New research reveals how lingering viral activity and immune disruption contribute to long COVID, highlighting novel therapeutic strategies that could change the course of treatment for millions. Proposed framework for defining PASC. Review:  Mechanisms of long COVID and the path toward therapeutics A recent study published in the journal Cell…

Using cutting-edge breath sampling, scientists have achieved a breakthrough in diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections with an in vitro assay that could transform patient care in ICUs worldwide. Study:  A breath-based in vitro diagnostic assay for the detection of lower respiratory tract infections . Image Credit: Butusova Elena / Shutterstock.com…

Patients expecting antibiotics for common symptoms risk contributing to antibiotic overuse, making education on the dangers of misuse and resistance critical for both clinicians and the public. Study: Lack of Knowledge of Antibiotic Risks Contributes to Primary Care Patients’ Expectations of Antibiotics for Common Symptoms . Image Credit: New…

Researchers discover a startling diversity of viruses in Japanese bats, with over 60% infected, including novel strains, highlighting the urgent need for viral surveillance to prevent future pandemics. Study: Detection of various DNA and RNA viruses in bats in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Image Credit: Agami Photo Agency / Shutterstock In a recent…

A randomized trial found that a brief behavioral intervention drastically lowered intrusive memory frequency and reduced PTSD-related symptoms in healthcare workers exposed to trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a scalable solution for trauma care. Study:  A guided single session intervention to reduce intrusive memories of work-related trauma: a randomised…

One evening in May, nursing assistant Debra Ragoonanan's vision blurred during her shift at a state-run Massachusetts veterans home. As her head spun, she said, she called her husband. He picked her up and drove her to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. It was the latest in a drumbeat…

A new study reveals that COVID-19 patients suffer from significant, long-term cognitive deficits even a year after hospitalization, with brain injury markers and reduced brain volume suggesting immune-mediated damage. Study: Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 cognitive deficits at one year are global and associated with elevated brain injury markers and grey matter volume reduction.…

This new article publication from Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, discusses the identification of novel small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 by chemical genetics. There are only eight approved small molecule antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19. Among them, four are nucleotide analogues (remdesivir, JT001, molnupiravir, and azvudine), while the other four are protease inhibitors (nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, leritrelvir, and…

New research reveals how the pandemic reshaped sexual behavior in the U.S., with significant declines in partner numbers and sexual frequency, especially for non-married women. Study: Changes in sexual behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the General Social Survey. Image Credit: Cagkan Sayin / Shutterstock In a recent study published in…

New research reveals that COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) affects 0.4%–2.7% of severe COVID-19 patients in Japan. Study: Incidence and risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019-associated pulmonary aspergillosis using administrative claims data. Image Credit: CI Photos/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in Mycoses, researchers from Japan investigated the incidence and risk factors…