The World Health Organization has issued a report that transforms how the world understands respiratory infections like covid-19, influenza, and measles. Motivated .by grave missteps in the pandemic, the WHO convened about 50 experts in virology, epidemiology, aerosol science, and bioengineering, among other specialties, who spent two years poring through the evidence on how airborne…

In a recent preprint* study posted to the bioRxiv server, a team of researchers analyzed the virological characteristics and epidemiological impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) FLiRT variant KP.2, which has demonstrated increased transmissibility and immune resistance. Study: Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.2 variant. Image Credit: Orpheus FX / Shutterstock…

New research using live SARS-CoV-2 virus reveals an updated vaccine provides a strong immune response against previous strains and emerging variants. The findings by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, suggest a clear benefit in receiving updated vaccinations on a regular basis, especially among older people or…

In a recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, researchers investigated the associations between lifestyle, genetic factors, and human longevity. Study:  Genetic predisposition, modifiable lifestyles, and their joint effects on human lifespan: evidence from multiple cohort studies . Image Credit: muse studio/Shutterstock.com Background Hereditary and non-hereditary variables, such as lifestyle activities, influence the human…

In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, researchers aimed to quantitatively assess the long-term smell and taste-associated outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using validated psychophysical tests to circumvent the inaccuracies that could occur with self-reported taste dysfunction. Study:  Long-Term Taste and Smell Outcomes After COVID-19. Image Credit: megaflopp/Shutterstock.com…

In a recent review published in the journal Cell, a group of authors explored existing immunological assumptions to better understand unresolved phenomena and improve vaccine design, autoimmune response management, and immune system pathology. Study: Exploring new perspectives in immunology. Image Credit: CI Photos / Shutterstock The immune system, crucial for defending against pathogens, consists…

In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, researchers investigated whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 years, which was approved in May 2021, was associated with changes in the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and related hospitalizations among…

In a recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, researchers evaluate the persistence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in tissues and its association with long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. Study:  The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in tissues and its association with long COVID symptoms: a cross-sectional cohort study…

A major bivalent COVID-19 vaccine induces production of neutralizing antibodies against the coronavirus that circulated at the start of the pandemic as well as subvariants of omicron, albeit less abundantly, according to a Brazilian study reported in the Journal of Medical Virology. The study confirmed the vaccine's effectiveness and its importance to control of the disease, while also…

In a recent study published in Nutrients, a group of researchers investigated the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), subjective well-being (SWB), and various socioeconomic factors among adults in Greece and Cyprus.  Study:  Exploring the Relationship between Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Subjective Well-Being among Greek and Cypriot Adults . Image Credit: monticello/Shutterstock.com…