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Gut-liver changes drive foodborne infection severity in fatty liver disease

A research team led by the University of California, Irvine's Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health has uncovered a critical biological link explaining why individuals with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), or fatty liver disease, face significantly worse outcomes from certain foodborne infections.

15 Apr 2026

African health expert: genomic sequencing enables near real-time pathogen detection

Advanced genomic sequencing techniques, like mNGS, are essential for accurate pathogen detection, crucial for effective outbreak response and patient care.

From BGI Genomics 15 Apr 2026

Historic global forum unites 800 institutions to strengthen public health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened the historic first Global Forum of Collaborating Centres-one of the world's largest and most diverse public health networks-bringing together representatives from over 800 institutions designated as WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) across more than 80 countries.

10 Apr 2026

Wildlife trade increases risk of disease transmission to humans

From lemurs to fennec foxes, wild animals are bought and sold around the world-legally and illegally, dead and alive-including as pets, for food and for traditional medicinal uses.

9 Apr 2026

Flu vaccination may cut heart attack and stroke risk after infection

In Danish adults aged 40 years or older, laboratory-confirmed influenza was linked to a sharp short-term rise in first-time heart attack and stroke risk, especially in the first 7 days after infection. Prior same-season influenza vaccination was associated with about half the excess cardiovascular risk among infected individuals, suggesting possible protection even in breakthrough cases.

6 Apr 2026

Researchers discover new virulence regulator of diarrheal pathogen

Pathogenic bacteria often delay the activation of their virulence program until they are inside the host. Researchers have identified a new mechanism that controls this process.

2 Apr 2026

US scientists sequence 1,000 genomes from measles, a disease long eliminated with vaccines

This week, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention posted online its first large tranche of advanced genetic data from measles viruses spreading last year.

2 Apr 2026

Cholera-causing bacteria and viruses locked in evolutionary arms race

Cholera-causing bacteria are locked in an evolutionary arms race with a viral nemesis, according to a new genomic study.

1 Apr 2026

Dropped surgical implants are contaminated instantly and alcohol does not fix it

A study evaluates disinfectants for decontaminating dropped implants in surgery, highlighting risks and the efficacy of CHG and PI in reducing bacterial load.

31 Mar 2026

DNASE1L2 identified as a dynamic biomarker for TB progression

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world's most serious public health threats, with approximately one-quarter of the global population infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While most infections remain latent (LTBI), individuals with LTBI are at risk of progressing to active TB and potentially becoming new sources of transmission.

31 Mar 2026

How gut imbalance may drive obesity, diabetes, and heart disease

A new review argues that gut dysbiosis is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction through intertwined effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, gut barrier integrity, microbial metabolites, and epigenetic regulation. It also highlights microbiome-targeted strategies such as high-fiber diets, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, exercise, and fecal microbiota transplantation as promising ways to support metabolic health.

30 Mar 2026

New AI tool assesses the potential threat posed by new bacteria

Researchers have developed an AI tool that can help determine whether unfamiliar bacteria carry genetic features linked to disease.

27 Mar 2026

Study links higher enteric disease risk to E. coli in high-risk water supplies

A nationwide New Zealand study found no significant overall link between most routine drinking water quality indicators and enteric disease risk, but E. coli signals emerged in higher-risk settings such as surface-water supplies, systems with known source-water risks, and periods of heavy rainfall. The findings suggest that sporadic bacterial enteric disease may sometimes be linked to drinking water contamination, especially in vulnerable systems, while also highlighting important limitations and the need for targeted monitoring.

26 Mar 2026

Genetic study maps bacteria’s protective armor behind severe infections

The first large-scale genetic study of E. coli's protective armor has identified the five capsule types that are responsible for 70 per cent of all multidrug-resistant bloodstream infections in Europe.

25 Mar 2026

Redesigned lipid nanoparticles improve mRNA delivery to lymph nodes

Penn Engineers have redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the delivery vehicles behind mRNA vaccines, to steer the particles toward lymph nodes while reducing off-target delivery to the liver.

24 Mar 2026

No link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden cardiac death

The study reveals COVID-19 vaccines do not increase sudden cardiac death risk in youth, highlighting the importance of accurate health messaging.

24 Mar 2026

Zero-risk food safety approach may increase waste and costs

These food safety measures and ultra-sensitive tests may drive edible food being thrown away, excessive packaging, and extra costs for consumers.

17 Mar 2026

Modified lipid nanoparticles boost mRNA vaccines while reducing side effects

The most common side effects of mRNA vaccines like the COVID-19 shot are well known: soreness, mild fever and general malaise.

17 Mar 2026

AlphaFold Database expands with millions of predicted protein complexes

A new collaboration between EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Google DeepMind, NVIDIA, and Seoul National University has made millions of AI-predicted protein complex structures openly available through the AlphaFold Database.

17 Mar 2026

Biodegradable sanitary pads made from water hyacinth pass safety and absorbency tests in new study

Researchers developed a biodegradable sanitary pad using water hyacinth fibers and cotton, transforming an invasive aquatic weed into a sustainable absorbent material. Laboratory tests showed strong fluid absorption, safe pH levels, low microbial contamination, and rapid biodegradation.

17 Mar 2026