Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Even modest post-infection complications can make expanded vaccine coverage cost effective: New modelling

Researchers developed a system of mathematical equations to examine interactions between interventions and post-infection effects. The team found that even small post-infection costs could shift the optimal vaccine coverage to higher rates, even to elimination levels.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2026

Two coronavirus master keys: new study unveils the mechanisms Covid-19 virus uses to enter our cells

Researchers at ITQB NOVA discovered that SARS-CoV-2 has two fusion peptides in its spike protein, necessary for entering cells. The peptides work together to initiate membrane fusion, a crucial step for the virus's entry. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for developing strategies to block the virus.

New clues link Long COVID and POTS

A new study has found a significant link between Long COVID and POTS, with nearly two-thirds of Long COVID participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for POTS. The study suggests that POTS may be contributing to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog in some individuals with Long COVID.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeCase study·DateSep 16, 2026

Widespread COVID death underreporting around the world raises broader questions about the reliability of official information

A new study estimates that 45%–55% of governments misreported COVID mortality, with underreporting common than overreporting. Countries with stronger institutional checks and balances show less underreporting, emphasizing the importance of verification in protecting the reliability of official information.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Economic Growth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2026

Scientists uncover shared biology behind profound fatigue in five major illnesses

A new study reveals striking biological similarities between five major illnesses, including long Covid and PTSD, suggesting common underlying mechanisms. Chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis may be driven by shared regulatory networks in immune and metabolic systems.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2026

ISB researchers identify immune cells that drive harmful autoantibody responses after COVID-19

Researchers have identified a subset of B cells known as atypical memory cells as the primary precursors of autoantibody-producing cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cells adopt a markedly different biological program, leading to increased autoantibody production. The study provides new insight into how viral infections can trigg...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalImmunity·DateAug 28, 2026

Study finds that cognitive decline after omicron infection is largely reversible

A 2-year multicenter cohort study found that most hospitalized survivors maintained or regained cognitive function after Omicron infection, while older and reinfected patients may face progressive decline. The study identified age, infection history, and disease severity as risk factors for progressive decline.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalNeuroprotection·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2026

Beyond COVID-19: Fundamental principles that shape pandemics

Researchers have compiled ten fundamental mechanisms governing the development of pandemics, highlighting the importance of understanding biological, mathematical, and social factors. These mechanisms can help improve preparedness and response to future pandemics by identifying key drivers of outbreak dynamics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 7, 2026

Taking appropriate protective measures during pandemics

Researchers developed a model to optimize countermeasures while considering containment costs, identifying a clear threshold for optimal control. The study found that measures become necessary only when the disease reaches a certain severity, and that vaccination campaigns can help reduce transmission rates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 7, 2026

Community-led health and livelihood programs helped protect rainforests during the pandemic

A new study in The Lancet Planetary Health shows that when communities designed their own health and livelihood programs with local NGOs, they were more resilient to economic hardships caused by COVID-19. As a result, forest loss declined significantly, with rates 52% lower in supported communities compared to unaffiliated ones.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

Antivaccine legislation is rising rapidly in US states, driven primarily by GOP push

A new study reveals that Republican lawmakers sponsored 86% of antivaccine bills introduced in state legislatures after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers supported provaccine bills, highlighting partisan polarization's impact on vaccine access and public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Children born during lockdown in England found it more difficult to focus, follow instructions and regulate their emotions at 4 years of age

A study found that children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England had lower executive function skills, including difficulty focusing and regulating emotions. Overall language scores were at or above expected levels, but expressive language skills were below average.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2026

Eye problems after COVID-19 can now be explained

A study from Linköping University finds that mild COVID-19 can lead to long-term eye problems, including abnormal pupil function and strabismus, affecting daily life. Researchers developed a diagnostic model to detect these issues, which may lead to effective treatment.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

Long Covid rehab program helps with return to work and focus

A new clinical trial led by University College London researchers found that ten weeks of cognitive rehabilitation can help people with long Covid symptoms such as brain fog achieve their goals in returning to work and hobbies. The treatment yielded benefits that lasted for at least six months for most participants.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 1, 2026

New study shows metformin given during acute COVID-19 infection reduced risk of clinician-diagnosed long COVID by 50%

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that metformin reduced the risk of clinician-diagnosed long COVID by 50% when administered during acute COVID-19 infection. The study, which enrolled nearly 3,000 adults, showed improved long-term outcomes and no safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 11, 2026

The DIVINE cohort makes data from more than 5,800 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 available to the scientific community

The DIVINE cohort database contains clinical information from 5,813 COVID-19 patients, including characteristics, risk factors, treatments, and outcomes. The data can be used to study disease progression, identify associated factors, and validate predictive models.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalScientific Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2026

Tort immunity and nursing home staffing

A cohort study found that introducing immunity in US nursing homes was associated with lower overall staffing and staff-to-resident time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states adopted immunity from tort liability for harms to nursing home residents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJun 1, 2026

Did heart health impact the risk of severe COVID-19 infection during the pandemic?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better Life's Essential 8 scores had lower odds of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The research suggests that having a healthy heart helps prepare the body for real-life stress tests, such as infectious diseases like COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 27, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal study examines rising neurological disease burden in China

A recent Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed data from 1990 to 2021, revealing a significant increase in neurological disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. The study identified a turning point coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for coordinated national strategies to address t...

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Diseases can spread between apartments via shared ventilation, study shows

A study found that airborne viruses can spread between separated indoor spaces through shared bathroom ventilation systems. The study, conducted in a high-rise building in Spain, confirmed COVID-19 transmission through vertical ventilation shafts, highlighting the risk of disease transmission in older buildings.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2026

Psychological factors sustaining gastric cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study in Japan found that individuals with higher health literacy regarding gastric cancer and screening, those who perceived themselves to be at risk, and those who received encouragement from others exhibited stronger screening intentions. Concrete implementation intentions were also significantly linked to actual screening partici...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalActa Psychologica·DateMay 12, 2026

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are primary drivers of excess US deaths compared to other high-income countries

The US had substantially higher death rates between 1999 and 2022 compared to other wealthy nations, with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of excess mortality. An estimated 12.7 million US deaths could have been averted during this period if US mortality rates mirrored those of its peers.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2026

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in 2025/26 reduced risk of illness by half in Canada

A Canadian study found that seasonal COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the risk of illness in 2025/26, with vaccine protection extending beyond its target strain. The vaccine was particularly beneficial for people aged 65 or older, offering 53% effectiveness against severe COVID-19.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

Early human embryonic cells may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers discovered that early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with heightened vulnerability driven by elevated TMPRSS2 activity and thinner glycocalyx. This raises concerns about potential developmental risks, particularly for infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026