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Global analysis ties plastic ingredient to soaring heart disease deaths

Daily exposure to certain chemicals used to make plastic household items could be linked to more than 356,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018 alone, a new analysis of population surveys shows.

29 Apr 2025

Global Virus Network urges action to prevent H5N1 pandemic

Today, the Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists from 80+ Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in 40+ countries, published a comprehensive analysis and call-to-action in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas on the North American avian influenza virus, or H5N1, outbreak. The GVN calls on world governments to address the threat of H5N1 avian influenza by enhancing surveillance, implementing biosecurity measures, and preparing for potential human-to-human transmission.

29 Apr 2025

New RNA-based diagnostics to fight against tuberculosis

In 2023, tuberculosis (TB) killed about 1.25 million people worldwide, more than any other infectious disease on Earth — even though it is curable. Months- or even years-long regimens of potent antibiotics can eradicate the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.

25 Apr 2025

Malaria infection linked to childhood cancer risk

New data published in The Journal of Immunology uncovered the role of Plasmodium falciparum infection (malaria) in the development of Burkitt lymphoma (BL), the most common childhood cancer in equatorial Africa and New Guinea.

25 Apr 2025

Antibiotic use by humans is polluting rivers across the globe, study shows

A global modeling study found that 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics from human use alone enter rivers annually, threatening aquatic ecosystems and accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Over 6 million kilometers of river length exceed safety thresholds, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited wastewater treatment.

24 Apr 2025

Global immunization progress threatened by misinformation and funding cuts

Immunization efforts are under growing threat as misinformation, population growth, humanitarian crises and funding cuts jeopardize progress and leave millions of children, adolescents and adults at risk, warn WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi during World Immunization Week, 24–30 April.

24 Apr 2025

AI-powered BEACON platform enhances global disease surveillance

The Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON) leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs) and a network of globally based experts to rapidly collect, analyze, and disseminate information on emerging infectious diseases affecting humans, animals, and the environment.

24 Apr 2025

New strategy for TB screening aims to save lives

A new strategy for tuberculosis (TB) screening, proposed by a team of researchers led by Queen Mary University of London, provides a solution to problems with current TB screening, which does not always accurately detect disease.

24 Apr 2025

DT-109 shows promise in treating atherosclerosis and liver disease

A drug candidate, previously successful at treating severe fatty liver disease, reduces atherosclerosis - a primary driver of cardiovascular death worldwide - in large mammals, a study suggests.

23 Apr 2025

China's malaria-free status offers key lessons for global efforts

China's success in achieving malaria-free status in 2021 offers crucial lessons for the global malaria fight, say experts in a special collection of articles published by The BMJ today.

22 Apr 2025

New noninvasive method for early diabetes risk detection

The highs and lows of blood glucose aren't just an energy rollercoaster; they could be a key to detecting diabetes risk early and spare you a needle prick or two.

22 Apr 2025

Only 13% of French adults have optimal heart health, study finds

Researchers assessed the Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health (CVH) scores in over 190,000 French adults, revealing that only 13% had optimal CVH. Higher scores were associated with being younger, female, well-educated, and having healthier lifestyle factors.

21 Apr 2025

Lower temperatures increase the risk of gastroenteritis among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

Colder temperatures are linked with increased risk of diarrhea among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for climate-sensitive health strategies in refugee settings.

18 Apr 2025

The dual role of microRNAs in lung cancer progression and suppression

Lung cancer (LC) is a major global health issue, with high mortality rates and limited therapeutic options. It is primarily categorized into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

18 Apr 2025

Study links insomnia and sleep medication to increased disability risk in older adults

Insomnia is a significant health and quality of life concern for older adults, with up to half of all adults over the age of 65 experiencing insomnia symptoms.

17 Apr 2025

Rice University hosts global health innovation competition

At the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies' 15th annual Undergraduate Design Competition, the future of global health innovation was on full display.

17 Apr 2025

Why measles is resurging in vulnerable countries despite global progress

Global measles incidence, mortality, and DALY rates in children under five dropped significantly from 1990 to 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vaccination efforts, leading to coverage declines and elevated outbreak risks in low-SDI regions.

17 Apr 2025