Data is becoming a big help in the fight against germs. But just having data isn't enough. The real challenge is using it in the right way. Right now, there's a lot we don't know about what infectious disease control (IDC) experts need from data to do their jobs better. Using data in IDC is still n
A person in Washington state has caught a rare bird flu strain that hasn't been seen in humans before. This individual, who has other health issues, got very sick with a high fever, confusion, and breathing problems. Experts say the risk to the public is low. The flu strain, called H5N5, is usually
Isoflurane is a common gas used in surgeries to make patients unconscious and numb to pain. It works by targeting certain channels in nerve cells, but how it affects specific pain-sensing nerves is not fully understood. Researchers studied how isoflurane impacts tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel
People with type 2 diabetes and Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) often struggle with liver health. A recent study dug into how two different approaches might help: a medication called pemafibrate and a serious lifestyle overhaul. Pemafibrate is a drug that targets sp
A foreign seaweed called Rugulopteryx okamurae has been causing trouble along Morocco's northern coast since 2017. It's not just an ecological issue; it's also affecting the lives of people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. Researchers have been keeping an eye on this invader from 2019 t
Long ago, fishermen near Peru and Ecuador noticed something odd. Every few years, the ocean water near their fishing spots would get warmer. This warm water drove fish away, making it tough for the fishermen to catch enough to eat. They called this strange event "El Niño, " which means "The Child" i
Nepal is looking at new ways to protect babies from RSV, a nasty virus. The World Health Organization has two ideas: vaccines for moms or special antibodies for infants. These are already used in rich countries, but Nepal needs to check if they make sense for their budget. RSV can be really bad for
People have been using a plant called Ligustrum lucidum in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. Scientists have been paying a lot of attention to a part of this plant called FLL-P. This part of the plant has been changed in a lab to make it work better. This change is called acetylation. Th
A recent investigation has uncovered a surprising twist in the world of diabetes management. It seems that a widely used diabetes medication, metformin, might be interfering with the positive effects of regular physical activity. This finding is quite unexpected, as exercise is typically encouraged
Winter in the U. S. often brings harsh weather conditions. These include storms, dropping temperatures, and strong winds. These winds can be powerful enough to tip over boats or send tree branches flying. This creates risks for anyone outside and makes driving or boating more dangerous. Gale warnin
