Pandemic News and Research

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A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. During a pandemic, transmission can be anticipated in the workplace, not only from patient to workers in health care settings, but also among co-workers in general work settings. A pandemic would cause high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts could range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.

Study identifies immune response causing severe COVID-19 susceptibility

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has largely subsided, scientists continue to investigate why the virus proved so deadly, causing at least three million deaths worldwide, according to the latest estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO).

19 Jul 2026

Political polarization drives surge in anti-vaccine legislation across the US

Despite overwhelming evidence on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine hesitancy intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and has fueled skepticism towards other life-saving vaccines for children, adults, and pets.

17 Jul 2026

COVID lockdown babies show language strengths at age four

Research from the BICYCLE study shows 4-year-olds born in lockdown excel in language but face challenges in executive function, indicating a need for support.

17 Jul 2026

A wife’s account reveals the hidden burden of young-onset Alzheimer’s caregiving

Karina Acton Reid recounts caring for her husband with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease presenting as posterior cortical atrophy while raising two young children. Her perspective shows how visual disorientation, diagnostic delays, changing family roles, and inadequate age-appropriate support affect the entire household.

16 Jul 2026

Fractional COVID booster doses provide strong long-lasting immunity

Smaller doses of COVID-19 booster vaccines can provide long-lasting immunity, helping to reduce costs and improve access to vaccination, according to new research. And the findings could also inform vaccine dosing and options during future pandemics.

16 Jul 2026

UCL study shows more UK smokers use illicit tobacco sources

Published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the research analyzed repeated cross-sectional survey data from 9,996 participants aged 16 or older who reported they currently smoked.

16 Jul 2026

Global child immunization rates stall despite minor pandemic recovery

In 2025, 90% of infants globally – or nearly 116 million – received at least one dose of a diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, and 85% – or 110 million – completed the full three-dose series, according to the annual WHO-UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) released today.

15 Jul 2026

Tick-borne viruses show concerning potential for future pandemics

A study led by a University of California, Riverside biomedical scientist shows how a family of tick-borne viruses known as orthonairoviruses can evade immune defenses, offering important insights into emerging infectious disease threats and the potential pandemic risk posed by these viruses.

14 Jul 2026

Lockdown-born children show lower executive function at school age

Children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England had lower reported levels of executive function - crucial skills involved in making plans, solving problems and adapting to new situations - suggest the findings of a study published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

14 Jul 2026

Tracking Lassa fever survivors provides crucial clues for future vaccines

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD), has announced the launch of a research study to understand how Lassa fever survivors fight and overcome Lassa virus infection.

14 Jul 2026

Directed enzyme evolution and the Nobel Prize: Making enzymes evolve in the lab

Frances Arnold on directed enzyme evolution: random mutation plus smart screening, and why it changed enzyme engineering and industry.

From Pittcon 14 Jul 2026

One Health platform strengthens zoonotic disease surveillance across multiple domains

Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. Zoonotic diseases account for approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases and nearly 75% of emerging infectious diseases.

12 Jul 2026

Gum disease bacteria linked to calcific aortic valve stenosis

Gum disease bacteria may spur calcium buildup in the heart's aortic valve, leading to a common and serious heart valve disease, according to preliminary, independent research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026.

12 Jul 2026