Health & Wellbeing

New research published in the Journal of Religion and Health found faith in God and trust in a higher power declined over the course of the pandemic. The German survey found the longer the pandemic went on, the more people lost their faith in God.

A meta-analysis looking at 12 vaccine trials has concluded most adverse events reported following COVID-19 vaccination can be attributed to the placebo effect. The researchers claim most vaccine side effects can be attributed to the "nocebo effect."

A study has reported that immune dysregulation persists in long COVID patients up to eight months after initial infection. The research found long COVID is characterized by elevated levels of specific immune biomarkers.

Engineers from Yale University have developed a wearable device that can help individuals assess whether they have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. The device clips onto a person’s clothes and capture aerosolized viral particles in the surrounding environment.

A first-of-its-kind clinical trial has shown that ketamine infusions, combined with psychotherapy, is more effective in helping people suffering from severe alcoholism avoid relapse than any other current treatment.

People with hypertension often have to perform arm-cuff blood pressure readings multiple times per day. Not only is this a hassle, but it may not provide a complete picture of their problem – that's where the always-on Aktiia wearable comes in.

A post-mortem brain tissue study is offering clues as to how exercise in old age can prevent cognitive decline. The research found late-life physical activity was linked to high levels of presynaptic proteins, known to support healthy brain functions.

A report from the CDC has found children who have recovered from COVID-19 infection are more likely to develop diabetes than those with no history of infection. The researchers call for more study into the association between COVID-19 and diabetes.

Cedars-Sinai researchers are reporting even mild COVID-19 cases show lingering signs of an overactive immune system months after the acute disease, and experts are concerned the current wave of Omicron infections could lead to huge rates of long COVID.

US Army scientists are leading a project aimed at developing a universal coronavirus vaccine that can provide protection against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. New studies are reporting successful preclinical results and Phase 2 human trials are set to begin.

A new COVID-19 vaccine is being offered patent-free to vaccine manufacturers across the world. Human trials found the vaccine to be safe and effective, with India already authorizing its use as production ramps up to over 100 million doses per month.

Israel has begun the world’s first roll-out of a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose. The program is initially focusing on patients with compromised immune systems, while a study is underway testing the safety and efficacy of a fourth dose in 6,000 people.