Author: Claudinne Miller
Excruciating tropical disease can now be transmitted in most of Europe, study finds
Guardian ‘Shocking’ data shows the climate crisis and invasive mosquitos mean chikungunya could spread in 29 countries. An excruciatingly painful tropical disease called chikungunya can now be transmitted by mosquitoes across most of Europe, a study has found. Higher temperatures due to the climate crisis mean infections are now possible for more than six months of […]
Feb 18, 2026
Bacteria Frozen Inside 5,000-Year-Old Ice Cave Is Crazy Resistant to Antibiotics
Gizmodo For decades, antibiotics have been humanity’s frontline defense against bacterial infections, yet these essential medications have also led to the rise of drug-resistant “superbugs.” Now, researchers have discovered an ancient strain of bacteria that managed to develop this superpower thousands of years before humans ever invented antibiotics. A study published Tuesday in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology describes Psychrobacter SC65A.3, […]
Feb 18, 2026
Gentoo penguins the first birds on Australian territory to contract H5N1 as bird flu spreads
The Guardian Australian Antarctic Program scientists say virus on Heard Island has spread to new species. The gentoo penguin has become the first bird to test positive for the H5N1 bird flu on an Australian territory, with samples confirming the virus has spread on a sub-Antarctic island. The deadly and contagious strain of bird flu, […]
Feb 18, 2026
5 Questions About mRNA Vaccines, Answered
NYT We asked experts about how the technology works, its safety and its potential in medicine. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly questioned the safety of mRNA vaccines against Covid-19. Scientists with funding from the National Institutes of Health were advised to scrub their grants of any reference to mRNA. Around the country, state legislatures […]
Feb 18, 2026
N.I.H. Director Will Temporarily Run C.D.C. in Leadership Shake-Up
NYT Dr. Jay Bhattacharya will serve as the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention until President Trump appoints a permanent director. The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, will take on the additional role of acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two administration […]
Feb 18, 2026
F.D.A. Reverses Decision and Agrees to Review Moderna’s Flu Vaccine
NYT Moderna held further discussions with regulators and announced that the agency would accept the company’s application for approval of its flu vaccine that uses mRNA technology. The Food and Drug Administration reversed its decision on Moderna’s flu vaccine and has agreed to review it for possible approval. Just last week, Moderna announced that the agency […]
Feb 18, 2026
Bird flu outbreak in NJ? Dozens of dead geese found as officials investigate
ABC News Wildlife officials are investigating a suspected outbreak of bird flu after a large number of dead or dying geese were discovered at parks in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Dozens of dead geese have been found within the past few days, including near Alcyon Lake. The discoveries led to the closure of two Pitman […]
Feb 18, 2026
Flu’s Seasonal Fury
Medpage Today Influenza can sicken and kill. Vaccines are our best defense. Why…? Why…? Why…? Jasper whimpered, not just once or twice, but repeatedly. It was January 2026. For one awful week, my friend’s 21-month-old grandson was practically inert, spiked fevers to 103o, and barely ate or drank, all the while voicing his single word of […]
Feb 18, 2026
Vaccine myths that won’t die and how to counter them—part 2
CIDRAP We explored four key myths and why they don’t stand up to scrutiny: Today we’ll delve into five more that you also have likely encountered. The nine myths reflect those most frequently seen in my clinical practice and in discussions. Each has been studied extensively and refuted. Yet each persists, because misinformation travels faster […]
Feb 11, 2026
Metformin’s Prospective Role in Preventing Long COVID
ContagionLive Findings from a growing body of randomized trials and real-world analyses show that starting metformin during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection is safe and significantly reduces the risk of developing long COVID. As the global health community continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, preventing post–COVID-19 condition—commonly known as long COVID—has become a […]
Feb 11, 2026