Author: Claudinne Miller
Feline avian influenza cases spark concerns
AVMA Cats are “exquisitely sensitive” to highly avian influenza virus, expert says. Since December 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) had confirmed more than 130 feline cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) type A H5N1 infection across the country, from California to New Jersey. They range from barn and feral […]
May 27, 2025
Why Did Doctors Wear Beak Masks During the Bubonic Plague?
HistoryFacts Few images in medical history are as striking (or as creepy) as those of plague doctors with their long, beaked masks. This peculiar costume, worn by physicians during outbreaks of bubonic plague in Europe, has become an enduring symbol of the disease. But why did doctors wear these strange masks, which surely must only […]
May 21, 2025
Sierra Leone Fights Mpox
Africa CDC Sierra Leone is the latest addition to the Incident Management Support Team (IMST) list of the most mpox-hit nations. Skyrocketing cases are triggering concern across Africa. Sierra Leone recorded its first case on January 10, 2025. Immediately after, Minister of Health Dr Austin Demby declared a Public Health Emergency, saying at the time […]
May 21, 2025
F.D.A. Poised to Restrict Access to Covid Vaccines
New York Times Agency leaders said there was evidence to justify approval only for older people and those with medical conditions. Many others may not be able to get the shots. The Food and Drug Administration will permit use of Covid vaccines by adults over 65 and those with certain medical conditions in the fall, […]
May 21, 2025
Can bioimaging build capacity in fungi research?
Wellcome.org Fungal infections are an increasing threat and we need researchers around the world to work on these problems. But fungal research is very challenging in resource-limited settings. Dr Elizabeth Ballou explains how promising new technologies could change that. Fungi are beautiful and very charismatic. The most fascinating thing about them is that they’re incredibly […]
May 21, 2025
An Apocalypse of Toxic Fungi Could Threaten Millions of Lives Within 15 Years
Popular Mechanics A new study analyzing different climate scenarios discovered that toxic fungi will likely spread into new areas in the future, possibly threatening millions. Life-sustaining fungi that break down plant and animal matter could also be at risk of extinction in some of the warmest regions of the Earth—particularly on the African continent. It’s […]
May 21, 2025
Costa Rica: U.S. Family Infected With Airborne Fungal Disease After Touring Bat-Filled Caves
Gizmodo A family vacation to Costa Rica turned sour after 12 of 13 relatives developed symptoms of a fungal lung infection following an excursion through bat-filled caves. In season two of The Last of Us, the cordyceps fungus—spoiler alert—becomes airborne, meaning the fungal infection can spread not just through bites but also when humans inhale its […]
May 21, 2025
As Bird Flu Spreads, Vaccine Shows Promise for Protecting Cattle
Yale Environment 360 Since bird flu was first discovered in U.S. cattle last year, the virus has spread to more than 1,000 herds across the country. A new vaccine for cattle has performed well in early tests, raising hopes that it could protect livestock and help prevent an outbreak in humans. New research, which has not […]
May 21, 2025
World Crazy for Chicken Is Losing Its Biggest Supplier
Bloomberg The detection of bird flu in a single poultry farm in southern Brazil is reverberating around the world, cutting supplies to voracious consumers from China to Europe. Shipments to top destinations, which also include Mexico and South Korea, have been suspended as the world’s largest chicken exporter seeks to stop the deadly H5N1 strain […]
May 21, 2025
MAHA has a new think tank.
STAT The Make America Healthy Again movement is coalescing around a new effort to turn its goals into federal policy. The Trump administration is listening. The Make America Healthy Again movement is coalescing around a new effort to turn its goals into federal policy. The Trump administration is listening. The MAHA Institute, a policy center […]
May 21, 2025