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Ancient DNA uncovers paratyphoid and relapsing fever among Napoleonic troops

Scientists from the Institut Pasteur have genetically analyzed the remains of former soldiers who retreated from Russia in 1812.

24 Oct 2025

Study unravels the genetic shield against winter vomiting disease

Winter vomiting disease is caused by the Norovirus, which is most virulent during the colder half of the year.

24 Oct 2025

New epimodulation approach improves outbreak forecasts

During an epidemic, some of the most critical questions for healthcare decision-makers are the hardest ones to answer: When will the epidemic peak, how many people will need treatment at once and how long will that peak level of demand for care last? Timely answers can help hospital administrators, community leaders and clinics decide how to deploy staff and other resources most effectively.

24 Oct 2025

Unveiling the dual role of HIV integrase in viral replication

The rate of HIV infection continues to climb globally. Around 40 million people live with HIV-1, the most common HIV strain.

24 Oct 2025

Elderly migrants living in care settings experienced a COVID-19 mortality disadvantage

Migrants from low-income countries living in care settings in Sweden were more likely to die from Covid-19 than people born in the country during the first year of the pandemic, according to a new study by researchers from Stockholm University, published in the European Journal of Public Health.

24 Oct 2025

Rethinking the evolutionary history of human-biting mosquitoes

Evolutionary biologists have long believed that the human-biting mosquito, Culex pipiens form molestus,evolved from the bird-biting form, Culex pipiens form pipiens, in subways and cellars in northern Europe over the past 200 years.

24 Oct 2025

How COVID mRNA vaccines may make cancer treatments more effective

Researchers found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, when given within 100 days of starting immune checkpoint inhibitors, were linked to significantly longer survival in lung and melanoma cancer patients. The vaccines trigger a powerful type-I interferon response that primes tumors to become more responsive to immunotherapy.

23 Oct 2025

Global study maps how trade and travel fuel the worldwide spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes

Researchers compiled the first global database tracing how, when, and where non-native mosquito species that transmit human diseases have spread and established. The study reveals accelerating introductions since 1950, driven by trade, transport, and socio-environmental factors, highlighting actionable hotspots for global surveillance.

23 Oct 2025

Researchers trace the ancient origins of an urban mosquito species

New research has uncovered the ancient origins of an urban mosquito species, Culex pipiens form molestus, also known as the 'London Underground mosquito' – disproving a long-held theory of when it first evolved.

23 Oct 2025

PAHO celebrates over three decades without polio in the Americas

World Polio Day (October 24), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) celebrates over three decades without wild poliovirus cases in the Americas.

23 Oct 2025

Urinary tract infections may be caused by E. coli strains in contaminated meat

A new study estimates that nearly one in five urinary tract infections in Southern California may be caused by E. coli strains transmitted through contaminated meat – and pose a hidden foodborne risk to millions of people not just in California but across the US.

23 Oct 2025

Machine learning model can accurately predict avian influenza outbreak patterns in Europe

Local factors such as seasonal temperature, the year-dependent water and vegetation index, and data on animal density can be used to predict regional outbreaks of avian flu in Europe.

23 Oct 2025

Scientists identify Bidara leaf extracts as the most effective natural antimicrobial source

Researchers tested methanolic extracts from the leaves, bark, roots, stems, and fruits of Ziziphus mauritiana (Bidara) and found the leaves had the strongest antibacterial and antifungal effects. The study highlights the plant’s antimicrobial potential while emphasizing the need for further bioactive compound identification and toxicity testing.

22 Oct 2025

Pathogenic bacteria can block gut’s natural defense to spread infection

When harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning, such as E. coli, invade through the digestive tract, gut cells usually fight back by pushing infected cells out of the body to stop the infection from spreading.

22 Oct 2025

Despite the hoopla, vaccines should be in reach this cough-and-cold season

For people whose autumn agenda includes getting vaccinated against respiratory diseases — covid, flu, and, for some, RSV — this year may be surprisingly routine.

22 Oct 2025

Decline in vitamin D levels observed during the Covid-19 pandemic

Routine data from laboratories reveal a decline in vitamin D levels during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in older women and urban dwellers.

21 Oct 2025

Study: Polio vaccination efforts must not wane

October 24 marks World Polio Day. The vaccination against poliomyelitis is considered one of the greatest achievements in preventive medicine.

21 Oct 2025

Researchers link postmenopausal status to increased dry eye risk

Many symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, are commonly associated with the menopause transition. One of the lesser-known symptoms that worsens in midlife is dry eyes. A new study suggests that postmenopausal women exhibit a higher prevalence of dry eye disease than perimenopausal women.

21 Oct 2025

WHO congratulates Fiji on eliminating trachoma as a public health threat

In a landmark public health achievement, Fiji has been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.

20 Oct 2025

MRI age clocks reveal how each organ ages differently and predict who develops disease or lives longer

Researchers developed seven MRI-based biological age clocks across major organs using UK Biobank imaging, linking each to proteins, metabolites, genetics, disease risks, mortality, and cognitive decline. These organ-specific age gaps reveal how uneven aging shapes vulnerability to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and dementia, opening new paths for precision prevention and clinical trial stratification

19 Oct 2025