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COVID-19 infection predicts higher risk of kidney disease, study finds

A study found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure in US adults. The research used machine learning models to analyze data from over three million patients, revealing a 2.3-times higher risk of acute kidney injury compared to influenza.

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2026

CHEST announces first class of certified critical care advanced practice providers awarded CCAPP Designation

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...

Pediatric Investigation study reports significant shifts in post-COVID respiratory infection trends in children

A recent study found significant changes in post-COVID respiratory infections among children, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae experiencing a surge after restrictions were lifted. The study also revealed strong interactions between pathogens, including negative correlations and pathogen interference.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Wastewater surveillance reveals true scale of COVID-19 spread as clinical testing declines

A study in Japan found that wastewater surveillance can uncover the true scale of COVID-19 spread by detecting high viral loads in sewage despite reduced clinical testing. This approach offers an objective view of community-wide infection levels, unaffected by changes in testing policies or public behavior.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateJan 28, 2026

COVID-19 viral fragments shown to target and kill specific immune cells in UCLA-led study

A recent study by a UCLA-led team reveals that leftover COVID-19 viral fragments can selectively accumulate on and penetrate star-shaped surfaces of dendritic cells and T cells, killing these immune cells. In contrast, the omicron variant's smaller fragments have little effect on these cells.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Texas A&M study suggests link between viral infection and ALS

A Texas A&M University study has identified a mouse strain that responds to a viral infection in a way similar to humans with ALS. The researchers found that the initial viral infection triggers lasting damage to the spinal cord and its nerves and muscles, even after the virus is cleared.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2026

The secret room a giant virus creates inside its host amoeba

Researchers discovered a subcellular environment within the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus that enables efficient translation of viral mRNAs despite mismatched codon usage with its host. This specialized environment alleviates the unfavorable translation condition, allowing for optimal viral replication.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2026

USU chemists' CRISPR discovery could lead to single diagnostic test for COVID, flu, RSV

Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new CRISPR system that can precisely target transfer RNA in invading pathogens, which could lead to the development of a single diagnostic test for COVID, influenza, and RSV. This discovery enables the detection and targeting of specific pathogens without damaging host cells.

SourceUtah State University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Bats identified as origin of unexplained acute respiratory illness and encephalitis in Bangladesh

Researchers detected Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) in five patients in Bangladesh with symptoms consistent with Nipah virus infection. The study highlights the importance of broad-spectrum surveillance programs to identify and mitigate public health risks from emerging bat-borne viruses.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2026

Novel composite copper oxides with strong and stable antiviral activity

Composite copper oxides La₂CuO₄ and Y₂Cu₂O₅ demonstrate exceptionally high antiviral activity against non-enveloped viruses, outperforming individual constituent oxides. The oxides' cation-rich surfaces enhance electrostatic adsorption of viruses, leading to protein inactivation and viral neutralization.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Shifting pathways: Community and healthcare-associated transmission of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Europe

Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2025

Valacyclovir treatment of early symptomatic Alzheimer disease

Researchers found that valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, was ineffective in treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and may even worsen cognitive function. The study suggests that individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus seropositivity should not be treated with valacyclovir.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 17, 2025

Politecnico di Milano: Individual behaviour matters more than we think in spreading epidemics

Research by Politecnico di Milano finds that even a small percentage of individuals who don't follow health measures can significantly increase the infection peak and strain healthcare facilities. The study emphasizes the need to monitor and adapt public health strategies to individual urban contexts, making interventions more effective.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2025

Predicting disease outbreaks using social media

A new approach developed by University of Waterloo researchers uses social media posts to identify early warning signs of increasing vaccine skepticism. This method can detect patterns in data much more effectively than traditional methods, providing a bigger lead time before an outbreak occurs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMathematical Biosciences and Engineering·DateNov 18, 2025

Study reveals insights into long COVID trajectories in adults

Researchers identified eight different long COVID trajectories, depending on severity and duration of symptoms, in a study of over 3,500 adult participants. The study found that 10.3% of patients had long COVID symptoms three months after infection, with 81% continuing to experience persistent or intermittent symptoms a year later.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

Australian scientists uncover secrets of yellow fever

Researchers at the University of Queensland have captured high-resolution images of the yellow fever virus, shedding light on its structural differences between the vaccine strain and disease-causing variants. The study reveals that these differences impact how the immune system recognizes the virus.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 4, 2025

New study reveals not all bats carry equal viral risk

A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 3, 2025

Vietnam’s sound decision

In her book 'Sonic Socialism: Crisis and Care in Pandemic Hanoi', Christina Schwenkel explores how Vietnam used sound technologies to inform, regulate, and connect people during the pandemic. The country's success was largely due to its rapid communication systems, including loudspeakers and public health videos.

Type 1 diabetes increased among young people during the pandemic

A study found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases among children under five and young adult men in Sweden during the Covid-19 pandemic. The incidence of diabetes increased by 12% in 2021 and 9% in 2022 compared to previous years, with no clear connection between Covid-19 infection and diabetes.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 15, 2025

Measles immunity 90% in BC’s Lower Mainland

A recent study found that 90% of people in BC's Lower Mainland have detectable antibodies against measles, indicating high vaccine coverage and population protection. However, the study also found lower immunity rates among older adults, with only 75% of those aged 20-39 having measurable antibodies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2025

Major test of new method to control dengue mosquito shows community health benefit

A novel disease prevention strategy targeting the Aedes mosquito species has been shown to reduce mosquito numbers by 60% and cases of dengue fever by 24% in a community. The study, conducted in Merida, Mexico, tested an intervention that used targeted indoor residual spraying of insecticide before outbreaks occur.

SourceEmory University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 9, 2025