Author: Claudinne Miller
AI classifier flags bird flu genomes more likely to spread in mammals
Phys.org A research team from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has developed a machine-learning classifier capable of analyzing the genomes of influenza A viruses (IAVs) to accurately predict their potential risk of transmission among mammals. The team has successfully identified the key clues that may explain cross-species transmission […]
Apr 29, 2026
In Readiness For The Next Pandemic, Human Trials Begin Of An mRNA Vaccine For Bird Flu
IFL Science An mRNA vaccine for avian influenza, developed by pharma company Moderna, has begun Phase 3 human trials. Building on the same technology used in their highly successful COVID-19 vaccine, the aim is to shore up the world’s defences against what is widely considered to be one of the biggest viral threats facing humanity. […]
Apr 29, 2026
Targeted Hunts Were Supposed to Curb ‘Zombie Deer Disease.’ Now What?
New York Times n Illinois and other states, officials hoped that culls could halt the progress of chronic wasting disease. Now they are losing hope. In the middle of a spring afternoon near Lowden-Miller State Forest, Daniel Skinner poured a small pile of dried, yellow corn onto the ground. Shouldering his .308 Remington rifle equipped […]
Apr 29, 2026
CDC warns additional measles cases in US are expected amid upcoming travel season
ABC News With a busy travel season approaching, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that additional measles cases in the U.S. can be expected over the next few months. The agency sent the alert to state and local health departments, reminding them to report measles cases to the CDC within 24 hours and to […]
Apr 29, 2026
Where people get their news influences their beliefs about vaccines
Johns Hopkins University New survey finds significant link between ‘new right’ outlets and vaccine hesitancy. People who follow “new right” media outlets are more than twice as likely to be vaccine-hesitant compared to those who never engage with those outlets, a new Johns Hopkins University study finds. Researchers surveyed nearly 3,000 adults in 2025, as […]
Apr 29, 2026
What you eat for lunch could influence your immune system just hours later
Scientific American Our food choices could play an important, short-term role in how our bodies respond to infections, new research suggests. “Starve a cold, feed a fever” is a myth—but according to new research, the timing of when we eat in the short term may play a role in how our bodies fight off infections. Researchers analyzed […]
Apr 29, 2026
2 Legionnaires’ disease cases linked to Las Vegas Strip hotel
8 News Now The Southern Nevada Health District announced on Tuesday that two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were associated with stays at the Wynn Las Vegas, and guests who have stayed at the resort recently are urged to complete a health survey. According to a release from the district, both cases are associated with travel. […]
Apr 29, 2026
Measles deaths are coming. Doctors are fighting an uphill battle.
Washington Post OPINION This November, the Pan American Health Organization will review whether the United States has lost its measles elimination status — a designation held since 2000. As of April 23, 1,792 confirmed cases have been reported across the U.S. Utah is the latest epicenter: nearly 600 cases since last summer. At one to three deaths per […]
Apr 29, 2026
5 Logical fallacies in the era of RFK Jr.
You Can Know Things How do we address the firehose of inaccurate information that is flooding the internet right now? It’s tempting to try to play whack-a-mole, tackling one rumor after another, and there is certainly value in addressing individual claims. But emerging research shows a better (and less exhausting) method: “prebunking” — or teaching people to […]
Apr 29, 2026
Rheumatic Disease Drugs Help COVID Virus Stick Around Longer, Study Suggests
MedPageToday Lengthy viral antigen persistence far more common, regardless of prior vaccination. Drugs commonly used to treat systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) may keep the SARS-CoV-2 circulating after COVID-19 infection in patients with these conditions, with researchers documenting substantially increased viral antigen persistence compared with other post-COVID patients. Tests for 40% of SARDs patients remained […]
Apr 29, 2026