World Health Organization

Some scientists suggest a moratorium on gene editing is an unnecessary distraction from the regulatory conversation that needs to take place

Science

WHO calls for global gene editing research registry as debate over moratorium rages

Following a recent call for a moratorium on human germline gene editing, several scientists have pushed back, claiming prohibition is redundant and problematic. The WHO's panel on the topic also sidestepped the issue, instead recommending a central registry on human gene editing research be created.

WHO sees vaccine hesitancy as a rising threat

Medical

World Health Organization lists "vaccine hesitancy" as a global health threat

Vaccine hesitancy, where people are reluctant or refuse to have themselves or their children vaccinated, is a growing problem and has now gathered such momentum that the World health Organization (WHO) sees fit to list it as one of its 10 threats to global health in 2019.

The newly-discovered bacteria strain Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, which has been found to produce potent antibiotics

Medical

Ancient Irish folk medicine may help fight the world's deadliest bacteria

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose an ever-growing threat to human health. But looking to the past might help our future – researchers from Swansea University Medical School have discovered a new potential superbug killer in Irish soil, which has long been believed to have healing properties.

Three countries stand to benefit from the new vaccine, which could be rolled out worldwide if it is successful

Medical

First malaria vaccine to be introduced in Africa

According to WHO, 90 percent of 2015's malaria cases occurred in Africa, as did 92 percent of malaria deaths. It is here that WHO has chosen to trial the world's first malaria vaccine beginning next year, with Ghana, Kenya and Malawi to be the first recipients.

A new nanogel could make for a better snake antivenom, by sequestering the toxins within the bloodstream

Medical

New nanogel neutralizes deadly snake venom

Current snake antivenom might not be saving lives as efficiently as it could, given that they’re difficult and expensive to produce, distribute and administer. Now, researchers have developed a synthetic alternative with a long shelf-life that can neutralize venom from several species of snakes.

Each year, 570,000 children under five die from respiratory infections caused by indoor and outdoor pollution, according to WHO

Environment

Air pollution killing half a million kids each year, says World Health Organization

Pollution is bad news for everybody, but new reports from the World Health Organization have offered new insights into how serious a risk it poses for young children, finding the the combination of things like unsafe water and air pollution to be particularly damaging.