COVID-19 may leave behind more than the memory of an infection. A large new study suggests that when the illness becomes severe, it can disturb viruses that have been quietly living in the body for years. These viruses are not necessarily new infections. Some, including Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus, can remain …
Have you ever reached for a sugar-free protein bar, piece of gum, or candy because you thought you were making the healthier choice? Sugar-free products are often marketed as a smart way to reduce your intake of added sugar, and ingredients such as sorbitol have become common replacements for traditional sweeteners. Sorbitol is a sugar …
A research team at the University of Florida has developed an experimental mRNA vaccine that could fundamentally change how cancer is treated. Unlike existing cancer vaccines that target a single tumor type or require customization for each patient, this “universal” approach is designed to work against any cancer by boosting the immune system’s ability to …
Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material changes how cells function and develop, leading to a range of health challenges. These can include differences in learning and memory, congenital heart defects, thyroid disorders, and an increased risk of …
Someone had to walk into a shrinking Brazilian rainforest, find a tree that grows nowhere else on Earth, and collect its leaves before this discovery could ever make headlines. Researchers studying the plant have now found compounds that showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory experiments, with one molecule appearing to interact strongly with a …
Your mouth is more than a place for conversation, meals, and smiles—it’s a living habitat bustling with trillions of microorganisms. Right now, there are 50 to 100 billion bacteria living in your oral cavity, forming an intricate ecosystem that interacts with every sip of tea, every bite of food, and even every breath you take. …
For many, the day doesn’t truly begin until the first sip of coffee. Beyond its familiar aroma and energising lift, this daily ritual has long been linked to a range of health effects—from sharper focus to a lower risk of chronic disease. Now, new research suggests caffeine’s influence may reach deeper, touching the very cellular …
Australia is currently facing one of its most challenging respiratory illness seasons in recent history, with three major viral threats circulating at the same time — influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This “triple threat” has pushed infection rates to record highs in some states and placed mounting pressure on hospitals and healthcare providers. …
A single photograph has the power to tell a story that words often cannot. One image shared online captured a quiet moment inside a hospital room: a young man lying in bed, gently embracing the dog that had been by his side since childhood. There were no dramatic speeches or grand gestures. Instead, there was …
Most people picture squirrels as harmless little animals darting through parks with acorns tucked into their cheeks or scrambling up tree trunks in search of seeds and berries. They have long been viewed as nature’s busy foragers, spending their days gathering food rather than chasing it. That familiar image, however, is being challenged by a …
For decades, pediatric brain cancer has remained one of medicine’s toughest battles. While remarkable advances have improved survival rates for many childhood cancers, aggressive brain tumors continue to claim far too many young lives. Families often face devastating news after diagnosis because available treatments rarely offer lasting success. Surgery is frequently impossible when tumors develop …
The United States has reached an alarming milestone that few public health experts expected to see again. By mid-July 2026, the country had recorded more than 2,295 confirmed measles cases, making it the highest annual total in 35 years. Even more concerning, this record has been broken with several months still remaining in the year, …