Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
Researchers have discovered rare decision-making genes that control cell responses, potentially helping to prevent diseases such as heart attacks and organ failure. This new knowledge can also be applied to understand how aquatic animals respond to global warming and improve human health, agriculture, ecology, and marine biology.
A new survey found that nearly a third of young adults with asthma do not comply with COVID-19 guidelines, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to advise patients on basic measures and medication use. The study also revealed alarming misconceptions about COVID-19 risk among asthmatic individuals.
Researchers from RUDN University have developed a new method to analyze cytokines in nasal swabs to predict disease flow and prevent complications in asthma patients with accompanying diseases. The study found that monitoring specific cytokine profiles can help identify dangerous tendencies and allow for timely intervention.
Joint projects to fight cholera include vaccination for 540,000 people in Nepal and 250,000 in Mozambique. Enhanced surveillance capacity will also be strengthened.
Experts urge governments to adopt a more pragmatic, evidence-based approach to COVID-19 infection control in primary schools. They recommend relaxed rules and prioritization of vulnerable children for vaccination and testing, to minimize school closures and its impact on physical and mental health.
A study in Uganda reveals that school-age children with asymptomatic malaria infections can serve as stealth super spreaders responsible for the majority of malaria parasites circulating in local mosquitoes. This hidden reservoir poses a barrier to long-term efforts to eliminate malaria and an immediate threat for disease resurgence.
The study reveals that mammal defaunation has wiped out over 40% of ecosystem services provided by mammals, such as ecotourism and disease control. Large-bodied mammals are disappearing fastest, while small-bodied species often perform the same services, with overlapping species among rodents, bats, and apex predators.
Northern Arizona University researcher Jeff Foster leads an international effort to study and track the spread of brucellosis, infecting an estimated 500,000 people annually. The team aims to understand how infected livestock transmit the disease to humans and develop effective control strategies.
Dr. Sonia Y. Angell receives the American Heart Association's 2020 Chairman's Award for her dynamic leadership in public health and promotion of cardiovascular health. Her notable achievements include enacting regulations to ban trans fatty acids, launching coalitions to reduce sodium and sugar in food supply.
The Decennial 2020 research showcases worldwide progress in preventing healthcare-associated infections and addressing antibiotic resistance. Key findings highlight the need for innovation, data-driven strategies, and global collaboration to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads rapidly within US households, infecting 51% of individuals living with someone who tested positive. The study discovered that secondary infections occurred within five days of the first household member experiencing symptoms, highlighting the importance of quarantine measures.
The study identifies four distinct states of cellular senescence, each characterized by changes in metabolic and epigenomic processes. These states are linked to different levels of inflammation and metabolism, offering new insights into the aging process and potential ways to promote healthy longevity.
Scientists created more sensitive optogenetic tools to investigate cell signaling pathways in cancer and neuropathic pain. The new tools revealed how chemotherapy drugs disrupt signaling, enabling the development of targeted therapeutic compounds.
Doxycycline, an antibiotic, confers protection against sepsis by inhibiting mitochondrial protein production, reducing cell damage and promoting tissue repair. The study opens new possibilities for therapies targeting disease tolerance mechanisms to combat infections and diseases like sepsis.
Taiwan and New Zealand eliminated community transmission of COVID-19 through early action, robust surveillance, and strong public health infrastructure. Effective measures included mask mandates, contact tracing, and quarantine, with Taiwan's response being particularly effective due to its well-planned pandemic preparedness.
A review of 77 studies worldwide confirms people with mild symptoms may be infectious for up to 10 days, while those severely ill may remain contagious for 20 days. The CDC's guidance is in line with these findings.
Researchers will investigate chromatin organization within cells and how it changes over time to identify disease targets. The study aims to develop navigable maps of chromatin architecture across multiple cell types, enabling new treatments for a range of diseases.
A recent report by the American Dental Association found that fewer than one percent of dentists in the US were COVID-19 positive, with 99% using enhanced infection control procedures. The study, which surveyed nearly 2,200 dentists, suggests that dentistry's risk of transmission is lower than initially thought.
A new study found Hurricane Irma resulted in 433 additional deaths among nursing home residents in Florida within 90 days, exceeding national averages by double
A new study suggests that high fructose intake exacerbates intestinal inflammation common to IBD, potentially worsening the condition for patients. Researchers found that a western diet, including fructose, is associated with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, which may further increase IBD risk.
The study proposes a mathematical model to understand the interactions between microorganisms within hosts and their transmission ability. The framework allows for the prediction of infection trajectories in single hosts and transmission in host populations, even considering complex interactions and stochasticity.
Researchers aim to pinpoint specific areas with the highest risk of tick-borne disease transmission using GPS data loggers and interviews with people with tick-borne diseases. The study's findings will inform targeted interventions to address a major public health threat in the US.
A study found that adherence to infection control processes, including proper wearing of PPE and cohorting strategies, was significantly associated with declines in weekly infection and mortality rates. The Massachusetts COVID-19 response in nursing homes helped stem the rate of infection among vulnerable residents through a state-wide...
Research suggests that UK's COVID-19 preventive measures have prevented hundreds of deaths among homeless people in the country. The measures, including hotel room accommodation and infection control, were estimated to have avoided over 21,000 infections, 266 deaths, and 1164 hospital admissions.
People with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 clinical outcomes, especially older individuals with longer disease duration and worse glucose control. However, young people with or without diabetes are coping better with the infection, likely due to differences in anatomy, epidemiology, and gene expressions.
A review of evidence suggests that school closures may have negative consequences on children's mental health and limited effectiveness in preventing transmission. Experts recommend balancing pros and cons of reopening strategies, taking into account psychological, educational, and social consequences.
A study investigated human dispersal's effect on disease control and total extent of an infection's spread. Researchers used the susceptible-infected-susceptible model to analyze the impact of human migration on infection sizes and disease prevalence in different regions.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases for healthcare personnel, educators, and students. Medical contraindications are the only exception to receiving recommended immunizations.
A new study identifies NEMF as a driver of motor neuron diseases, linking defective protein quality control to motor neuron death. The research suggests that dysfunction of ribosomal quality control causes neurodegeneration, providing strong evidence for the link between protein quality control and human disease.
A new white paper from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides targeted screening and decolonization strategies to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill infants. The guidance balances infection prevention with the need for skin-to-skin contact with parents and siblings.
Researchers analyzed over 700 COVID-19 patients admitted to Brigham and Women's Hospital, finding a significant incidence of nosocomial transmission. The study assesses the effectiveness of the hospital's infection control program and provides insights into COVID-19 management in hospitals.
A study by the Brigham Infection Control team analyzed all COVID-19 cases at the hospital during a surge in Massachusetts. The results show that only two patients likely acquired the disease within the hospital, despite strict infection control measures, including universal masking and visitor restrictions.
Researchers predict a shift toward mosquitoes carrying dengue fever and other diseases, posing a significant threat to public health in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights the need for targeted control measures, including diagnostics and community-based interventions, to combat this emerging threat.
Researchers have developed a way to induce speciation events in fruit flies, allowing scientists to create engineered strains that can reproduce normally but are sterile when mated with unmodified flies. This technology, called Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI), has the potential to control populations of disease-carrying insect...
Scientists have developed a controlled human hookworm infection model to accelerate vaccine development, with the goal of preventing infections that affect 576-740 million people worldwide. The study will evaluate two lead vaccine antigens and assess their efficacy in a phase II trial.
An observational study investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission among bus riders in Eastern China, revealing potential for airborne spread. The study found that close contact and airborne transmission were common factors in the outbreak.
A new study maps natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients, finding specific characteristics of activation correlate with disease severity and adaptive NK cells with severe disease. The study suggests future research directions, including the role of NK cell responses in lung tissue and variability over time during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Scientists discovered human monoclonal antibodies specific to HBV surface antigens in natural controllers, which showed neutralizing ability and capabilities of blocking viral infection. The findings highlight a promising therapeutic tool for treating chronic HBV infection and may provide an alternative to existing treatments.
A new molecule called TPPU has been shown to suppress the inflammatory process, reducing inflammation and joint tissue wear and tear in mice with genetically induced arthritis. Arthritic mice treated with TPPU displayed less pain and swelling and had lower clinical scores.
A wide range of respirators and face masks were tested for filtration efficiency, including expired N95s and surgical masks with ties and ear loops. The study found significant variations in filtration performance among different types of masks.
Scientists created metabolic models of the bacterium associated with Huanglongbing, identifying 94 essential enzymes and metabolites required for its survival. These findings can lead to new antibacterial treatments and insights into long-lasting disease management strategies.
South Korea's swift response to the pandemic, including rapid testing and contact tracing, helped limit deaths. The country's homogenous cultural structure enabled effective government policies.
A study by the University of Southampton found that COVID-19 transmission rates are higher for passengers sitting near an infected person, with close contact increasing the risk. The research suggests a safe social distance of over 1 meter is required to prevent transmission after two hours of contact.
A recent CDC report examines COVID-19 mortality rates across different racial and ethnic groups. The study found significant disparities in mortality rates among various populations, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities.
Researchers found no Candida auris acquisition in healthy US international travelers returning from international trips, suggesting low risk of transmission during travel. The study's results could lead to developing a detection system for high-risk populations.
Researchers from UMD and international partners highlight the urgent issue of African vulture poisoning, which threatens global disease and biodiversity. A coordinated approach leveraging community engagement and pre-existing resources is recommended to maximize conservation impacts.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a new RNA-binding protein that regulates plant immune responses, enabling rapid on and off signals to fight pathogens. The discovery provides insights into the complex mechanisms of plant defense and paves the way for improved disease resistance and food security.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a novel method of communication among cells using 'mechano-chemical' signals. The findings show that the movement of one cell can trigger a cascading reaction resulting in collective cell migration.
Using a weather-based decision support system can significantly improve Cercospora leaf spot control in table beet by reducing unnecessary fungicide applications. The approach also helps minimize the risk of resistance development due to single-site modes of action.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified a key protein controlling T follicular helper cell (Tfh) differentiation. The protein Bcl6 acts as a master regulator in the immune system, blocking or promoting gene expression to control immune responses. This study opens the door to designing vaccines and therapies tha...
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a computational tool tracking COVID-19 growth rates across over 200 countries. The 'COVID-19 accelerometer' plots real-time growth curves to assess the effectiveness of public policies aimed at containing the pandemic.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia finds that thousands of US deaths may be caused by heat each year. The researchers estimate that moderate heat killed 3,309 people per year in the counties included in the study, while extreme heat killed 2,299 people annually.
A new survey of US tick-management programs reveals a public health gap in surveillance and control efforts. The study found that less than half of programs engage in active tick surveillance and only 12% conduct or support tick-control efforts.
The study identifies inadequate funding, limited guidance, and institutional capacity issues as significant barriers to improved tick monitoring and control. Many existing programs rely on county or state funding, which can lead to program instability over time.
The University of Guam has received a $240,000 grant to introduce an insect disease caused by OrNV to control the coconut rhinoceros beetle population on Guam. Two strains of OrNV have been found to be effective in controlling the biotype CRB-G, causing significant damage on the island.
This study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to compare demographic and clinical characteristics between adolescents and adults with EVALI. Key findings include differences in age, sex, substance use behaviors, and hospitalization rates.
Research shows that fungicides Prothioconazole and pydiflumetofen provide effective control of Fusarium wilt in watermelon, regardless of application rate or method. These findings suggest that pydiflumetofen could be used as an additional mode of action for growers, reducing selection for fungicide resistance.
A rapid review of contemporary epidemic research found an increase in psychosis prevalence due to COVID-19 linked to viral exposure, pre-existing vulnerability, and psychosocial stress. People with psychosis may pose a significant challenge for clinical teams and potentially transmit the virus.
Researchers found that silent transmission can enable the pathogen to infect greater numbers of people, but also has drawbacks such as reduced infectious particles. The study's findings inform public health control measures like quarantines and testing.
Neuroscientists at York University developed five predictive models using non-motor clinical and biological variables to detect early-stage Parkinson's disease. The models achieved over 80% accuracy in distinguishing early-stage Parkinson's from healthy controls, offering a potential alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.