While child mortality rates initially dropped during COVID-19 lockdowns, a new study reveals a concerning rise post-lockdown, with disparities widening for non-white children and those in deprived areas. Study:  Child mortality in England after national lockdowns for COVID-19: An analysis of childhood deaths, 2019–2023 . Image Credit: Gabriel Pahontu/Shutterstock.com In a…

You, my friend, are what scientists call a "holobiont"- an organism made up of human cells and the multiplicity of microscopic species living inside you and on your body. Many of these microorganisms are bacteria. Perhaps you've read about how the diversity of bacteria in your gut microbiome can affect your health - from the immune…

For decades, the United States has held considerable power in determining the direction of global health policies and programs. President Donald Trump issued three executive orders on his first day in office that may signal the end of that era, health policy experts said. Trump's order to withdraw from the World Health Organization means the…

Research reveals that structured volunteering programs significantly improve social and emotional wellbeing among older adults, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement. Study:  The effects of volunteering on loneliness among lonely older adults: the HEAL-HOA dual randomised controlled trial . Image Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock.com A recent…

Females have a 31% higher associated risk of developing long COVID, with women aged 40 to 55 years having the highest propensity, according to a study led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) funded by the National Institutes of Health. The findings are part of a…

New research uncovers why highly sensitive people crave deeper connections yet maintain broad social ties—exploring the emotional side of sensitivity like never before. Study: Highly sensitive persons feel more emotionally lonely than the general population. Image Credit: MarLein / Shutterstock In a recent paper in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers explored the link…

The life expectancy among Native Americans in the western United States has dropped below 64 years, close to life expectancies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti. For many Asian Americans, it's around 84 — on par with life expectancies in Japan and Switzerland. Americans' health has long been unequal, but a new…

Evidence shows weak antiviral activity and no improvement in symptom outcomes. Study:  Antiviral efficacy of fluoxetine in early symptomatic COVID-19: an open-label, randomised, controlled, adaptive platform trial (PLATCOV) . Image Credit: luchschenF/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in eClinicalMedicine, researchers characterized the antiviral activity of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI),…

A large-scale study reveals azvudine’s comparable efficacy to Paxlovid, fewer adverse effects, and potential antitumor benefits in patients with liver cancer. Study:  Real‐world effectiveness and safety of oral azvudine versus nirmatrelvir‒ritonavir (Paxlovid) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study . Image Credit: Cryptographer/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in…

With cases soaring nearly 2.6 times higher than in previous years, experts warn that climate change and expanding transmission zones are fueling the rise of neuroinvasive Toscana virus infections in Italy. Study: Human neuroinvasive Toscana virus infections in Italy from 2016 to 2023: Increased incidence in 2022 and 2023. Image Credit: Pattarawat…