New research finds that maternal stress during pregnancy and postpartum may significantly influence the gut microbiota of both mother and baby, highlighting potential long-term health risks and the urgent need for better stress management strategies. Scoping Review: The impact of perinatal maternal stress on the maternal and infant gut and human…

As viral trends on Instagram and YouTube push dangerous "miracle diets," a new study exposes how misinformation worsens orthorexia and COVID-19 risks — and why doctors are urging a social media shakeup to save lives. Study: Disinformation about diet and nutrition on social networks: a review of the literature . Image…

Traditional poultry swabbing misses key viral threats—new research shows how air and surface sampling provides a faster, safer way to track dangerous pathogens in live-bird markets. Study: Air sampling accurately captures circulating zoonotic viral diversity emerging from poultry live-animal markets. Image Credit: Jess Gregg / Shutterstock *Important notice: Research Square publishes…

New research reveals why life expectancy gains have slowed across Europe—and how proactive policies in some countries helped them weather the COVID-19 crisis better than others. Study: Changing life expectancy in European countries 1990–2021: a subanalysis of causes and risk factors from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Image Credit: tomertu /…

Advances in AI-driven modeling improve outbreak predictions, but success hinges on data accessibility. Study:  Artificial intelligence for modelling infectious disease epidemics.  Image Credit: Shutterstock AI Generator / Shutterstock.com Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly improved the predictability of pathogenic emergence and transmissibility. A recent Nature study emphasizes that the continued…

Research suggests social media, video games, and texting may contribute to manic symptoms in early adolescence, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions. Study:  Screen time and manic symptoms in early adolescents: prospective findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study . Image Credit: vesna cvorvic / Shutterstock.com …

A group of Berlin researchers in collaboration with international scientists have found differences in heart inflammation caused by COVID-19, anti-COVID-19 vaccination, and non-COVID-19 myocarditis. The find paves the way for more personalized therapies, they report in "Nature Cardiovascular Research." Heart inflammation, or myocarditis, differs depending on its cause. A collaborative study led by Dr. Henrike…

Despite its critical role in saving lives, over 5 billion people lack access to safe, affordable medical oxygen—this report outlines the urgent reforms needed to bridge the gap. Study: Reducing global inequities in medical oxygen access: the Lancet Global Health Commission on medical oxygen security. Image Credit: AlteredR / Shutterstock Medical oxygen…

SARS-CoV-2 triggers the production of the antiviral protein IFN-γ, which is associated with fatigue, muscle ache and depression. New research shows that in Long COVID patients, IFN-y production persists until symptoms improve, highlighting a potential biomarker and a target for therapies.  A University of Cambridge-led study identifies the protein interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as a potential…

New research reveals how fluoxetine boosts immune protection and prevents sepsis-related heart and metabolic damage. Study:  Fluoxetine promotes IL-10–dependent metabolic defenses to protect from sepsis-induced lethality . Image Credit: luchschenF/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in Science Advances, researchers showed that fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), promotes metabolic defenses…