Infections

Scientists have demonstrated a new way to fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs by pitting bacteria against each other. The team engineered a common bacteria to safely colonize medical implants, then produce enzymes that dissolve superbug biofilms.

Following a successful pilot study encompassing nearly one million children the World Health Organization is now recommending widespread use of the world's first malaria vaccine across all sub-Saharan Africa.

A large UK study found one in three COVID-19 patients report at least one lingering symptom six months after recovery, while another study found nearly half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients having at least one symptom a year after discharge.

According to a new model, around one in three Americans had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 by the end of 2020. Simulating viral transmission across the country, the research suggests official cases only accounted for a small volume of total infections.

As England removes all pandemic-related protections experts are warning the decision is “a dangerous and unethical experiment” that may put the health of millions of unvaccinated citizens at risk and provide fertile ground for new SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Bacterial infections of the middle ear are quite common, particularly in children, yet they can be difficult to treat. An experimental new device has been designed to help, by zapping the bacteria with plasma.

Presently, if a doctor suspects that a patient has a bacterial infection, that person has to provide a fluid sample that is sent off to a lab for analysis. A new device, however, could allow such samples to be analyzed on the spot, within minutes.

Although women in First World countries are routinely diagnosed with and treated for vaginal yeast infections, doing so isn't always possible for women in impoverished nations. New fungus-detecting hygiene products, however, could make things easier.

A number of countries are reporting increasing rates of viral gastroenteritis over recent months, and experts suggest greater use of hand sanitizers, known to have little effect on pathogens such as norovirus, may be partly responsible.

A review article has presented 10 key scientific reasons why the virus that causes COVID-19 is predominantly spread though the air. The research adds to a growing chorus of experts saying the evidence for airborne transmission is “overwhelming”.

New weapons against so-called “superbugs” are desperately needed. A new black phosphorus coating quickly kills bacteria and fungi, then dissolves within 24 hours – and best of all, bacteria can’t evolve resistance against this mode of attack.

More than one in 10 adults suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis, an inflammatory sinus condition. A new brain imaging study suggests the disease is linked with functional brain connectivity changes that could explain cognitive problems such as brain fog.