Severe Acute Respiratory News and Research

RSS

Black cumin: A promising natural agent with potential against chronic diseases

Black cumin seeds contain diverse secondary metabolites, including thymoquinone, flavonoids, triterpenoids and alkaloids, that demonstrate broad antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Early preclinical and limited clinical evidence shows therapeutic potential across chronic diseases, supported by mechanistic and structure activity relationship findings.

24 Nov 2025

Pairing antiviral therapy with immune modulation restores lung repair in lethal Influenza

Recovery from deadly influenza infection may hinge on helping the lungs heal in addition to stopping the virus, according to a new study in mice, which shows that pairing modest antiviral therapies with immune modulation can restore damaged tissues and lung function, even after severe infection has taken hold.

20 Nov 2025

COVID-19, RSV, and flu vaccines remain safe and effective

The systematic review provides crucial insights into the efficacy and safety of respiratory virus vaccines, supporting evidence-based immunization practices.

3 Nov 2025

Scientists explore why black rice deserves a bigger place in modern diets

Researchers reviewed the nutritional composition, therapeutic benefits, and industrial uses of black rice, highlighting its potential as a functional food. The study highlights the role of black rice in managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation, while also advocating for more robust human trials and sustainable cultivation methods.

2 Nov 2025

COVID-19 in pregnancy may raise autism and neurodevelopmental disorder risk

Children born to mothers who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy face a 29% higher likelihood of developmental disorders by age three, including speech, motor, and autism-spectrum delays. The risk was greatest for male offspring and infections occurring in the third trimester.

30 Oct 2025

From stress to susceptibility: how COVID lockdowns shaped teen vaping risk

Teenagers who experienced higher COVID-19 stress during remote schooling were more likely to become open to trying vaping, which significantly increased their odds of using e-cigarettes and cannabis two years later. The study reveals that susceptibility, not immediate use, was the critical pathway linking early stress to later vaping behaviors.

12 Oct 2025

First global standard published to measure outcomes in dengue treatment trials

The first global standard which harmonizes what outcomes to measure in dengue treatment trials has been published this week in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Co-led by researchers at King's and the University of Oxford, this solves a longstanding discrepancy in terms of what is measured in these trials.

9 Oct 2025

Taste-based flu test that detects infection within minutes

Researchers examine the effectiveness of a novel taste-based sensor for the early detection of influenza infection.

8 Oct 2025

Azelastine nasal spray prevents COVID-19 and rhinovirus infections

Researchers discuss the effects of azelastine nasal spray on the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection as compared to placebo.

6 Oct 2025

Why universal COVID-19 vaccine guidance offers stronger protection than high-risk-only policies

The US Scenario Modeling Hub’s nine-team ensemble projected COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths for April 2024 to April 2025 under six policy and immune-escape scenarios. Burden was similar to the prior year, with universal vaccination recommendations averting more outcomes than high-risk-only guidance, especially for adults aged 65 years and older.

21 Sep 2025

Long COVID linked to heavier periods and symptom flare-ups during menstruation

Researchers found that long COVID is linked to heavier, longer, and more irregular bleeding without disrupting ovulation. Symptom severity also peaks around menstruation, likely driven by hormonal and immune changes.

17 Sep 2025

Concertgoers back detection dogs as practical COVID-19 screening tool in real-world trial

A feasibility study in Germany found that concertgoers strongly supported medical detection dogs for COVID-19 screening, with confidence rising after real-world use. The findings suggest canine testing could complement PCR and antigen tests, especially in large gatherings and high-traffic environments.

8 Sep 2025

Can an allergy spray help prevent COVID-19?

Researchers determine the efficacy and safety of azelastine nasal spray for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthy adults.

8 Sep 2025

COVID-19 vaccine successes boosted hesitancy - can trust and equity restore immunization?

Researchers show that countries with higher initial COVID-19 vaccine acceptance also achieved stronger booster uptake, but trust and access remain decisive. The commentary warns that vaccine successes also fueled hesitancy, demanding structural reforms, clear communication, and proactive strategies to protect immunization.

21 Aug 2025

COVID-19 accelerates vascular aging in women

Research shows COVID-19 accelerates vascular aging, especially in women, with implications for long-term cardiovascular health and recovery strategies.

20 Aug 2025

Respiratory viruses awaken dormant breast cancer cells and raise relapse risk

Respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 can reactivate dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, raising the risk of metastasis. The process is driven by IL-6–induced cell changes and immune suppression, with the highest recurrence risk soon after infection.

14 Aug 2025

UK self-tests overstate accuracy and pose usability risks

Analysis of UK self-tests reveals critical flaws in accuracy claims, highlighting risks and the need for enhanced regulatory standards for consumer safety.

28 Jul 2025

CoVerage outperforms rivals in early detection of COVID mutations

The CoVerage system monitors SARS-CoV-2 evolution, predicting variants and scoring amino acid changes to inform vaccine efficacy and public health strategies.

24 Jul 2025

Study reveals pandemic life made brains age faster, even without catching COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated biological brain aging in older adults by an average of 5.5 months over less than three years, regardless of infection status. Social disruption, age, male sex, and socioeconomic disadvantage heightened vulnerability, while only infected individuals showed measurable declines in executive function.

23 Jul 2025

Lasting COVID-19 vulnerability in childhood cancer survivors

The study finds childhood cancer survivors at higher risk for severe COVID-19, stressing the importance of tailored interventions for vulnerable populations.

8 Jul 2025