In today's interconnected world, infectious diseases pose an escalating threat, as demonstrated by the coronavirus pandemic and outbreaks of H1N1, SARS, Ebola, Zika, and H5N1 (bird flu) viruses-all of which have had significant global health and economic impacts. But more common viral diseases also contribute to global health challenges and economic costs. For example, seasonal…

Despite heightened obstetric risks, pregnant women may face a lower chance of developing Long COVID—findings that challenge assumptions and call for deeper insight into the immune landscape of pregnancy. Study: Long COVID after SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy in the United States. Image Credit: Natalia Deriabina / Shutterstock In a recent study published in…

Despite a steady rate of race-related cardiac arrests, a major drop in deaths points to one life-saving solution: rapid CPR and defibrillation on the course. Study: Cardiac Arrest During Long-Distance Running Races. Image Credit: Pavel1964 / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers examined…

Brazilian researchers reveal that even mild cases of COVID-19 can temporarily reduce heart rate variability, with stress on the autonomic nervous system lasting up to six months—especially in older individuals. Study:  Impact of COVID-19 on heart rate variability in post-COVID individuals compared to a control group . Image Credit: Swetochka…

A new rapid review finds that full vaccination may reduce the odds of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) by 27%, though more research is needed—especially in children and immunocompromised groups. Study:  Does COVID-19 vaccination reduce the risk and duration of post COVID-19 condition? Image Credit: KomootP/Shutterstock.com A recent rapid review published by…

Sugar coatings aren't only for candies; they also help viruses, like the ones that cause COVID-19, hide from their hosts' immune system. Now, researchers have developed a universal vaccine that targets coronaviruses and the sugars that they use as cover. As demonstrated in animal studies, the vaccine removed sugar molecules from an area of a…

Screen time and reduced outdoor activity during the pandemic may have lasting effects on children’s eye health, including changes in corneal curvature. Study:  Prevalence and Severity of Astigmatism in Children After COVID-19 . Image Credit: Jelena Stanojkovic/Shutterstock.com A recent study posted in JAMA Ophthalmology explores changes in astigmatism rates among children…

Could your gut bacteria decide how well vaccines work? A new study reveals how diet and probiotics could hold the key to stronger, longer-lasting immune protection. Study: Diet, microbiome, and probiotics establish a crucial link in vaccine efficacy. Image Credit: Helena Nechaeva / Shutterstock A recent study published in the journal Critical…

Struggling with long COVID symptoms? New research confirms that pulmonary rehabilitation can restore lung function, reduce fatigue, and improve quality of life—especially with targeted exercises over 4-8 weeks. Find out how rehabilitation could be the key to regaining your health! Study: Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with long COVID-19: a…

National Institutes of Health officials have urged scientists to remove all references to mRNA vaccine technology from their grant applications, two researchers said, in a move that signaled the agency might abandon a promising field of medical research. The mRNA technology is under study at the NIH for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, including…