Infections

They look like they don't have a care in the world - and, as far as their health goes, they may not. Scientists believe the raging organism party in their fur makes them infection-resistant, and could be the key to new superbug-fighting antibiotics.

While catching sight of Steve Irwin’s best friend and one of nature’s most intimidating ambush predators in the wild would spark fear in anyone, the saltwater crocodile might actually be able to help us in our fight against serious infections.

The days of ripping off a Band-Aid could soon be in the past, with scientists creating a new affordable, flexible electronic covering that not only speeds and wirelessly monitors healing but is harmlessly absorbed into the body when its job is done.

Little is known about how childhood leukemia is caused, but previous studies have indicated a link between the disease and maternal infections. A large study of Danish children has shed more light on the subject.

Research looking at records from half a million people has identified 22 associations between viral infections and neurodegenerative disease. Influenza, encephalitis and other infections were linked to increased rates of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and MS.

Moderna has announced promising results from its Phase 3 trial testing an mRNA vaccine for RSV in older adults. Data indicates the vaccine is nearly 84% effective at preventing moderate disease and the company expects to file for FDA approval this year.

Scientists believe they have discovered how a common disease called shingles can increase a person's risk of stroke. The research reveals how viral infections can be reawakened after lying dormant for years and cause health issues beyond acute disease.

A case study has tracked, for the first time, the movement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from a patient's gut microbiome to their lungs. The research presents the first direct evidence of this transmission pathway taking place in hospital patients.

It's assumed that as we get older our health will deteriorate. Our bodies age, wrinkles form, metabolism slows, and our immune system weakens. But how much of what we consider to simply be natural aging is actually due to preventable environmental factors?

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has granted approval to a fecal transplant therapy designed to target a serious bacterial infection, marking the first time any regulatory body in the world has formally authorized this kind of microbiome therapy.

In the first study to investigate the effect of repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections on a person's general health researchers have found COVID reinfections can increase one's risk of neurological diseases, diabetes, lung problems and heart disease.

A survey of nearly 1,000 long COVID patients has found 89% of respondents have not returned to their pre-COVID level of health, a year after their acute infection. The study highlights the persistent lingering impact COVID is having on many people.