A nationwide U.S. study found that mRNA booster immunizations extend COVID-19 protection for four to five months, but immunity begins to wane after this period. The study recommends additional booster doses to maintain high immunity levels against severe COVID.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that COVID-19 booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity against infection, particularly among older adults. The results support the CDC vaccination guidelines recommending COVID-19 boosters and highlight the importance of continued research on factors affecting immunity.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to develop monoclonal antibodies that can bind to specific ion channels in nerve cells, inhibiting pain signal transmission. The goal is to create a monthly, non-addictive pain medication to replace opioids, which can lead to addiction.
A UC Davis Health study found that tecovirimat appears to be safe and effective for treating monkeypox symptoms and skin lesions. The study, which included 25 patients with confirmed monkeypox infection, showed that 92% of patients had lesions in their genital or anal area, while 40% healed from their lesions within a week of treatment.
The 2016 CDC guideline aimed to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by encouraging clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing opioids. Researchers found a significant increase in nonopioid pain medication prescribing rates, coinciding with a drop in opioid prescribing.
The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases aims to reduce tick- and mosquito-borne diseases through research, training, and community engagement. The center will leverage applied research, public health training, and community partnerships to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.
The CDC has published a new report detailing the county-level distribution of seven diseases spread by blacklegged ticks. The map highlights areas with reported infections and those without, emphasizing the need for public awareness and prevention measures.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of developing obesity-associated cancers and dying from cancer. The research, published in JAMA, showed a 32% lower risk of cancer development and a 48% lower risk of cancer-related death compared to non-surgical controls.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that individuals living in areas with high social vulnerability experience worse mental and physical health outcomes after a traumatic injury. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used as a tool to inform decision-making about post-injury support services.
Researchers applied simple but nuanced variables to enhance modeling capabilities, resulting in improved mid- to long-term predictions. Human behavior, particularly the endogenous feedback loop of reduced mobility and social distancing after increased death rates, was found to be key to accurate forecasting.
Researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz have made a breakthrough in developing an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning. A novel treatment has been shown to rescue CO-poisoned red blood cells and rapidly clear the gas from the blood, offering new hope for victims.
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that regional differences in COVID-19 mortality rates persisted throughout the pandemic. The South had higher mortality rates than the rest of the US, with 48% of COVID-19 deaths occurring in this region since October 2020.
A study from the Healthy Nevada Project found that only 10% of patients with electronic health records containing genetic diagnosis experienced a change in care, emphasizing the need for follow-up education and conversations. The study also highlights the importance of including genetic diagnoses into electronic health records to maxim...
A CDC study published in AJIC found that healthcare personnel (HCPs) diagnosed with COVID-19 were most likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in their workplaces as cases increased in their communities. The study suggests improved infection prevention and control measures are needed in occupational settings.
Research reveals nearly a third of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries screened for hepatitis C test positive, but fewer than a fifth receive follow-up care. A sustainable pathway to treatment is crucial, especially with expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and highly effective oral medications.
A $4.76 million grant will support the evaluation of TB preventative treatment in six countries. The initiative aims to measure the impact of this life-saving treatment on reducing TB disease and mortality among people living with HIV.
A new study suggests that asymptomatic healthcare professionals can safely return to work after seven days of quarantine if they receive a negative COVID-19 test. The findings, from the first reported study evaluating reduced quarantine duration in a healthcare setting, offer a potential new strategy for mitigating staffing shortages.
A new study from George Mason University found that African Americans have lower breastfeeding rates (39.9%) compared to Black immigrants (69.6%), highlighting health disparities within the Black population. The research highlights the importance of nuanced data collection to address these disparities and improve breastfeeding outcomes.
The Interdisciplinary NexGen TB Research Advancement Center will provide a world-class training program for the next generation of TB researchers, leveraging expertise and facilities across Texas Biomed and South Texas. The center aims to ensure diverse skills and real-world experience to effectively tackle this challenging disease.
A large US study found that 92% of reported adverse events following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were non-serious, with most side effects being mild and decreasing substantially after one day. The study also found that less than 1% of participants reported seeking medical care after vaccination.
A recent survey found that out of 21 million vaccinated children, only 21 cases met the definition of MIS-C. The risk of MIS-C after vaccination is estimated to be 1 in 1 million for all children and 1 in 3 million for those without known COVID exposure. This study provides reassurance on the safety of COVID vaccines in children.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that community-based support can prevent and reverse weight gain, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who received peer-led intervention lost an average of 2% of their body weight while improving cardiovascular health measures.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that reported cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and adolescents who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were rare. Only one case was estimated per million vaccinated individuals in this age group, according to the CDC.
A study published in American Journal of Infection Control found that 90% of high-touch surfaces in LTC facilities were positive for crAssphage or had organic material levels indicating contamination. This suggests that auditing programs to improve infection prevention could benefit LTC facilities.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute found a novel gene linked to autism spectrum disorder in newborns. The study analyzed DNA methylation signatures in the placenta, which reflected fetal brain development and early autism diagnosis.
Researchers sequenced genetic material from 88 bats and identified four unique rabies viruses, providing baseline data for future epidemiological investigations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring bat populations for rabies transmission and informs vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers detect four cryptic variants of SARS-CoV-2 in NYC wastewater samples, suggesting possible animal origins. The variants' mutations could help identify the next variant of concern for COVID-19.
AI/AN communities enacted a swift and inclusive response to COVID-19 vaccination, prioritizing community and leveraging traditional assets. Vaccination rates among AI/AN populations were 14% higher than non-Hispanic White persons for first-dose vaccination.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
A new survey, PRAMS for Dads, provides data on the unique needs of new fathers, revealing 70% are overweight or obese, and nearly 20% smoke. The study aims to support families and children by addressing these health issues.
Penn State researchers found that public compliance with health measures correlates with COVID-19 case projections in nearby zip codes. A survey of over 10,600 people revealed areas where residents expressed less willingness to follow guidance had higher COVID-19 cases.
The CDC found flaws in the assay design and contamination of one component, leading to false positive reactivity in negative controls. A redesign and improved quality control measures have since been implemented.
A study by the CDC found a strong association between obesity and diabetes, both of which are widespread in the U.S., and severe COVID-19 disease. In South Carolina, chronic diseases disproportionately affect Black communities, increasing their risk of developing severe COVID-19.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of US states failed to follow CDC guidelines for prioritizing cancer patients for COVID-19 vaccinations. The lack of clarity in defining qualifying cancer diagnoses led to unequal vaccination priority, leaving vulnerable patients at risk.
A Houston Methodist study found that lifting COVID-19 restrictions led to a rapid return of seasonal respiratory viruses, highlighting the effectiveness of masking and distancing measures. The study's findings demonstrate that these precautions can suppress all respiratory viruses, not just COVID-19.
A recent CDC analysis found that vaccination rates among US hospital personnel stalled after initial uptake, with 30% remaining unvaccinated as of September 2021. The analysis, which included data from over 3.3 million healthcare workers, revealed that vaccine mandates and educational efforts could help improve coverage.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus by reconstructing its structure and identifying neutralizing antibodies. The study, published in Science, offers insights for developing therapeutics and vaccines against the virus.
The CDC's four-tiered vaccine prioritization strategy outperformed most approaches in reducing deaths and cases, while some optimizations could improve outcomes. The study found that prioritizing healthcare workers and individuals under 16 was optimal, but strategies focusing on comorbidities were also effective.
Iowa State University researchers validated the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy, which prioritized frontline essential workers, older age groups, and individuals with underlying health factors. The model showed that this approach was highly effective in curbing mortality while keeping case numbers at bay.
A new poll reveals that most people over 50 have received or plan to receive flu shots, with a majority also planning to get additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. The poll highlights differences in vaccine attitudes among older adults of different age groups and backgrounds.
Researchers from TGen matched the exact strain of coronavirus shared among a Phoenix-area owner, his cat and his dog, marking the first reported US transmission of COVID-19 from a pet to pets. The study found that the virus spread from the pet parent to either the dog or cat, or both.
The rate of HCV in pregnant people increased from 1.8 to 5.1 per 1,000 live births between 2009 and 2019. Researchers found that rural residence, higher rates of employment, and a greater density of obstetricians were associated with a lower risk of developing HCV during pregnancy.
Two studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces both COVID-19 hospitalization rates and severe illnesses among adolescents aged 12-18. A CDC-supported study found two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be 93% effective in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations.
A new interactive US county map shows that ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria have been found in 116 counties not previously identified by the CDC. Lyme disease was detected in 293 counties, while tick-borne relapsing fever and anaplasmosis were found in 80 and 128 counties respectively.
A recent NIH-funded study found that intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) works in treating multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease by depleting activated neutrophils, a major source of inflammation.
An 18-year study found a significant increase in ultra-processed food consumption among US adults, contributing to obesity and chronic diseases. The study recommends policies to reduce ultra-processed food intake, such as revised dietary guidelines and taxes.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a promising new pain relief method using ultra-thin microelectrodes, providing effective and personalized pain relief without common side effects. The study showed that this technique can block pain signals in the brain without affecting other sensory systems or motor skills.
The University of Michigan's Injury Prevention Center has developed a free online course on pediatric injury prevention, which has gained significant popularity. The course offers tailored learning pathways and covers dozens of injury topics, making it accessible to learners worldwide.
A new list of 546 expert-curated pathogenic variants in 84 genes has been developed for use in next-generation sequencing (NGS) genetic testing. This curated resource addresses the complexities of large assays and provides a scalable solution for test developers and laboratories.
Researchers are sequencing genomes of 700 Bacilli bacteria to enhance CDC's capacity for detecting novel infectious disease agents. The goal is to create a large database of Bacilli to support rapid laboratory methods for detecting emerging biothreats.
A new study published in The Lancet confirms that two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are 90% effective against COVID-19 hospitalizations for all variants, including delta. Effectiveness against infection declined over time but remained high against hospitalizations.
The project aims to enhance U.S. surveillance of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses through a network of emergency departments across 21 states and 100 hospitals. Data will be obtained from electronic medical records, providing insights into viral infection trends and patient outcomes.
A recent study found that deaths where drugs were a contributing cause rose dramatically in the US, outpacing decline in other causes. The death rate from accidents and suicides increased fivefold, while diseases and medical conditions saw a 2.5-fold rise.
The UMass Amherst Reich Lab, led by biostatistician Nicholas Reich, will continue to advance real-time forecasting methods during infectious disease outbreaks thanks to a five-year NIH grant renewal. The lab's flu forecasting collaborative has been designated as one of two national Influenza Forecasting Centers of Excellence.
The energy balance model fails to explain the biological causes of weight gain, whereas the carbohydrate-insulin model identifies excessive consumption of rapidly digestible carbohydrates as a key contributor to obesity. This perspective argues for a shift in focus from calorie restriction to dietary pattern change.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing higher-resolution sensor grids with increased density to improve diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The team plans to test these grids in pigs before conducting clinical trials, aiming to provide surgeons with a clearer picture of brain regions triggering seizures.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and intensive care admissions due to the virus. The vaccines provide significant protections for older adults and minorities, who have been disproportionately affected by the virus.
Researchers will examine protective immunity in older adults and assess the duration of immunity against emerging strains of COVID-19. The study aims to inform booster vaccine recommendations for seniors.
A comprehensive study of 6.2 million patients found no serious health effects linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, with some early findings previously reported at CDC meetings. The Vaccine Safety Datalink's COVID-19 rapid cycle analysis will continue tracking vaccinated patients for at least 2 years.
Researchers used new approaches to track Lyme disease in Texas, finding an overlap between tick-bite locations and human cases. The study suggests that tick-bite location may serve as an indicator for human disease risk in nonendemic areas.