonly known as C. diff—are a serious and persistent problem for patients and hospitals alike. The bacterium can cause severe diarrhea, life-threatening inflammation of the colon, and recurring illness that dramatically reduces quality of life—especially for older adults, who face the highest risk of complications and death.
March 5, 2026 — Source

The Black Death's counterintuitive effect: As human numbers fell, so did plant diversity
Between 1347 and 1353, Europe was gripped by the most catastrophic pandemic in its history: the Black Death. Killing many millions, the plague wiped out between one-third and a half of Europe's population.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 4th, 2026

Lesser-known virus rises in Northern California: What is human metapneumovirus?
It's not COVID-19 or the flu, but a respiratory virus has been hammering Northern California cities, including Sacramento and Davis, testing shows. WastewaterSCAN data shows "high concentrations" of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, in Sacramento and Davis, along with San Francisco, Marin, Vallejo, Napa, Novato and Santa Rosa.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Nanoparticle vaccine approach takes on a new target: Hepatitis C virus
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects an estimated 50 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and remains a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. While antiviral drugs can cure most infections, global access remains limited and these drugs do not stop reinfection.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Periodontal bacteria trigger bone density reduction via the gut
Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums, affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is increasingly linked to systemic disorders beyond the oral cavity. Epidemiological studies have long suggested an association between periodontitis and osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women, yet the biological mechanisms connecting these conditions have remained unclear. Growing evidence indicates that microbial communities play a central role in regulating immune responses and metabolism across distant organs, raising the possibility that oral microbes may influence bone health through indirect pathways.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Researchers identify TRIM13 protein as key driver of immune suppression in sepsis
Dendritic cells (DCs) are increasingly recognized as important contributors to sepsis-associated immune dysfunction. As professional antigen-presenting cells, they bridge innate sensing and durable adaptive immunity, shape effector responses, and determine whether the immune system remains vigilant or falls silent. In sepsis, however, DCs frequently lose their capacity and adopt an immunosuppressive phenotype. Why this shift occurs and whether it can be reversed have remained unclear.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Researchers identify 'neuroimmune signature' that can predict hepatitis complications
Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil have discovered a set of genes that can predict how viral hepatitis may progress in the body. They call this network of genes the "neuroimmunoma," which connects the nervous and immune systems. The neuroimmunoma can serve as a biomarker to predict the severity of liver damage and the risk of liver cancer resulting from a hepatitis virus infection.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Study uncovers a biological cause for persistent taste loss after COVID-19
Some individuals have experienced a loss of taste long after a COVID-19 infection has subsided. Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala University and the University of Colorado have now shown that this may be due to a disruption in taste cells that would otherwise give rise to experiences of sweet, bitter or umami.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 3rd, 2026

Fecal transplants from older mice found to significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in younger mice
A new study details how fecal transplants from older female mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in young mice. The surprising results reveal a direct link between the microbiome (the collection of all bacteria and other microbes present) of the gut and ovarian health and function.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Intranasal vaccine booster shows stronger immune response and protection against sarbecoviruses
Researchers at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) and Monash University in Australia have demonstrated that an intranasal vaccine booster may confer significantly stronger and broader immune responses, and provide robust neutralizing antibody and resident T cell responses in the lung and nasal tissues, outperforming conventional mRNA booster vaccination.
March 3, 2026 — Source

'Mini hearts' show COVID-19 virus directly infects heart tissue
Researchers from the Centenary Institute and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have developed a human heart cell model demonstrating that the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can directly infect heart tissue, providing new insight into why some people experience serious heart complications during and after infection.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Natural anti-inflammatory protein could save lives of sepsis patients, mouse study suggests
A naturally occurring protein in the human body could protect people from one of the world's biggest killers—sepsis. The protein's ability to reduce inflammation in a preclinical study raises hopes that it could be the first new, natural anti-inflammatory discovered in 70 years.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Study finds natural fungal supplement improves COVID-19 vaccine response
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that a natural fungal supplement taken at the time of COVID-19 vaccination reduced short-term vaccine side effects and helped antibodies—the body's natural immune defenders—last longer in people who had not previously been exposed to the virus.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Targeted dual antibiotics can cut deaths in high-risk S. aureus bacteremia
A study led by researchers from the Infectious Diseases Service of the Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB), the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and the University of Barcelona (UB) shows for the first time that a combination of antibiotics can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with high-risk Staphylococcus aureus bacteriemia, if it is applied selectively and in a personalized way.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Tiled amplicon sequencing could transform tuberculosis care
When the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and multiple variants were threatening lives around the world, scientists relied on a process called "tiled amplicon sequencing" to track the virus's spread. Now, an international team of scientists led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) is applying those same techniques to more rapidly sequence tuberculosis.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Tuberculosis cases have been rising as public health agencies struggle to keep up
In Johnson County, Iowa, the number of tuberculosis cases has increased in recent years—and so has the cost of containing it. The cost of contact tracing and surveillance, traveling each day to patients' homes to ensure they take their meds, or booking hotel rooms to quarantine patients has surged from $17,000 in 2020 to $65,000 last year.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — March 2nd, 2026

ACP advises all adults 75 or older get a protein subunit RSV vaccine
The American College of Physicians (ACP) issued updated vaccine practice points for physicians that advise adults aged 75 or older should receive a protein subunit Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine and those aged 60--74 at increased risk for severe RSV may consider receiving the protein subunit RSV vaccine.
March 2, 2026 — Source

International mpox trial finds no clinical benefit from tecovirimat
An international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study—the largest of its kind for mpox—found that tecovirimat did not improve clinical outcomes for adults with clade II mpox compared with placebo, while demonstrating a similar safety profile. Results of the STOMP/A5418 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, underscore both the urgent need for alternative therapeutics and the critical importance of randomized trials during public health emergencies.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Isolating vesicle-cloaked viruses in city and hospital wastewater
Viruses such as human norovirus can travel in vesicles, small fluid-filled sacs that are like shipping containers for cells. Viruses hidden in these containers are often harder to detect and may be more infectious than free-floating viral material. In addition, their prevalence in the environment remains relatively unknown, raising public health concerns.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Long Covid Is Down, but Not Out, Study Finds
While most people may recover, millions of Americans still had long covid as of 2024, new research estimates.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Ultrasound-activated 'nanoagents' kill superbugs hiding in biofilms
Scientists have designed nanoagents that act like smart drug-delivery capsules—carrying an antibiotic deep into bacterial infection sites and releasing it only when activated by gentle ultrasound. Delivering antibiotics locally, directly to the site of an infection, is important, because treating the whole body with high doses increases the chances of bacteria developing resistance. Nanoagents can carry drugs straight to the infected area providing localized therapy with minimal amount of drug, reducing the risks of antibiotic resistance.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 24th, 2026

Engineered bacteria can consume tumors from the inside out
A research team led by the University of Waterloo is developing a novel tool to treat cancer by engineering hungry bacteria to literally eat tumors from the inside out. "Bacteria spores enter the tumor, finding an environment where there are lots of nutrients and no oxygen, which this organism prefers, and so it starts eating those nutrients and growing in size," said Dr. Marc Aucoin, a chemical engineering professor at Waterloo. "So, we are now colonizing that central space, and the bacterium is essentially ridding the body of the tumor."
February 24, 2026 — Source

Hospitals Fighting Measles Confront a Challenge: Few Doctors Have Seen It Before
At around 2 a.m., 7-year-old twin brothers arrived at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Both had a fever, a cough, a rash, pink eye, and cold symptoms.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Rethinking how to protect babies for longer against RSV
New strategies may be needed to protect infants older than six months against the highly infectious Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV, new University of Queensland research has found. The study examined 18,683 cases of RSV among Queensland children under 2 years of age between 2022 and 2023, finding particularly high rates of the virus in children aged 0--15 months.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 17th, 2026

AI-powered liquid biopsy can classify pediatric brain tumors with 92% accuracy
Liquid biopsies, which test body fluids that contain cancerous material, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), are a noninvasive way to learn about a cancer's biology. However, technological limitations with the small amount of ctDNA available from pediatric brain tumor liquid biopsies have previously stymied broad use of the approach for those patients. To address this, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists, in collaboration with scientists at the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and other international centers, created Methylation-based Predictive Algorithm for CNS Tumors (M-PACT).
February 17, 2026 — Source

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce rhododendron-derived drugs
Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce a group of compounds with anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The Kobe University achievement is the result of a rational design strategy that yields a platform for the industrial production of drug candidates.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Canadian study reveals how COVID-19 lockdowns masked child maltreatment
Hospital admissions for maltreatment of children under the age of 2 years declined 31% during the 16-week lockdown at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to prepandemic levels after restrictions lifted, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
February 17, 2026 — Source

HIV entry blocker pairs CD4 mimic and antibody, showing sevenfold higher efficacy
Drug conjugates (ADCs) developed at Institute of Science Tokyo combine a CD4 mimic with neutralizing antibodies for enhanced suppression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. By targeting the gp120 on the viral envelope via a two-step mechanism, the ADCs effectively block viral entry—offering seven times better efficacy than existing approaches. Overall, the findings point towards a promising new direction for HIV treatment—targeting two viral sites with a single molecule.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Nuclear speckles may be the unseen architects of viral infection spread
Recent research reveals that nuclear speckles play a key role in modifying viral messenger RNAs and in their transport out of the nucleus; therefore, nuclear speckles are an important subject of study in understanding viral infections.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Strategic changes in water treatment could prevent disease outbreaks
A new study from researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities shows how strategic changes in water treatment effectively treated a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. For the first time, the study, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, provides evidence of an outbreak being stopped by introducing disinfection to previously untreated groundwater.
February 17, 2026 — Source

This powder could rescue antibiotics
Each year, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the reason that more than a million people die from infections that no longer respond to existing antibiotics, making AMR one of the greatest global health challenges of our time.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 15th, 2026

Destructive meningitis cases raise concerns about emerging pathogen
Penn State College of Medicine is reporting on two cases of destructive infant meningitis linked to Paenibacillus infection, documenting severe neurologic injury and raising concerns about diagnosis and treatment. Reports from Uganda first linked these organisms to destructive neonatal infections, including cases with abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, seizures, and extensive brain injury. Similar cases have since been recognized in multiple U.S. states and routine antibiotic regimens for infant bacteremia and meningitis may be inadequate when Paenibacillus is involved.
February 15, 2026 — Source

Large study finds no link between mRNA COVID vaccine in pregnancy and autism
Researchers tracked more than 400 toddlers to see whether mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during or just before pregnancy was linked to autism or developmental delays. After detailed assessments of speech, motor skills, behavior, and social development, they found no meaningful differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Experts say the results provide strong reassurance about vaccine safety in pregnancy.
February 15, 2026 — Source

Nanopillar-studded plastic films physically destroy viruses, cutting infectivity by 94% without chemicals
Flexible plastic films stamped with dense nanopillar arrays mechanically rupture viral particles, reducing infectivity by 94% in one hour with no chemical agents involved.
February 15, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 14th, 2026

Scientists discover a hidden gut bacterium linked to good health
A global study has uncovered a mysterious group of gut bacteria that shows up again and again in healthy people. Known as CAG-170, these microbes were found at lower levels in people with a range of chronic diseases. Genetic clues suggest they help digest food and support the broader gut ecosystem. Researchers say the discovery could reshape how we measure and maintain gut health.
February 14, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 13th, 2026

Blood-based tests show strong promise for dementia diagnosis—but population diversity matters
In a study published today, Friday, February 13, 2026, in the journal Nature Aging, researchers show that blood-based biomarkers can support accurate dementia diagnosis across diverse populations when integrated with cognitive and neuroimaging measures. Blood-based biomarkers are emerging as one of the most promising advances for the global diagnosis of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Can tuberculosis treatment be safely shortened? New studies look inside the lungs for answers
Across the spectrum of human afflictions—from cancer to heart disease to rare genetic conditions—medical investigators are continually attempting to break new ground by developing better methods of treating patients. It is a global scientific enterprise in which experimental medications are subjected to rigorous testing, forgotten drugs are analyzed for new applications, and existing treatments are reevaluated. Dozens upon dozens of studies like these are charting a path forward.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Genetic variants in 11 regions of human genome influence the gut microbiome
In two new studies on 28,000 individuals, researchers are able to show that genetic variants in 11 regions of the human genome have a clear influence on which bacteria are in the gut and what they do there. Only two genetic regions were previously known. Some of the new genetic variants can be linked to an increased risk of gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids and cardiovascular diseases.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Human stem cell lines offer new resource to help study HIV progression
King's College London researchers have created a unique collection of human stem cell models that could help to uncover why HIV leads to different outcomes in different people. The research was carried out by Dr. Nathalia Almedia, postdoctoral researcher, and Sam Acors, former Ph.D. student, who are co-lead authors of the paper published in Stem Cell Reports.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Immunocompromised individuals require multiple Covid booster doses
Vaccinations alone may not be enough to protect people with compromised immune systems from infection, even if the vaccine has generated the production of antibodies, new research from the University of Cambridge has shown.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Northern Queensland faces rising mosquito-borne virus threat
New research led by James Cook University scientists shows Northern Queensland is facing an escalating public health threat from mosquito-borne virus activity, including dengue, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, posing an emerging public health concern.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Novel antibody 007 targets the elusive HIV envelope epitope
HIV-1 can be neutralized by antibodies which bind to vulnerable structures on the virus surface. One such vulnerable site is the so-called V3 glycan site of the viral envelope protein. This target structure plays a central role in virus entry into human cells and has therefore long been an important focus for the development of new immunotherapeutic and preventive approaches. However, to date, most identified antibodies have been able to effectively recognize the V3 glycan site only in a subset of HIV variants circulating worldwide.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Scientists decipher how two bacterial species cooperate to avoid being eaten
Back in 2021, Pierre Stallforth and his team at the Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) showed that bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Paenibacillus join forces to protect themselves from their predator, an amoeba. Now, a team led by Pierre Stallforth, Ute Hellmich, and Markus Lakemeyer has been able to show exactly how this defense mechanism works.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes can lower dengue risk by 70%, citywide experiment finds
Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes can lower dengue risk by 70%, citywide experiment finds
February 13, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 12th, 2026

How redox reactions drive bacteria's Na⁺-NQR sodium pump
The enzyme Na⁺-NQR is a sodium pump that drives the respiration of many marine and pathogenic bacteria. Using redox reactions, the process of exchanging electrons between materials, it powers the transportation of sodium ions across the membrane, supporting the growth of the bacteria.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 11th, 2026

Flipping and reversing mini-proteins could improve tuberculosis treatment
Antibiotic treatments are losing effectiveness against a range of common bacterial pathogens, including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Salmonella and Acinetobacter, according to a warning issued by the World Health Organization last October. For the microbe that gives rise to tuberculosis, a team of researchers from Penn State and The University of Minnesota Medical School found that a potential solution may be chemically changing the structure of a naturally occurring peptide—a building block of proteins—to make it a more stable and effective antimicrobial agent, while reducing potential toxicity to human cells.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Measles exposures reported in DC, Disneyland, as virus activity drops in Europe
Attendees of the National March for Life rally in Washington, DC last month may have been exposed to measles.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology, the company announced Tuesday.
February 11, 2026 — Source

No association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and autism in children, new research shows
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with autism or other neurodevelopmental problems in children whose mothers received the vaccine immediately before or during pregnancy, according to new research presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Northern California reports first measles outbreak since 2020
California reported its first confirmed measles outbreak since 2020 on Feb. 10. The highly contagious disease infected 2,276 people nationwide in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far in 2026, the U.S. has confirmed 733 cases, and 93% of those infected were unvaccinated.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Strike against mask wearing in 1930s echoed COVID-19 protests, study finds
New research from The University of Manchester has shown that debates and resistance about wearing face masks go back a lot further than the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Meng Zhang, a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow at the University's Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, found that barbers went on strike against compulsory mask-wearing rules in 1930s China, arguing that they were unfair, uncomfortable, and discriminatory.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 6th, 2026

Chikungunya vaccine update: Experimental adjuvant-free particles aim to prevent months of joint pain
Griffith University researchers are on the cusp of a new vaccine to prevent chikungunya, a global health threat which attacks human joint tissue. Professor Bernd Rehm, from Griffith's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, said his team wanted to test whether they could engineer E.coli to assemble biopolymer particles which displayed chikungunya antigens and performed as a vaccine.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Effective but Underprescribed: HIV Prevention Meds Aren't Reaching Enough People
Listen: More than 2 million Americans could benefit from PrEP, but only about a quarter of them are getting the HIV prevention medication. On Feb. 4, during WAMU's "Health Hub," KFF Health News reporter Zach Dyer shared tips for overcoming common hurdles to care.
February 6, 2026 — Source

First multi-coronavirus vaccine enters human testing, built on UW Medicine technology
A candidate vaccine that fights a suite of coronaviruses including COVID-19 and related, deadly respiratory diseases is starting human clinical testing in Australia. The vaccine was developed using technology from the University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Griffith researchers on the cusp of new vaccine to prevent chikungunya
Griffith University researchers are on the cusp of a new vaccine to prevent chikungunya, a global health threat which attacks human joint tissue.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Linked to Brain Swelling in Kids
Several children have come down with serious complications like encephalitis and pneumonia, state health officials reported this week.
February 6, 2026 — Source

New CRISPR tool spreads through bacteria to disable antibiotic resistance genes
Antibiotic resistance (AR) has steadily accelerated in recent years to become a global health crisis. As deadly bacteria evolve new ways to elude drug treatments for a variety of illnesses, a growing number of "superbugs" have emerged, ramping up estimates of more than 10 million worldwide deaths per year by 2050.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Scientists found a sugar that could defeat deadly superbugs
A sugar found only on bacteria may be the key to defeating deadly superbugs.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 4th, 2026

A minimalist bacterial defense strategy: Scientists discover single protein that disrupts viral assembly
University of Toronto researchers have expanded our understanding of bacterial immunity with the discovery of a new protein that can both sense and counteract viral infections. In the study, published in Nature, researchers from U of T's Temerty Faculty of Medicine describe how a single protein named Rip1 recognizes bacteriophages, the viruses that infect bacteria, and cause infected bacteria to die prematurely, thereby ending the chain of transmission.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Australian researchers develop a new way to target deadly, drug-resistant bacteria
Australian researchers have developed a powerful new way to target deadly, drug-resistant bacteria by designing antibodies that recognize a sugar found only on bacterial cells -- an advance that could underpin a new generation of immunotherapies for multidrug resistant hospital-acquired infections.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Crab shell gel turns kimchi bacteria into living food safety sensors
A hydrogel made from crustacean shells lets common food bacteria generate electrical signals 15 times more efficiently, opening the door to reusable living sensors for food safety.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Engineered antibody targets bacteria-specific sugar, clears lethal drug-resistant infection in mice
Australian researchers have developed a powerful new way to target deadly, drug-resistant bacteria by designing antibodies that recognize a sugar found only on bacterial cells—an advance that could underpin a new generation of immunotherapies for multidrug resistant hospital-acquired infections.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Friendly bacteria can unlock hidden metabolic pathways in plant cell cultures
Plants are a rich and renewable source of compounds used in medicines, food ingredients, and cosmetics. Since growing an entire plant just to extract a few specific compounds is rather inefficient, scientists are turning to plant cell cultures as a more sustainable alternative.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Neurological Long COVID hits harder in some countries than others
A global comparison of more than 3,000 patients shows that while neurological Long COVID occurs everywhere, its severity and reporting differ sharply by country, shaping how clinicians and health systems should respond worldwide.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Newly discovered stage controls malaria parasite division
Researchers studying the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum have discovered a previously unknown stage in its life cycle that appears to be crucial for reproduction. This is important because malaria depends on the parasite's rapid ability to multiply inside the human body, so stopping its reproduction could help prevent severe disease and save lives. Using a new live-imaging method, the team found that before the parasite can divide, a key structure inside the cell must reshape into a "Crown" form and connect to the cell's nucleus. This step helps ensure that essential parts of the parasite are properly passed on to its new daughter cells.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Researchers overcome major obstacle to grow and study human norovirus
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report in Science Advances a breakthrough in human norovirus (HuNoV) research. Norovirus is a leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis worldwide with severe outcomes mostly among young children, the elderly, and people with weakened or compromised immune systems.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Researchers uncover a one-hour 'crown' checkpoint that enables malaria reproduction
A new study has uncovered a hidden step that helps the deadliest malaria parasite survive and multiply inside the human body. Researchers studying Plasmodium falciparum found that the parasite relies on a brief but essential stage, nicknamed the "Crown" stage, to make sure a crucial internal structure is passed on correctly when it divides. The discovery offers a fresh look at how the parasite reproduces and could point to new ways to stop malaria by disrupting this process.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Self-collected HPV tests match clinical screening
New national data from Australia show that opening self-collected HPV testing to everyone dramatically increases uptake among those least likely to be screened, and preserves the clinical power needed to drive cervical cancer elimination.
February 4, 2026 — Source

WHO addresses the mental health impacts of neglected tropical diseases
A major new World Health Organization publication sets out, for the first time, a practical, evidence-based package of care to address the mental health impacts of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and the stigma that can prevent people from seeking care and participating fully in society.
February 4, 2026 — Source

WHO announces restart of preventive cholera vaccinations after nearly 4-year halt
Preventive cholera vaccination programs will restart globally after they were halted for nearly four years due to a vaccine shortage, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Why are scientists calling for urgent action on amoebas?
Scientists are calling for urgent action on free-living amoebas—a little-known group of microbes that could pose a growing global health threat. Here's what you need to know.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Why did influenza fail to spread in a crowded indoor setting?
A rare human challenge-style trial shows that even with poor ventilation and prolonged exposure, influenza may fail to spread unless viral shedding, host susceptibility, and air dynamics align just right.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 2nd, 2026

Biochemists find solution that lets bacteriophages bypass bacterial immunity
Antimicrobial resistance—when bacteria and fungi defend themselves against the drugs designed to kill them—is an urgent threat to global public health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To combat this threat, the Gerdt Lab at Indiana University Bloomington studies how to weaken bacteria's defenses against viruses.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Common bacteria discovered in the eye linked to cognitive decline
Chlamydia pneumoniae—a common bacterium that causes pneumonia and sinus infections—can linger in the eye and brain for years and may aggravate Alzheimer's disease, according to a study from Cedars-Sinai. Published in Nature Communications, the discovery suggests this bacterium can amplify Alzheimer's disease and points to potential interventions including inflammation-limiting therapies and early antibiotic treatment.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Infectious mononucleosis: What it is, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more
Infectious mononucleosis, often called "mono," is a viral illness best known for causing extreme fatigue, sore throat and swollen glands.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Managing long COVID energy levels with a new activity-tracking app
The first study to test a digital tool designed to help people with long COVID manage their energy levels has been developed by a team of researchers. The paper published in Nature Communications is titled "A Digital Platform with Activity Tracking for Energy Management Support in Long COVID: A Randomised Controlled Trial."
February 2, 2026 — Source

Multiple bacteria may be behind elk hoof disease
A debilitating hoof disease affecting elk herds across the Pacific Northwest appears to be driven not by a single pathogen but by multiple bacterial species working together, according to a study led by researchers in Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
February 2, 2026 — Source

One of Earth's most abundant lifeforms has a fatal flaw
An evolutionary adaptation that allows one ocean bacteria to thrive could prove to be its Achilles Heel as oceans change, new study reveals.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Overlooked animal viruses slipping past global disease surveillance
A new perspective highlights how the influenza D virus and a canine--feline recombinant coronavirus may be slipping past standard tests, exposing gaps in global surveillance at the human--animal interface.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Public Health Department confirms first 2026 measles case in Los Angeles County
The Department of Public Health has confirmed the first measles case this year in Los Angeles County. Officials say the person who tested positive for measles had recently traveled outside the country. The department is now working to identify people who may have been in contact with the individual and are checking their vaccination status.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — February 1st, 2026

Fungus could be the insecticide of the future
Plant chemicals made more potent by insect pests are detoxified by the fungus.
February 1, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 31st, 2026

Chemical inhibitor helps viruses overcome bacterial immune defenses
Antimicrobial resistance - when bacteria and fungi defend themselves against the drugs design to kill them - is an urgent threat to global public health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
January 31, 2026 — Source

World creeps closer to eradicating human Guinea worm cases, with just 10 last year: Carter Center
There were only 10 reported cases of Guinea worm infections confined to three countries in 2025, a historic low announced Friday by The Carter Center.
January 31, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 30th, 2026

Addressing inconsistent breakpoints in global antibiotic resistance monitoring efforts
Antibiotic resistance is often framed as a hospital problem, but a growing body of evidence shows that rivers, soils, wastewater, and other natural environments are quietly becoming major reservoirs of resistant bacteria. A new review highlights a critical obstacle standing in the way of effective global surveillance: the lack of a unified standard for interpreting antibiotic resistance data.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Breakthrough sepsis drug shows promise in human trial
A breakthrough sepsis drug has passed a major human trial, raising hopes for the first effective treatment for a condition that kills millions each year.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Gut bacteria may tip the balance between feeding tumors and fueling immunity
A new study reveals how bacteria in the gut can help determine whether the amino acid asparagine from the diet will feed tumor growth or activate immune cells against the cancer, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine. This casts the gut microbiome, comprising the trillions of microorganisms that live in the intestine, as a central player in the body's response to cancer and to modern cancer treatments like immunotherapies.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Nasal bird flu vaccine shows strong protection against infection in rodents
Since it was first detected in the U.S. in 2014, H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has jumped from wild birds to farm animals and then to people, causing more than 70 human cases in the U.S. since 2022, including two fatalities. The virus continues to circulate among animals, giving it the opportunity to develop the ability to spread among humans and potentially cause another pandemic.
January 30, 2026 — Source

New mode of communication inside cells helps bacterial pathogens to evade drugs
Biologists have uncovered a new mode of communication inside cells that helps bacterial pathogens learn how to evade drugs. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, describe how these mechanisms drive antimicrobial resistance in Listeria monocytogenes, the foodborne bacteria that causes listeriosis.
January 30, 2026 — Source

One of Earth's most abundant organisms is surprisingly fragile
A group of ocean bacteria long considered perfectly adapted to life in nutrient-poor waters may be more vulnerable to environmental change than scientists realized. The bacteria, known as SAR11, dominate surface seawater worldwide and can make up as much as 40% of marine bacterial cells.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Scientists teach microorganisms to build molecules with light
Researchers are continually looking for new ways to hack the cellular machinery of microbes like yeast and bacteria to make products that are useful for humans and society. In a new proof-of-concept study, a team from the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology showed they can expand the biosynthetic capabilities of these microbes by using light to help access new types of chemical transformations.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Washington state measles outbreak grows
Three more measles cases have been confirmed in Snohomish County after an outbreak began two weeks ago, public health officials said on Jan. 28. Earlier in January, three children in Snohomish County tested positive for measles after being exposed to a contagious family visiting from South Carolina, where a massive ongoing outbreak has infected nearly 800 people since October. The Snohomish County kids, who are between 23 months and 9 years old, were not vaccinated and are recovering at home.
January 30, 2026 — Source

What is Nipah virus? And what makes it so deadly?
An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India has put many countries in Asia on high alert, given the fatality rate in humans can be between 40% and 75%. Several countries, including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, have introduced new screening and testing measures, after at least two people died of Nipah virus in the Indian state of West Bengal this month
January 30, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 19th, 2026

Can training your brain boost immune response? Vaccination study highlights power of positive thinking
Training people to activate a part of the brain linked to reward and positive expectations may be associated with an increase in the body's immune response to a vaccine. The findings from a study involving 85 participants, published in Nature Medicine, suggest that positive thinking might help the brain support the immune system in a noninvasive way.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Elevated tau in Long COVID patients raises risk for neurodegenerative diseases
A study of 227 individuals who experienced neuro cognitive difficulties post COVID-19 infection -- such as headaches, vertigo, balance dysregulation, changes in taste/smell, and brain fog -- displayed a significant increase in their blood plasma of a crucial protein called tau, which is found in nerves and especially in the brain. Excess levels of tau are linked to neurodegenerative diseases and found in many Alzheimer's patients.
January 19, 2026 — Source

How our nasal passages defend against the common cold and help determine how sick we get
When a rhinovirus, the most frequent cause of the common cold, infects the lining of our nasal passages, our cells work together to fight the virus by triggering an arsenal of antiviral defenses.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Interferon response key to fighting rhinovirus infections in nasal passages
When a rhinovirus, the most frequent cause of the common cold, infects the lining of our nasal passages, our cells work together to fight the virus by triggering an arsenal of antiviral defenses. In a paper publishing January 19 in the Cell Press journal Cell Press Blue, researchers demonstrate how the cells in our noses work together to defend us from the common cold and suggest that our body's defense to rhinovirus-not the virus itself-typically predicts whether or not we catch a cold, as well as how bad our symptoms will be.
January 19, 2026 — Source

New variant of the flu virus is driving surge of cases across the US and Canada
After a sharp uptick in flu cases in mid-December 2025, flu activity across the U.S. and Canada remains high.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Piercing pathogens: A new anti-biofilm strategy
A bacterial cell settles onto a nondescript surface. It is plump, healthy and functioning as it should. Nothing appears amiss.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Super agers' resilience against Alzheimer's disease linked to protective gene variant
The gene variant posing the greatest genetic risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is called APOE-ε4. A different variant of the same gene, APOE-ε2, is thought to confer protection against AD.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 15th, 2026

Hybrid polymer nanocarriers improve pulmonary mRNA vaccine delivery
An LMU research team led by Professor Olivia M. Merkel, Chair of Drug Delivery at LMU, has developed a new delivery system for inhalable mRNA vaccines. Published in the journal Cell Biomaterials, the study presents a novel combination of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(&beta-amino esters) (PBAEs) designed to overcome key biological barriers in the lungs.
January 15, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 14th, 2026

Bacterial toxin can counteract colorectal cancer growth
A toxin secreted by cholera bacteria can inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer without causing any measurable damage to the body. This is shown by a new study by researchers at Umeå University, Sweden. Systemic administration of the purified bacterial substance changes the immune microenvironment in tumors, and the results may open the way for research into a new type of cancer treatment.
January 14, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 9th, 2026

A tug-of-war explains a decades-old question about how bacteria swim
Scientists have uncovered a new explanation for how swimming bacteria change direction, providing fresh insight into one of biology's most intensively studied molecular machines.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Aptamer-based biosensors could transform viral detection
Rapid and reliable virus detection is one of the most critical tools for controlling outbreaks, from seasonal influenza to global pandemics like COVID-19. A new review published in Biocontaminant highlights major advances in a promising class of diagnostic tools known as aptamer-based biosensors, which could help deliver faster, cheaper, and more portable virus testing in clinics, communities, and the field.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Flu surge hits Kansas City as hospitalizations climb: It hasn't yet peaked, doctors warn
Flu cases are surging in Kansas City and more people are hospitalized with the virus this year, mirroring a nationwide uptick, medical staff at the University of Kansas Medical Center said Thursday.
January 9, 2026 — Source

How Mycobacterium tuberculosis safeguards itself from foreign DNA
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), with collaborators from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), have discovered how a key protein in the tuberculosis bacterium helps protect it from the influence of foreign DNA inserted into its genome. Understanding how this protein—called Lsr2—functions could help develop drugs that target it, thereby aiding in the fight against TB.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Hundreds of thousands without power as storms pummel Europe
Fierce winds battered France and Britain on Friday as storms barreled through northern Europe, snarling train travel, shutting schools and cutting power to hundreds of thousands of homes in plunging winter temperatures.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Hybrid parasites threaten progress against one of the world's most widespread neglected diseases
New research led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) warns that hybrid forms of the parasites that cause schistosomiasis are undermining existing disease control strategies and could accelerate the spread of infection in Africa and beyond.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Key protein in the tuberculosis bacterium helps protect itself from foreign DNA
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), with collaborators from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), have discovered how a key protein in the tuberculosis bacterium helps protect it from the influence of foreign DNA inserted into its genome. Understanding how this protein -- called Lsr2 -- functions could help develop drugs that target it, thereby aiding in the fight against TB.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Measles continues raging in South Carolina; 99 new cases since Tuesday
A measles outbreak in South Carolina that began in October continues to rage, with the state health department reporting Friday that nearly 100 new cases have been identified just in the last three days.
January 9, 2026 — Source

New method measures how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria
Drugs that act against bacteria are mainly assessed based on how well they inhibit bacterial growth under laboratory conditions. A critical factor, however, is whether the active substances actually kill the pathogens in the body. Researchers at the University of Basel have presented a new method for measuring how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Reviving antibiotics with two-faced nanoparticles
Over the decades, many strains of disease-causing bacteria have evolved defenses to even the most potent antibiotics, setting off a growing health crisis. The rise of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" has also set off an arms race. As germs find new ways to withstand drugs, researchers are looking for new ways to break down their defenses.
January 9, 2026 — Source

SARS-CoV-2 is on the decline in animals, researchers find
During the first few years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus SARS-CoV-2 was detected in an increasing number of non-human animal species. This included many wild animal species as well as domestic animals such as dogs and cats.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Single-cell testing shows which antibiotics actually kill bacteria, not just stop growth
Drugs that act against bacteria are mainly assessed based on how well they inhibit bacterial growth under laboratory conditions. A critical factor, however, is whether the active substances actually kill the pathogens in the body. Researchers at the University of Basel have presented a new method for measuring how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Study finds higher hantavirus risk in drier, underdeveloped areas
In a recent study of the contiguous United States, Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers found that the risk of disease from hantavirus is higher in drier, underdeveloped geographic areas with more socioeconomic vulnerability and increased numbers of unique rodent species. This is the first study to examine the combined effects of multiple variables—including socioeconomic, environmental, land use and rodent species—to determine which are most likely to predict the risk of people contracting hantavirus.
January 9, 2026 — Source

System can diagnose infections in 20 minutes, aiding fight against drug resistance
A new technique which slashes the time taken to diagnose microbial infections from days to minutes could help save lives and open up a new front in the battle against antibiotic resistance, researchers say.
January 9, 2026 — Source

TB harnesses part of immune defense system to cause infection, study finds
Scientists have made a discovery that helps explain why humans and animals are so susceptible to contracting tuberculosis (TB)—and it involves the bacteria harnessing part of the immune system meant to protect against infection.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Uncovering a secret room that a giant virus creates inside its host amoeba
A virus relies on the host's translation machinery to replicate itself and become infectious. Translation efficiency partially depends on the usage of a codon, or sequence of three nucleotides, that matches the cellular pool of tRNA, key molecules in translation. Using rare codons that are poorly supported by the cellular tRNA pool tends to induce ribosome pausing and mRNA instability, often weakening the virus.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Vaccines Jettisoned by CDC Safeguarded Millions From Disease
The federal government scaled back its recommended childhood vaccines, sidelining six that have safeguarded millions from serious diseases, long-term disability, and death.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 8th, 2026

Antibodies' decoy tactics for outmaneuvering pathogens could inspire next-generation treatments
Pathogens can create sticky situations. When microbes invade the body to cause an infection, often one of their first lines of attack is to cling tenaciously to the surfaces of targeted human cells.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Auto-brewery syndrome: What causes some people's gut microbes to produce high alcohol levels?
Researchers at University of California San Diego, Mass General Brigham, and their colleagues have identified specific gut bacteria and metabolic pathways that drive alcohol production in patients with auto-brewery syndrome (ABS).
January 8, 2026 — Source or Source

Blood test shows when it's safe to stop antibiotics in sepsis patients
A simple blood test can tell doctors when it is safe to stop antibiotics in patients recovering from sepsis, a review led by University of Manchester researchers has found.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Common blood protein protects patients from lethal 'black fungus' infection, new study finds
Albumin is the most common protein in the blood, a vital molecule produced by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance and transports proteins and hormones. It also plays a key role in fighting off a lethal disease called mucormycosis or "black fungus," according to a new study published in Nature. This is the first time the protein has been shown to have a direct role in helping the body defend against a fungal pathogen.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Controlled hotel study finds zero flu transmission between sick students and healthy adults
This year's flu season is turning out to be brutal. As a new variant known as subclade K spreads rapidly, a study out today offers clues as to how to avoid the annual sickness.
January 8, 2026 — Source

How population bottlenecks shape bacterial cooperation and competition
Microbes often display cooperative behavior in which individual cells put in work and sacrifice resources to collectively benefit the group. But sometimes, "cheater" cells in the group may reap the benefits of this cooperation without incurring any cost themselves. Scientists have suggested that in such cases, population bottlenecks—reduction in the total number of individuals—can help stabilize cooperative behavior in the group.
January 8, 2026 — Source

ICSA 2025: Infection's role in cellular senescence, inflammation, and aging
A new meeting report was published in Volume 17, Issue 12 of Aging-US on December 23, 2025, titled "Cellular senescence meets infection: highlights from the 10th annual International Cell Senescence Association (ICSA) conference, Rome 2025."
January 8, 2026 — Source

Minnesota backs full pediatric vaccine schedule, breaking with CDC
Minnesota is continuing to urge shots that protect children against 17 infectious diseases, despite a federal recommendation last week that cut the number to 11.
January 8, 2026 — Source

My brush with dengue was excruciating. What's even scarier is how fast it's spreading.
As temperatures rise and rains become more intense, the world's becoming more hospitable to mosquitoes and the diseases they spread.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Report reveals 57 Colorado counties don't meet herd immunity threshold for measles
Colorado measles vaccination rates are falling behind other states, leading to a lower herd immunity among children.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Should you really 'feed a cold and starve a fever?'
Despite what concerned loved ones may have told you, there's no evidence suggesting you should feed a cold and starve a fever.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Study investigates the extent of flu transmission by airborne inhalation
This year's flu season is turning out to be brutal. As a new variant known as subclade K spreads rapidly, a study out today offers clues as to how to avoid the annual sickness.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Sub-lethal water disinfection can unintentionally boost the spread of antibiotic resistance
The study reveals that environmental stressors do not merely kill bacteria; they can also prime surviving cells to take up resistance genes more efficiently, raising concerns about how antibiotic-resistant bacteria may spread in aquatic environments.
January 8, 2026 — Source

"Super-probiotic" bacteria created through ribosomal engineering
Using ribosome engineering (RE), researchers from Shinshu University introduced mutations affecting the protein synthesis mechanism of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). These mutant LGGs exhibit altered surface protein expression, including increased presentation of so-called "moonlighting proteins." These mutants adhere more strongly to intestinal cells and induce enhanced activation of immune cells, making them "super-probiotics." This study demonstrates the utility of RE-an inexpensive, low-risk, and rapid technique-for the enhancement of probiotic lactic acid bacteria.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 7th, 2026

COVID-19 still claims more than 100,000 US lives each year
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers report national estimates of 43.6 million COVID-19-associated illnesses and 101,300 deaths in the US during October 2022 to September 2023, plus 33.0 million illnesses and 100,800 deaths during October 2023 to September 2024. People 65 years and older accounted for the majority of hospitalizations and deaths.
January 7, 2026 — Source

CRISPR Cas12a3: A precise tool to halt viral protein production
Across all domains of life, immune defenses foil invading viruses by making it impossible for the viruses to replicate. Most known CRISPR systems target invading pathogens' DNA and chop it up to disable and modify genes, heading off infections at the (cellular) pass.
January 7, 2026 — Source

CRISPR discovery could lead to single diagnostic test for COVID, flu, RSV
Across all domains of life, immune defenses foil invading viruses by making it impossible for the viruses to replicate. Most known CRISPR systems target invading pathogens' DNA and chop it up to disable and modify genes, heading off infections at the (cellular) pass.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Do I Have the 'Super Flu'? Here's What You Need to Know
Subclade K is causing plenty of misery this winter. Here's what to know.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Engineered RNA sensor detects and fights coronavirus inside living cells
The technology, called the Viral-Engineered RNA-based Activation System (VERAS), hijacks the virus's own replication machinery to switch on reporter or therapeutic genes precisely in infected cells.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Fatal infection risk in newborns may increase when this bacterium and fungus mix
Researchers at the University of Maine have discovered that a common interaction between a bacterium and a fungus may significantly increase the risk of severe and potentially fatal infections in newborns, while also making standard treatments less effective.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Gut-microbe-derived molecules may play a key role in shaping the developing immune system
An international research team has uncovered compelling evidence that gut-microbe-derived molecules may play an important role in shaping the developing immune system during early childhood. The findings provide a new perspective into how early gut microbiome development may contribute to the risk of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.
January 7, 2026 — Source

How a parasite 'gave up sex' to find more hosts—and why its victory won't last
Australian researchers have uncovered how a particular strain of a diarrhea-causing parasite managed to infect more animal species, offering new insights into how parasitic infections emerge and spread to people.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Overlooked molecule points to new treatments for drug-resistant fungal infections
Fungal infections kill millions of people each year, and modern medicine is struggling to keep up. But researchers at McMaster University have identified a molecule that may help turn the tide—butyrolactol A, a chemical compound that targets a deadly, disease-causing fungi called Cryptococcus neoformans.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Newly discovered molecule could be a game-changer in the fight against deadly fungi
Fungal infections kill millions of people each year, and modern medicine is struggling to keep up. But researchers at McMaster University have identified a molecule that may help turn the tide - butyrolactol A, a chemical compound that targets a deadly, disease-causing fungi called Cryptococcus neoformans.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Ribosomal engineering creates 'super-probiotic' bacteria with enhanced immune activation
Using ribosome engineering (RE), researchers from Shinshu University introduced mutations affecting the protein synthesis mechanism of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). These mutant LGGs exhibit altered surface protein expression, including increased presentation of so-called "moonlighting proteins." These mutants adhere more strongly to intestinal cells and induce enhanced activation of immune cells, making them "super-probiotics."
January 7, 2026 — Source

Simple change in sepsis treatment could save thousands of lives
A University of Virginia-led team of researchers has made a discovery that may change sepsis treatment for patients in Africa.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Ushikuvirus: Newly discovered giant virus may offer clues to the origin of life
The origin of life on Earth becomes even more fascinating and complex as we peer into the mysterious world of viruses. Said to have existed since living cells first appeared, these microscopic entities differ greatly from other forms of life. Composed of only genetic material, they lack the ability to synthesize proteins, which are essential for carrying out cellular activity and, ultimately, for life by itself.
January 7, 2026 — Source

'Very high' levels of flu reported in Florida: What to know
South Florida doctors are seeing more people with cough, fever and other flu-like symptoms as a rapidly spreading influenza strain circulates across the country this winter.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Viral outbreaks are always on the horizon. Here are the viruses an expert is watching in 2026
Old viruses are constantly evolving. A warming and increasingly populated planet puts humans in contact with more and different viruses. And increased mobility means that viruses can rapidly travel across the globe along with their human hosts.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 6th, 2026

Bats identified as origin of unexplained acute respiratory illness and encephalitis in Bangladesh
Infectious disease researchers have identified Pteropine orthoreoviruses (PRVs), a group of newly emergent bat-borne viruses, as the culprit for previously unexplained illness in five Bangladeshi patients, one of whom eventually died with unexplained illness.
January 6, 2026 — Source

High levels of Chagas disease parasite found in insects near U.S.-Mexico border
Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have found unusually high levels of parasitic infection in the insects that transmit Chagas disease in the Borderlands. The bugs were collected near homes and natural areas along the U.S.-Mexico border, raising concerns about the potential for local transmission of the disease in the Southwestern U.S.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Illinois moves to 'very high' flu levels, as federal government decides to no longer recommend flu vaccine for kids
Illinois is now at "very high" levels for flu activity—a designation that coincides with the federal government's decision to no longer recommend many vaccines for children, including the flu vaccine.
January 6, 2026 — Source

MMRV: What families need to know about the UK's new chickenpox vaccine
The UK has added chickenpox to the routine childhood vaccination schedule for the first time, using a combined MMRV jab that also protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Here's what parents need to know.
January 6, 2026 — Source

New clinical standards strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) refers to coordinated strategies for the targeted, evidence-based, and safe use of anti-infective agents. The aim is to improve treatment outcomes, minimize side effects, and prevent the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. While AMS is well established in many areas of infectious diseases, a clearly defined and clinically operational framework for tuberculosis (TB) care has been lacking.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Streptococcus anginosus metabolites fuel gastric cancer
A recent study published in the medical journal Gut has revealed a novel cancer-promoting mechanism of Streptococcus anginosus (Sa). The research shows that methionine metabolites produced by this bacterium can significantly contribute to the development of gastric cancer.
January 6, 2026 — Source or Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 5th, 2026

As flu cases surge, why don't more people vaccinate?
Flu infections are rising sharply across the United States, contributing to at least 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths so far this season, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As flu outbreaks increase, why are people getting vaccinated at lower rates, seemingly against their self-interest?
January 5, 2026 — Source

Covid-19 Is Still Killing a Disturbing Number of Americans, Study Finds
Between 2022 and 2024, covid-19 killed roughly 100,000 Americans annually, new research by CDC scientists shows.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Everyday chemicals are quietly damaging beneficial gut bacteria
A large study has revealed that dozens of widely used chemicals can damage beneficial gut bacteria. Many of these substances, found in pesticides and everyday industrial products, were never thought to affect living organisms at all. When gut bacteria are stressed by these chemicals, some may also become resistant to antibiotics. The research raises new questions about how chemical exposure could be influencing human health behind the scenes.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Flu cases tick up in Massachusetts as health officials warn of new variant
Flu cases in Boston and across Massachusetts are continuing to tick up as a new variant circulates, with public health officials reminding residents it's not too late to get vaccinated.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Flu season surged in the US over the holiday and already rivals last winter's harsh epidemic
U.S. flu infections surged over the holidays, and health officials are calling it a severe season that is likely to get worse.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Flu surge prompts masking mandates at Eastern Shore hospitals
Several Eastern Shore hospitals have reinstated masking mandates this week, joining a growing number of health care centers in Maryland reporting unusually high numbers of influenza cases.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Holiday flu surge drives record illness across the United States
The holiday season brought a massive spike in influenza cases across the U.S.
January 5, 2026 — Source

How a San Diego startup's universal flu shot sold for $9 billion
Inside a single-story brick building in Sorrento Mesa is a small lab sprinkled with beakers, test tubes and incubators that is worth billions of dollars.
January 5, 2026 — Source

How the last two respiratory pandemics rapidly spread through cities: Simulations highlight air travel as key driver
How the last two respiratory pandemics rapidly spread through cities: Simulations highlight air travel as key driver
January 5, 2026 — Source

Microbes may hold the key to brain evolution
A new study reveals that changes to the gut microbiome can change the way the brain works.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Molecular mechanism reveals how viral infection triggers aggressive leukemia
Researchers at Kumamoto University have uncovered a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) drives the development of adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat blood cancers. The findings provide critical insight into why only a small fraction of HTLV-1 carriers develop leukemia—and point toward new strategies for targeted therapy.
January 5, 2026 — Source

RSV prevention: A new era for infant protection
Globally, RSV causes millions of respiratory infections each year and is responsible for a large proportion of hospitalizations and deaths among children under five years, with the highest risk concentrated in infants under six months. The disease burden is especially pronounced in low- and middle-income regions, where limited access to healthcare and seasonal surges place substantial strain on pediatric services. Although most of severe cases occur in healthy infants, prevention options have traditionally been restricted to high-risk groups. Recent advances in maternal vaccines and long-acting monoclonal antibodies have broadened the scope of RSV prevention, but questions remain regarding optimal timing, safety, duration of protection, and real-world implementation.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Salmonella rewires mitochondrial metabolite pipeline to disarm oxidative defenses
A National Taiwan University study reveals how intracellular bacteria co-opt mitochondrial transporters to evade immune defenses, suggesting that blocking this pathway could sensitize drug-resistant pathogens to host immunity.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Scientists engineer marine bacteria to create living light-emitting diodes
Living bacteria embedded in silicone can absorb green LED light and re-emit it as red, offering a potential sustainable alternative to rare-earth phosphors in lighting.
January 5, 2026 — Source

This tick-borne disease continues to rise in Pennsylvania
Janine Hauck doesn't know which tick gave her anaplasmosis and Lyme disease. She just remembers the fatigue, weakness and nausea.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Under anti-vaccine RFK Jr., CDC slashes childhood vaccine schedule
The changes are modeled after a small country with universal health care.
January 5, 2026 — Source or Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — January 2nd, 2026

A mother's circadian rhythm may predict her child's vulnerability to bacterial infection
In laboratory models, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that a mother's circadian rhythms, or internal body clock, can influence the immune system states of her offspring, which can accurately predict the risk of bacterial infection.
January 2, 2026 — Source

Bacteria reveal second 'shutdown mode' for surviving antibiotic treatment
The researchers show that some cells enter a regulated, protective growth arrest, a controlled dormant state that shields them from antibiotics, while others survive in a disrupted, dysregulated growth arrest, a malfunctioning state marked by vulnerabilities, especially impaired cell membrane stability. This distinction is important because antibiotic persistence is a major cause of treatment failure and relapsing infections even when bacteria are not genetically resistant, and it has remained scientifically confusing for years, with studies reporting conflicting results.
January 2, 2026 — Source

Costs pose hurdle for promising new hepatitis C lab test
A new rapid test for hepatitis C could help identify many more patients who could be cured of the deadly disease, but its use may be limited unless insurers' reimbursement rises to cover its high cost, according to researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.
January 2, 2026 — Source

First ancient herpesvirus genomes document their deep history with humans
For the first time, scientists have reconstructed the ancient genomes of human betaherpesvirus 6A and 6B (HHV-6A/B) from archaeological human remains more than two millennia old. The study, led by the University of Vienna and University of Tartu (Estonia) and published in Science Advances, confirms that these viruses have been evolving with and within humans since at least the Iron Age. The findings trace the long history of HHV-6 integration into human chromosomes and suggest that HHV-6A lost this ability early on.
January 2, 2026 — Source

How modern diets are driving rapid evolution in gut bacteria
By tracking how adaptive genes sweep through gut bacteria across continents, researchers uncover a hidden evolutionary response to modern diets and lifestyles, and a powerful new way to study microbiome evolution.
January 2, 2026 — Source

Pregnant women hospitalized for COVID-19, and their newborns, have higher complication risk
When hospitalized for COVID-19, pregnant women—and their eventual newborn children—have a higher risk of complications, according to a Michigan Medicine study.
January 2, 2026 — Source

The 'Super Flu' Is Hitting Kids Hard—and Some Aren't Surviving
Several states have reported their first pediatric flu deaths this week.
January 2, 2026 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 26th, 2025

NYC Is Getting Hit Hard by the 'Super Flu'—and the Worst Is Yet to Come
Subclade K could fuel one of the worst flu seasons seen in recent history.
December 26, 2025 — Source

Persuading people to get vaccinated may intensify social polarization
Encouraging people to get vaccinated is often seen as a public health success story. However, understanding how persuading people to roll up their sleeves to receive vaccines creates social division is crucial. Particularly in a post COVID-19 world, where attitudes about infection control have may influence conflict.
December 26, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 20th, 2025

This message will self-destruct, courtesy of living bacteria
Bacterial patterns invisible to the eye reveal hidden information only with correct biochemical triggers, creating anti-counterfeiting codes that are harder to copy or forge.
December 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 19th, 2025

Candida auris: Genetic process offers new treatment target for deadly fungal disease
Scientists have discovered a genetic process which could unlock new ways to treat a mysterious and deadly fungal infection which has shut down multiple hospital intensive care units.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Genes and biological networks that drive long COVID risk
By merging causal genetics with network control theory, this study reveals hidden drivers of long COVID, offering new insight into why the condition affects patients so differently.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
Six days after a senior FDA official sent a sweeping internal email claiming that covid vaccines had caused the deaths of "at least 10 children," 12 former FDA commissioners released an extraordinary warning in the Dec. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Nanoparticle vaccine strategy could protect against Ebola and other deadly filoviruses
Filoviruses get their name from the Latin word "filum," meaning thread—a reference to their long, filamentous shape. This virus family contains some of the most dangerous pathogens known to science, including Ebola, Sudan, Bundibugyo and Marburg viruses.
December 19, 2025 — Source

World Health Organization validates Brazil's elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Brazil for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, making it the most populous country in the Americas to achieve this historic milestone. This accomplishment reflects Brazil's long-standing commitment to universal and free access to health services through its Unified Health System (SUS), anchored in a strong primary health-care system and respect for human rights.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 15th, 2025

A fatal mix-up: How certain gut bacteria drive multiple sclerosis
If gut bacteria are too similar to the protective layer of nerves, they can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism can accelerate the progression of multiple sclerosis, as researchers at the University of Basel have shown in trials with mice. However, their results also open up opportunities for treatments that make use of the microbiome.
December 15, 2025 — Source

AI found a way to stop a virus before it enters cells
AI-guided science revealed a tiny viral weak point—and shutting it down stopped infection cold.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Ancient genetic 'start' signal found in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes
A newly discovered promoter element "start" points to a shared regulatory syntax for controlling transcription initiation in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Clinical trial of personalized cancer vaccine demonstrates feasibility, safety, immune activation
The first-in-human clinical phase I trial assessing the feasibility and safety of WDVAX, an immunostimulatory biomaterial-based cancer vaccine, in a cohort of 21 patients with stage 4 metastatic melanoma, was concluded with positive outcomes that encourage future vaccine developments and trials to test them in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Common medicines may influence CRISPR therapy outcomes and precision cancer treatment
In a new study, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig analyzed the impact of more than 2,000 clinically approved drugs on DNA repair and CRISPR genome editing outcomes. They found compounds that can be used to improve genome editing, molecules that selectively kill cultured cancer cells, and further identified novel roles in DNA repair for two proteins.
December 15, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces risk to pregnant women and babies, study finds
Pregnant people who received a COVID-19 vaccine were far less likely to experience severe illness or deliver their babies prematurely, according to a major new UBC-led study published in JAMA.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Decoding long COVID: Investigators reveal why the body keeps fighting the war
A new study from investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) sheds light on why some people never fully recover from COVID-19.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Dramatic drop in HIV-infected immune cells occurs in patient who received cancer treatment
Advancements in HIV/AIDS research, drug development and clinical practice since the 1980s have made it possible for people living with HIV to lead long, productive lives and keep the virus in check at undetectable levels and nontransmissible as long as therapy is maintained.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Emerging 'Super Flu' Strain Is Spreading Fast. Here's What You Need to Know
The UK is facing a surge of hospitalizations fueled by the novel variant subclade K. And the U.S. is likely next.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Evaluating the evaluators: How do plant virus genome analysis tools stack up?
Research relies on replication: Different teams need to make the same conclusion multiple times before a consensus is reached and the finding can be built upon or applied. More may rest on the tools researchers use than previously realized—at least for understanding viruses, according to a team at Penn State.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients developed long COVID
A two-year study from Thailand reveals how often long COVID follows hospitalization, how long symptoms can persist, and why vaccination and disease severity make a critical difference to patients' long-term quality of life.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Hawaiʻi life expectancy decline smaller than US average during COVID-19 pandemic
While life expectancy across the U.S. declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study led by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health found that Hawaiʻi experienced a smaller decline compared to national trends.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Key proteins identified in Oroya fever reveal new target for potential treatment
The so-called "Oroya fever" is an extremely severe infectious disease, yet it is classified among the so-called neglected tropical diseases. This is because the infection occurs—so far—exclusively in high-altitude valleys of the South American Andes, primarily in Peru, but also in Ecuador and Colombia. As a result, it has received little attention from research and pharmaceutical development.
December 15, 2025 — Source

New white paper analyzes US vaccine safety monitoring system
How the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determine whether a vaccine has resulted in the death of a vaccine recipient became the focus of renewed scrutiny by the press and public last month. In November 2025, one of the FDA's chief vaccine regulators, Vinay Prasad, reported in a memo that although the FDA "never publicly admitted it," children in the United States died as a result of COVID-19 vaccination.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Notorious 'winter vomiting bug' rising in California: A new norovirus strain could make it worse
The dreaded norovirus—the "vomiting bug" that often causes stomach flu symptoms—is climbing again in California, and doctors warn that a new subvariant could make even more people sick this season.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Novel diagnostic approach enables detection of antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity in Klebsiella strains
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing—and quietly advancing—challenges facing modern medicine. Among the most dangerous bacterial pathogens driving this crisis is Klebsiella pneumoniae, a microorganism capable of causing severe infections while evading both antibiotics and the human immune system.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Pakistan begins last anti-polio vaccination drive of the year after surge in new cases
Pakistani authorities on Monday launched the final nationwide anti-polio vaccination campaign of the year, aiming to protect 45 million children after more than two dozen cases of the potentially paralyzing disease were reported, officials said.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Recent H5N1 bird flu variants show increased ability to infect dairy cattle
The H5N1 avian influenza virus—commonly known as bird flu—has been causing outbreaks in dairy cows in the United States since March 2024. Now, scientists studying the adaptation of the avian H5N1 viruses to cows have found that some of the more recent variants are more able to infect cow cells and tissues than some older variants.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Researchers develop nasal antiviral platform using AI technology to block flu and COVID-19​
Respiratory viruses that have diverse strains and mutate rapidly, such as influenza and COVID-19, are difficult to block perfectly with vaccines alone. To solve this problem, KAIST's research team has successfully developed a nasal (intranasal) antiviral platform using AI technology to overcome the existing limitations of interferon-lambda treatments—namely, being "weak against heat and disappearing quickly from the nasal mucosa."
December 15, 2025 — Source

South Carolina measles quarantine soars beyond 300 people
Fifteen new cases of measles have been reported in the Upstate since Dec. 9, more schools have had infected students, 303 people are in quarantine and 13 are in isolation, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reported on Dec. 12.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Understanding how the immune system protects against fungal pathogenicity
The yeast Candida albicans colonizes mucosal surfaces and is usually harmless. However, under certain conditions it can cause dangerous infections. A research team at the University of Zurich has now discovered how the immune system prevents the transformation from a harmless colonizer to a pathogenic mode. This happens, among other things, by sequestering zinc.
December 15, 2025 — Source

What is super flu? And other questions answered
The NHS is facing severe pressure this winter as flu cases surge earlier than usual, with some calling it "super flu." Here's what you need to know about this year's flu season and how to protect yourself.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 12th, 2025

Chewable supplements help improve bone density of adolescents with HIV, clinical trial finds
Giving adolescents living with HIV high-dose Vitamin D and calcium supplements can help improve their bone density and reduce the risk of fractures, a new study suggests.
December 12, 2025 — Source

I'm heading overseas. Do I really need travel vaccines?
Australia is in its busiest month for short-term overseas travel. And there are so many things to consider when planning your trip. Unfortunately, it's easy to overlook the importance of pre-travel vaccinations.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Physicians raise concerns about federal hep B vaccine change
Providers are reeling from a change made by a federal agency responsible for setting and updating vaccination guidelines for American children and adults.
December 12, 2025 — Source

'Sloth fever' unlikely to spread via mosquitoes in southeastern US, say researchers
In 2024, "sloth fever" hit the news cycle as a new public health threat: The virus was found in people who'd recently traveled to Cuba, and the serious health risks associated with the disease prompted concern about whether it could spread and become established in the U.S.
December 12, 2025 — Source

The United States CDC has abandoned science in its new advice about vaccines and autism
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its long-standing guidance about vaccines and autism.
December 12, 2025 — Source

UK health service battles 'super flu' outbreak
The UK is facing an "unprecedented wave of super flu," a health chief has warned, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer Friday denounced "reckless" plans by doctors to launch a five-day strike next week.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Unique bond identified as key to viral infection speed
Viruses are typically described as tiny, perfectly geometric shells that pack genetic material with mathematical precision, but new research led by scientists at Penn State reveals a deliberate imbalance in their shape that helps them infect their hosts.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Vaccine Panel's Hepatitis B Vote Signals Further Turbulence for Immunization Policy, Public Trust
When Su Wang was in medical school, she donated blood. That's when she learned she was infected with hepatitis B, a virus that attacks the liver and can lead to cancer and death decades later.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 11th, 2025

A biochip built for the next pandemic can test dozens of viral antigens at once
In 2020, as scientists around the world were racing to understand COVID-19, Prof. Roy Bar-Ziv and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science started developing a DNA chip that could not only quickly show how our immune system responds to this coronavirus but open new possibilities for swiftly responding to future viral outbreaks.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Biphenomycin biosynthetic pathway decoded, opening door to new antibiotic development
Biphenomycins, natural products derived from bacteria, show excellent antimicrobial activity, but have long remained out of reach for drug development. The main obstacle was the limited understanding of how these compounds are produced by their microbial hosts.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Fungal allies arm plant roots against disease by rewriting the rules of infection
Scientists have discovered that beneficial root-dwelling fungi boost plant resilience to disease by remodeling the plant cell membrane at pathogen infection sites—offering critical new insights into how plants coordinate defenses in complex natural environments.
December 11, 2025 — Source

How CAR T-cell therapies target myeloma at the molecular level
In multiple myeloma, plasma cells proliferate uncontrollably in the bone marrow, disrupting the growth of healthy blood-forming cells. If the disease recurs after treatment or fails to respond, CAR T-cell therapy may be considered. In this innovative and personalized form of cancer immunotherapy, immune cells (T cells) are taken from the patient and genetically modified in the laboratory to enhance their ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. The modified autologous cells (CAR T cells) are then reinfused into the patient.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Hundreds are quarantined in South Carolina as measles spreads in 2 US outbreaks
Between Friday and Tuesday, South Carolina health officials confirmed 27 new measles cases in an outbreak in and around northwestern Spartanburg County. In two months, 111 people have been sickened by the vaccine-preventable virus.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Lab-developed mosquitoes prevent malaria parasite development, paving way for future field trials
In a new study published in Nature, scientists have successfully developed genetically modified mosquitoes in Tanzania that block the transmission of malaria. The team includes researchers from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania, in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and the Imperial College London as part of the Transmission Zero program.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Mini-gut model reveals how Ebola and Marburg disrupt the gastrointestinal tract
Ebola (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) are highly lethal viruses that cause severe disease in infected patients by extensively damaging the body. This includes the gastrointestinal tract. Severe diarrhea followed by dehydration is a major cause of death in EBOV and MARV disease patients, yet the role of the intestinal lining (epithelium) in these outcomes remains poorly understood.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Vaccines do not cause autism: WHO
A new analysis by the World Health Organization reaffirmed there is no link between vaccines and autism—contrary to theories being propagated in the United States.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Which gut microbes matter most? Large study ranks bacteria by health and diet links
The gut microbiome has been a rising star in the world of health science over the last several years, garnering interest from both researchers and the general public. This is mostly due to its connection to general health and diseases, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as the fact that it is a modifiable element of human health. However, the science surrounding the fascinating world of gut microbes is still developing and there is much to learn.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 5th, 2025

Dengue vaccine gains first major approval
The world's first single-dose vaccine to prevent dengue fever has been approved for licensure in one of the largest countries affected by the disease, following 16 years of research contributions by scientists at the University of Vermont (UVM) Vaccine Testing Center, in partnership with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH).
December 5, 2025 — Source

H5N8 avian influenza vaccine produces robust immune responses, new study finds
Finland was the first country to offer the zoonotic avian influenza A(H5N8) vaccine manufactured by Seqirus to at-risk occupational groups following the extensive clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) outbreak affecting wild birds and fur farms in Finland in 2023.
December 5, 2025 — Source

In RFK Jr.'s Upside-Down World of Vaccines, Panel Votes To End Hepatitis B Shot at Birth
Recent weeks have brought good news about vaccines, with studies indicating that flu vaccination reduces heart disease, shingles vaccines can prevent or slow dementia, and a single human papillomavirus shot protects a girl from cervical cancer for the rest of her life.
December 5, 2025 — Source

New tuberculosis case detected in Northern California
An individual with contagious tuberculosis was recently identified within the UC Davis "campus community," the university said in a Dec. 2 news release.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Rare set of varied factors triggered Black Death
Volcanic eruptions in the mid-1340s triggered a chain of events that brought the Black Death to Europe.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Spain not ruling out lab leak as cause of swine fever outbreak
Spain's government said Friday it had not ruled out an accidental laboratory leak as the cause of an outbreak of African swine fever that has rocked the country's lucrative pork industry.
December 5, 2025 — Source

'We Are Doing Harm': RFK Jr.'s ACIP Guts Universal Hep B Vaccination at Birth
Outside experts and groups widely condemned the decision.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — December 3rd, 2025

A common childhood virus can drive bladder cancer development
Tackling a common childhood virus could open the door to preventing bladder cancer, according to new research.
December 3, 2025 — Source

APIC and SHEA launch collaborative initiative to strengthen national infection prevention efforts
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have announced a new collaborative initiative, the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG), to address infection prevention priorities of national importance.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Chikungunya and dengue outbreak in Cuba has left 33 dead, officials say
A severe mosquito-borne virus outbreak in Cuba has led to dozens of deaths since midsummer, including many young children, health officials there have reported.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Gut bacteria produce immune-boosting compounds in response to tetracyclines
The microbes inside our bodies not only help break down food but also impact our health. Yet their precise influence is not always understood, especially in the presence of prescription drugs. Now, researchers in ACS Central Science report how one of the most abundant gut bacteria responds to tetracyclines, a class of commonly prescribed antibiotics. Newly characterized signals released by the bacterium could aid the host's immune response, inhibit pathogens and restructure the gut microbiome.
December 3, 2025 — Source

New rapid PCR method detects Salmonella in food within hours
A new same-day detection strategy shows how simple, low-cost lab steps can uncover Salmonella in meats, vegetables, and dairy far faster than traditional methods. This could offer a powerful tool for preventing contaminated foods from ever reaching consumers.
December 3, 2025 — Source

New test distinguishes vaccine-induced false positives from active HIV infection
Since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was identified in 1983, roughly 91.4 million people around the world have contracted the virus and an additional 44.1 million have died from related causes. Currently, nearly 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV-1, the version of the virus that causes more than 95% of infections.
December 3, 2025 — Source

New vaccine sparks hope in whooping cough control
A human challenge trial has shown a new vaccine could offer better protection against whooping cough. The new study, delivered in partnership between the University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, and the University of Oxford, is the first to show that a vaccine can stop the bacteria that cause whooping cough from living in the nose and throat.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Plant Powered Quantum Dots Tackle Microbes and Toxic Dyes
With quercetin as a natural reducer and stabilizer, ZnS quantum dots break down stubborn dyes and disrupt bacterial biofilms, all while remaining safe for healthy cells.
December 3, 2025 — Source

RFK Jr. wants to delay the hepatitis B vaccine—here's what parents need to know
Working out of a tribal-owned hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, liver specialist Brian McMahon has spent decades treating the long shadow of hepatitis B. Before a vaccine became available in the 1980s, he saw the virus claim young lives in western Alaskan communities with stunning speed.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Super-pump explains how E. coli beats antibiotics in gut
The toxic bug E. coli uses a secret weapon to survive in our gut even when it is being treated with antibiotics, scientists have revealed. The new research has unmasked a super-pump inside the bacteria, and its related Shigella species, that is activated by our stomach acid, flushing the drugs out before they work.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 30th, 2025

RSV prevention in newborns could cut asthma risk
Scientists found that RSV infection early in life can set the stage for childhood asthma, particularly in kids already genetically prone to allergies. The virus appears to skew the developing immune system toward exaggerated responses to everyday allergens. But when newborns were protected from RSV, asthma development was prevented. The results point to a powerful added benefit of RSV prevention tools now being rolled out globally.
November 30, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 29th, 2025

Achieving lasting remission for HIV
Promising trials using engineered antibodies suggest that "functional cures" may be in reach.
November 29, 2025 — Source

H5N1 variant has made its way to an Australian subantarctic island
On Heard Island, a remote Australian subantarctic island some 4,000 km southwest of Perth, scientists were concerned after observing high mortality rates in the elephant seal population.
November 29, 2025 — Source

Your risk of catching COVID is at its lowest since 2020—but here's why you should still get boosted for Christmas
As the Christmas season looms, with its crowded end-of-year parties, family gatherings and busy travel schedules, many New Zealanders might be asking a now familiar question: should I get another COVID-19 booster?
November 29, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 26th, 2025

California braces for early, sharper flu season as virus mutation outpaces vaccine, experts say
California could see an early start to the annual flu season, as a combination of low vaccination rates and late mutations to the virus may leave the state particularly exposed to transmission, health experts say.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Drug-resistant bacteria and genes found to move freely among people, animals and the environment
By analyzing Escherichia coli (E. coli) genomes, researchers have shown that antimicrobial resistant bacteria and the genes that confer resistance move between bacterial hosts and across ecological compartments freely in Eastern Africa. This could help inform future public health interventions to reduce the spread of treatment-resistant infections and help us understand how to tackle the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
November 23, 2025 — Source

Enzyme discovered in cyanobacteria can add phosphate groups to therapeutic peptides
Enzyme discovered in cyanobacteria can add phosphate groups to therapeutic peptides
November 23, 2025 — Source

Expanding seasonal immunization access could minimize off-season RSV epidemics
Providing year-round access to RSV immunization would minimize the risk of large seasonal outbreaks across the nation, including in both urban and rural areas.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Fighting two infections at once: Hepatitis C cure may relieve immune strain in HIV patients
The hepatitis C virus—HCV—can persist in the livers of those infected and even lead to liver disease or failure in extreme cases. It affects tens of millions of people worldwide and there is no vaccine to prevent infection, but effective treatment can resolve most cases.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Novel mRNA therapy curbs antibiotic-resistant infections in preclinical lung models
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have reported early success with a novel mRNA-based therapy designed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Parkinson's drug tolcapone found to block key protein in hospital superbug
When the hospital germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa infects the body, it uses the sugar-binding protein LecA to attach itself to human cells, invade them, and form so-called biofilms. LecA thus plays a central role in the development and progression of infections with this pathogen, which is classified as particularly critical by the WHO.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Pesticides and other common chemical pollutants are toxic to 'good' gut bacteria, lab-based screening indicates
A large-scale laboratory screening of human-made chemicals has identified 168 chemicals that are toxic to bacteria found in the healthy human gut. These chemicals stifle the growth of gut bacteria thought to be vital for health. The research, including the new machine learning model, is published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
November 23, 2025 — Source

South Carolina's Measles Outbreak Shows Chilling Effect of Vaccine Misinformation
Near the back corner of the local library's parking lot, largely out of view from the main road, the South Carolina Department of Public Health opened a pop-up clinic in early November, offering free measles vaccines to adults and children.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 22nd, 2025

Flu activity is low, but experts worry about a new strain and vaccination rates
The U.S. flu season is starting slowly, and it's unclear if it will be as bad as last winter's, but some health experts are worried as U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Friday shows a new version of the virus has emerged.
November 22, 2025 — Source

Macrophage-killing bacterial toxin weakens the gut's defenses against ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases, a lifelong condition that can cause chronic inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. This can lead to symptoms such as rectal pain and bleeding, and persistent diarrhea. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, but exactly what triggers it remains unclear.
November 22, 2025 — Source

Washington state resident believed to be the first to die from a rare strain of bird flu
A Washington state resident is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, but state health officials said Friday the risk to the public is low.
November 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 21st, 2025

AI trained on bacterial genomes produces never-before-seen proteins
Genes with related functions cluster together, and the AI uses that.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Cuba battles chikungunya virus outbreak despite shortages of food, medicine
Cuba has been gripped by an outbreak of the viral disease chikungunya, as it battles shortages of clean water, food, fuel and medicine, during its worst economic crisis in decades.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Experimental vaccine offers rapid, long-lasting protection against deadly tick-borne virus
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is one of the world's most dangerous yet overlooked infectious diseases. Spread by ticks and livestock, the virus causes sudden fever, organ failure, and internal bleeding, killing up to 40% of those infected. Outbreaks have been reported across parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Despite decades of research, no approved vaccines or treatments exist.
November 21, 2025 — Source

How COVID-19 variants outsmart the immune system
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have created the most comprehensive map to date showing how antibodies attach to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, and how viral mutations weaken that attachment.
November 21, 2025 — Source

New airflow device captures indoor germs before they spread
A breakthrough jet-sink airflow system could revolutionize indoor disease prevention by capturing pathogens before they spread.
November 21, 2025 — Source

New implant captures gut-brain signals in awake, moving animals
Scientists have been able to measure the electrical signals in the "second brain in our guts" for the first-ever time, giving renewed understanding to its interconnection with the brain.
November 21, 2025 — Source

New trial shows Pfizer's mRNA flu shot beats traditional flu vaccine
Pfizer's mRNA flu vaccine worked better than a standard flu shot in a large Phase 3 trial, researchers reported.
November 21, 2025 — Source

WHO declares end of Indonesia's polio outbreak following yearslong vaccination campaign
The World Health Organization has declared Indonesia's polio outbreak officially over, following nearly three years of intensive response efforts, officials said Friday.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 20th, 2025

CDC website changed to contradict scientific conclusion that vaccines don't cause autism
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has been changed to contradict the longtime scientific conclusion that vaccines do not cause autism, spurring outrage among a number of public health and autism experts.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Cholera cases in Africa surge to 3 times higher than reported in 2022
Cholera remains a "major battle" in Africa, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which warned Thursday of more cases as the rainy season begins in most affected countries.
November 20, 2025 — Source

HHS proposes new CDC programs, including hepatitis B screening
The Health and Human Services Department is proposing new initiatives for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including a program to increase hepatitis B screening for pregnant women, as part of a broader push to restructure the agency, according to an internal document viewed by Bloomberg News.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Is malaria messaging working? African biostatisticians have the data
Edson Mwebesa, Fellow at the Wits-based Sub-Saharan Africa Advanced Consortium for Biostatistics (SSACAB), knows children who died from late-diagnosed malaria. His research has also revealed that malaria is more prevalent in pregnant Ugandan women than in any other population. Malaria is also endemic across Africa, impacting all aspects of social and economic life.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Minnesota has one of the nation's lowest kindergarten measles vaccination rates
Minnesota's kindergarten measles vaccination rate has dropped from 92.5% to 86.5%, falling below the 95% herd immunity threshold. Nonmedical exemptions, especially in private and charter schools, have increased. The state has reported 24 measles cases in 2025, among the highest in two decades, prompting new wastewater surveillance for early outbreak detection.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Mistrust and misinformation fuel HPV vaccine hesitancy
HPV vaccine hesitancy among U.S. adolescents is primarily driven by fears of side effects, doubts about effectiveness, mistrust in government and health systems, reliance on social media for information, and concerns about autonomy and the vaccine's link to sexual activity. Low health and media literacy further hinder vaccine uptake.
November 20, 2025 — Source

New flu variant could bring another severe U.S. season
A new flu variant spreading overseas may set the stage for another tough winter in the United States, experts warn.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Study evaluates effectiveness of indoor vaccine mandates in US cities during COVID-19
Research published in Contemporary Economic Policy reveals that despite widespread adoption of indoor vaccine mandates in major US cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no consistent evidence that these policies significantly increased vaccination rates or reduced COVID-19--related outcomes. The findings contrast with those from other countries, as national mandates abroad boosted vaccine uptake.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Waning immunity and falling vaccination rates fuel pertussis outbreaks
Rates of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are surging in Texas, Florida, California, Oregon, and other states and localities across the country.
November 20, 2025 — Source or Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 14th, 2025

Conflicting advice on covid shots likely to ding already low vaccine rates, experts warn
About 23% of U.S. adults had received a 2024-25 covid-19 vaccine by late spring. Vaccination rates were highest in the District of Columbia, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, according to CDC estimates. Rates were lowest in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
November 14, 2025 — Source or Source

Metabolic hormone found to boost resilience against flu symptoms
The metabolic hormone FGF21 increases during influenza infection and activates brain pathways that help stabilize body temperature and reduce weight loss, improving recovery without affecting viral levels. This suggests FGF21 mitigates the physiological stress of infection and may offer a new therapeutic approach for flu and potentially other infections.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Preliminary case of bird flu in Washington state would be U.S.'s first in 9 months
A Grays Harbor County, Washington, resident preliminarily tested positive for the infection, the Washington State Department of Health said Thursday. Health officials say they're still investigating the source of the infection, including contact with wild or domestic birds.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Shaping immunity: The secrets behind the shape of neutrophils
Researchers at the Kennedy Institute have provided the most comprehensive overview to date of how the distinctive segmented nucleus of neutrophils influences their function in health and disease.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Speeding the detection of three serious regional fungal infections
Certain serious fungal infections occur in regions of the United States with specific environments and are often tied to soil exposure. These infections can affect both healthy and immunocompromised people, but proper diagnosis remains slow, which delays treatment.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Traces of bacteria inside brain tumors may affect tumor behavior
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have uncovered unexpected traces of bacteria within brain tumors. This discovery offers new insights into the environment in which brain tumors grow and sets the stage for future studies seeking to improve treatment outcomes.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 13th, 2025

First death linked to 'meat allergy' spread by ticks
University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have identified the first death caused by what is commonly called the "meat allergy" being spread by ticks.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Manganese is Lyme disease's double-edge sword
For decades, Lyme disease has frustrated both physicians and patients alike. Caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the infection, if left untreated, can linger for months, leading to fever, fatigue and painful inflammation.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Scientists look to ancient microbes to discover the antibiotics of the future
A quest to discover new antibiotics is taking a Cal Poly biochemistry research team back in time millions of years as they study ancient microorganisms.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Scientists trying to unravel one of the body's biggest mysteries
A peek inside some leading research labs shows how scientists-turned-detectives are painstakingly decoding what causes autoimmune diseases and how to stop the immune system from attacking you instead of protecting you.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Single-cell study reveals how HPV shapes immune landscape in penile cancer
Although penile cancer represents less than 1% of male malignancies, it carries substantial physical and psychological burden, with a five-year survival rate near 50%. Around half of Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) cases are associated with persistent HPV infection, which triggers oncogenic transformation via viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. Interestingly, HPV-positive PSCC patients tend to have better survival and treatment responses compared to HPV-negative cases. However, the mechanisms behind this clinical advantage remain poorly understood.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Typhoid conjugate vaccine demonstrates strong safety and immunogenicity in Phase III trial
Phase III results from a clinical trial of a typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), EuTYPH-C Inj. Multi-dose, demonstrate that it is safe and immunogenic in typhoid-endemic populations in sub-Saharan Africa. EuTYPH-C Inj. Multi-dose is manufactured by EuBiologics Co., LTD, Republic of Korea.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Want to eradicate malaria-bearing mosquitoes? Try fungus, this researcher says
A fungal infection solution could help eliminate up to 86% of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, offering a powerful new tool in the global fight against the disease, according to new research.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 8th, 2025

7 Natural Ways to Conquer This Year's Cold and Flu Season
As wellness experts, we know a thing or two about staying healthy during germ season.
November 8, 2025 — Source

COVID vaccine linked to fewer infections and allergies in kids with eczema
The COVID-19 vaccine may offer kids with eczema an unexpected immune boost, cutting infections and allergy risks.
November 8, 2025 — Source

Flu season peak is still to come this year: Is it too late to get a flu shot?
While flu shot campaigns and initiatives start around the end of the summer, the peak season for flu is still weeks away.
November 8, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 7th, 2025

Coordinated brain network activity during emotional arousal may explain vivid, lasting memories
Past psychology studies suggest that people tend to remember emotional events, such as their wedding, the birth of a child or traumatic experiences, more vividly than neutral events, such as a routine professional meeting. While this link between emotion and the recollection of past events is well-established, the neural mechanisms via which emotional states strengthen memories remain poorly understood.
November 7, 2025 — Source

Coronavirus replication relies on newly identified host enzyme, study finds
A research team at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has identified a previously unknown cellular mechanism crucial to the replication of coronaviruses: c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is activated during infection with human coronavirus HCoV-229E and mediates the phosphorylation of the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein, an integral step in the virus cycle. These results aid in better understanding virus-host interactions and may open new approaches to exploring antiviral strategies in the long term.
November 7, 2025 — Genomic mapping of resistance mutations in A. baumannii
The bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a haunting presence in many hospitals in the United States, where more than one in 100 patients are treated for A. baumannii infections. This species of bacteria is known for its dynamic genome and ability to gain antibiotic resistance.
November 7, 2025 — Source

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Genomic mapping of resistance mutations in A. baumannii
The bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a haunting presence in many hospitals in the United States, where more than one in 100 patients are treated for A. baumannii infections. This species of bacteria is known for its dynamic genome and ability to gain antibiotic resistance.
November 7, 2025 — Source

New molecular drivers of long COVID link nasal inflammation to lingering symptoms
A research team from the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center (FZB), Kiel University (CAU), the University of Lübeck (UzL), and the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), together with additional partners, has gained new insights into the development of post-COVID syndrome.
November 7, 2025 — Source

Researchers identify a previously unknown cellular mechanism crucial to coronavirus replication
A research team at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has identified a previously unknown cellular mechanism crucial to the replication of coronaviruses: c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is activated during infection with human coronavirus HCoV-229E and mediates the phosphorylation of the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein, an integral step in the virus cycle. These results aid in better understanding virus-host interactions and may open new approaches to exploring antiviral strategies in the long term. The team led by Dr. Yannick Brüggemann and Professor Eike Steinmann reports its findings in the journal npj Viruses from September 18, 2025.
November 7, 2025 — Source

Women are three times more likely than men to get severe long COVID: Here's why
Research published today in Cell Reports Medicine reveals key biological differences that may explain why women with long COVID—especially those who develop chronic fatigue syndrome—tend to experience more severe and persistent symptoms than men do.
November 7, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 6th, 2025

AI can speed antibody design to thwart novel viruses
Artificial intelligence (AI) and "protein language" models can speed the design of monoclonal antibodies that prevent or reduce the severity of potentially life-threatening viral infections, according to a multi-institutional study led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
November 6, 2025 — Source

AI-designed antibodies created from scratch
Research led by the University of Washington reports on an AI-guided method that designs epitope-specific antibodies and confirms atomically precise binding using high-resolution molecular imaging, then strengthens those designs so the antibodies latch on much more tightly.
November 6, 2025 — Source

COVID-19 vaccination may have broader health benefits for children with atopic dermatitis
Children with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, may experience fewer infections and allergic complications if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to new research being presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.
November 6, 2025 — Source

Early HIV treatment: Research reveals critical gaps
The systematic review showed a steady decline in on-ART mortality from 2000 to 2020, particularly for older children and those who began treatment with higher CD4 cell counts. However, the first six months after ART initiation remain the most vulnerable period, especially for infants and those diagnosed late. Regional differences, though narrowing, persist, with central sub-Saharan Africa showing the highest mortality for children under 5 years old.
November 6, 2025 — Source

Evolving epidemiology of invasive Group A Streptococcus in critical care
Streptococcus pyogenes or invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) is a major clinical concern around the world, since iGAS infections can quickly escalate into life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, septic shock, and pneumonia. In recent years, scientists have noticed that the prevalence of various pathological strains of iGAS has been evolving. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalent strain in Western Europe was Emm1.
November 6, 2025 — Source

Gut microbes likely play a role in coronary artery disease, study suggests
Nearly 20 million people die every year from cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors influence a person's risk of disease and severity, but microbes likely also play a critical role, particularly in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD).
November 6, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — November 5th, 2025

A shapeshifting protein explains rabies' deadly power
Rabies virus's shape-shifting protein reveals how deadly viruses do so much with so little.
November 5, 2025 — Source

At least 15 whooping cough cases confirmed in Kansas
Whooping cough cases are on the rise in Wyandotte County, Kansas, and local health officials are advising residents to keep an eye out for symptoms of the illness and stay up to date with their vaccinations.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Breakthrough study reveals how rabies virus uses few proteins to hijack cells
New antivirals and vaccines could follow the discovery by Australian researchers of strategies used by viruses to control our cells.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Is Covid During Pregnancy Linked to Autism? What a New Study Shows, and What It Doesn't
A recent Massachusetts study found babies born to mothers who had Covid-19 during pregnancy were slightly more likely to have neurodevelopmental diagnoses by age 3, particularly in boys.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Large-scale protein screen reveals targets for a new tuberculosis vaccine
A large-scale screen of tuberculosis proteins has revealed several possible antigens that could be developed as a new vaccine for TB, the world's deadliest infectious disease.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Plasma strategy boosts antibacterial efficacy of silica-based materials
Researchers Ni Guohua and Associate Researcher Sun Hongmei from the Institute of Plasma Physics, together with Associate Professor Wang Dong from Anhui Medical University, have developed a novel two-step plasma strategy to modify mesoporous silica-supported silver nanoparticles, enabling them to achieve strong antibacterial activity and accelerated wound healing.
November 5, 2025 — Source

SPRTA: A smarter way to measure evolution uncertainty
When COVID-19 arrived, researchers tried to build evolutionary family trees—known as phylogenetic trees—of the virus. These help scientists understand when new virus strains appear and how they are linked to each other. But with millions of genomes to analyze, checking how reliable those trees were proved impossible.
November 5, 2025 — Source

November 5, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 31st, 2025

COVID-19 during pregnancy linked to higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children
Children born to mothers who had COVID-19 while pregnant face an elevated risk of developmental disorders by the time they turn 3 years old, including speech delays, autism, motor disorders, and other developmental delays, according to new research by investigators at Mass General Brigham.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Experts urge clinicians to address sex-based disparities in sepsis treatment
Sepsis continues to be a leading cause of mortality in ICUs worldwide. Despite advances in early detection and treatment, standardized antibiotic dosing frequently ignores patient-level variability—especially that associated with sex-related physiology and gender-influenced care disparities.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Exploring the link between underweight status and gut microbiota composition in Japanese women
Low body weight in young women has been linked to a range of health concerns, including disrupted menstrual cycles, infertility, weakened immune function, and a long-term decline in bone density. Japan has seen a rising trend in the proportion of underweight women between the ages of 20 and 39, with little to no change over the past two decades. The persistence of this trend raises concerns over the long-term health implications, especially as lean body weight has been correlated with changing dietary habits, diseases like anorexia nervosa, and even imbalances in gut microbiota.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Genetically modified phages deliver bacterial toxins to combat multidrug-resistant E. coli
At the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)—Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), biologist Jessie Vandierendonck has been investigating new, alternative treatments to combat bacterial infections using (bacterio)phages, viruses that attack and destroy bacteria.
October 31, 2025 — Source

How nerve cells in the gut adapt to microbial and immune challenges
Ramnik Xavier, MD, PhD, of the Department of Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, is the senior author of a paper published in Science, "Regional encoding of enteric nervous system responses to microbiota and type 2 inflammation."
October 31, 2025 — Source

Nanotech Blocks Infection and Speed Up Chronic Wound Recovery
A new nanotech-based formulation using quercetin and omega-3 fatty acids shows promise in halting bacterial biofilms and boosting skin cell repair.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Opening the door to a vaccine for multiple childhood infections
A vaccine that tackles the bacteria that cause up to 200 million childhood infections every year could be possible, experts say.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Researchers map how gut neurons respond to bacteria, parasites and food allergies
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a vast network of nerves built into the walls of the intestine. While it is well known for its role in regulating digestion and the movement of food through the intestine, researchers are learning that its influence extends much further.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Scripps Research scientists receive NIH grant to unlock long-term HIV protection
Nearly 40 years after HIV was first identified, the virus continues its devastating march across the globe. Today, 38 million people live with HIV, and each year brings 1.5 million new infections and 650,000 more deaths-while nearly 10 million people still lack access to life-saving medicines. Despite decades of intensive research and remarkable progress in treatment, one goal remains frustratingly out of reach: a vaccine that provides lasting protection.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Understanding how biological sex and gender inequities contribute to suboptimal sepsis treatment
Sepsis continues to be a leading cause of mortality in ICUs worldwide. Despite advances in early detection and treatment, standardized antibiotic dosing frequently ignores patient-level variability-especially that associated with sex-related physiology and gender-influenced care disparities.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Health — Bacteria & Viruses — October 30th, 2025

5,000+ measles cases threaten Canada's elimination status
Canada may lose its measles elimination status amid a yearlong outbreak that has infected more than 5,000 people and killed two infants, health officials said this week.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Can you get chickenpox twice? Or if you're vaccinated? Experts answer nine key questions
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus, is highly contagious and usually mild in children but can be severe in adults and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination reduces infection risk and severity, with two doses providing about 95% protection. Reinfection is rare but possible if immunity wanes. The virus can reactivate as shingles later in life.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Discovery of viral entry routes and decoy molecules could block yellow fever and encephalitis
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified central routes that two deadly viruses take to invade human cells and have designed decoy molecules that block the infections.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Global Virus Network announces the addition of three new Centers of Excellence
The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of leading medical virologists representing 80+ Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in 40+ countries, today announced the addition of three new Centers of Excellence: the USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida, USA, the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil, and the Pathogen Research Centre (PaRC) at Western University in Canada.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Study shows vaccine protection against Salmonella Paratyphi A infection
An oral live-attenuated vaccine, CVD 1902, demonstrated 73% efficacy (95% CI, 46--86) in preventing Salmonella Paratyphi A infection in healthy adults, with no serious safety concerns. This represents the first evidence of effective vaccine protection against S. Paratyphi A, addressing a significant unmet need in enteric fever prevention.
October 30, 2025 — Source

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 — 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