https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/sexual_health/ Read articles on sexual health including information on genital herpes, male impotence, birth control and the symptoms of HIV and other STDs. Find the latest scientific research on a variety of sexual behaviors. en-us Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:47:32 EDT Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:47:32 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/sexual_health/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260411022027.htm A new nanodisc-based platform lets scientists study viral proteins in a form that closely mimics real viruses, revealing how antibodies truly recognize them. This approach uncovered hidden interactions in viruses like HIV and Ebola that traditional methods missed. By recreating the virus’s membrane environment, researchers can better understand how immune defenses work. The technique could speed up the development of more effective vaccines. Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:42:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260411022027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193844.htm Scientists at Cornell University may be closing in on the long-sought “holy grail” of male contraception: a safe, reversible, nonhormonal method that completely halts sperm production. In a breakthrough mouse study, researchers used a compound called JQ1 to temporarily shut down meiosis—the critical process that produces sperm—without causing lasting harm. After treatment stopped, sperm production bounced back, fertility returned, and the animals produced healthy offspring. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:52:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193844.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044659.htm A shingles vaccine might double as a powerful heart protector. In people already at high risk, it cut major cardiac events by 46% and deaths by an impressive 66% within a year. Scientists think preventing shingles may also stop clot-related complications that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The effect is so strong, it rivals the benefits of quitting smoking. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:10:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044659.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015933.htm mRNA vaccines saved millions of lives during COVID-19 but have limitations like waning immunity and complex production. Scientists are now testing a new platform called DoriVac, which uses folded DNA nanostructures to better control how the immune system responds. In early studies, it produced strong antibody and T cell responses in both mice and human models. Researchers say it could lead to more stable, easier-to-manufacture vaccines for diseases like COVID-19, HIV, and Ebola. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:59:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015933.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm Scientists at Stanford Medicine have unveiled a bold new kind of “universal” vaccine that could one day protect against everything from COVID-19 and the flu to bacterial pneumonia and even common allergens. Instead of targeting a specific virus or bacterium, the nasal spray vaccine supercharges the lungs’ own immune defenses, keeping them on high alert for months. In mice, it slashed viral levels, prevented severe illness, and even blocked allergic reactions. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:45:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221060942.htm Researchers tested whether generative AI could handle complex medical datasets as well as human experts. In some cases, the AI matched or outperformed teams that had spent months building prediction models. By generating usable analytical code from precise prompts, the systems dramatically reduced the time needed to process health data. The findings hint at a future where AI helps scientists move faster from data to discovery. Sat, 21 Feb 2026 06:17:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221060942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000321.htm A common bacterium best known for causing pneumonia and sinus infections may also play a surprising role in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that Chlamydia pneumoniae can invade the retina and brain, where it sparks inflammation, nerve cell death, and the buildup of amyloid-beta—the hallmark protein linked to Alzheimer’s. Higher levels of the bacterium were found in people with Alzheimer’s, especially those carrying the high-risk APOE4 gene, and were tied to more severe cognitive decline. Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:43:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000321.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216044006.htm Northwestern researchers have shown that when it comes to cancer vaccines, arrangement can be just as important as ingredients. By repositioning a small fragment of an HPV protein on a DNA-based nanovaccine, the team dramatically strengthened the immune system’s attack on HPV-driven tumors. One specific design slowed tumor growth, extended survival in animal models, and unleashed far more cancer-killing T cells than other versions made with the exact same components. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216044006.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215085001.htm Researchers tracked more than 400 toddlers to see whether mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during or just before pregnancy was linked to autism or developmental delays. After detailed assessments of speech, motor skills, behavior, and social development, they found no meaningful differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Experts say the results provide strong reassurance about vaccine safety in pregnancy. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:51:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215085001.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213223918.htm Scientists at Michigan State University have uncovered the molecular “switch” that powers sperm for their final, high-speed dash toward an egg. By tracking how sperm use glucose as fuel, the team discovered how dormant cells suddenly flip into overdrive, burning energy in a carefully controlled, multi-step process. A key enzyme, aldolase, helps convert sugar into the burst of power needed for fertilization, while other enzymes act like traffic controllers directing the flow of fuel. Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:47:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213223918.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209064314.htm A long-term study of older adults with moderate hearing loss found that hearing aids did not lead to better performance on memory or thinking tests, but the story did not end there. Over seven years, people who were prescribed hearing aids were significantly less likely to develop dementia than those who were not. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:43:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209064314.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm As bird flu continues to circulate in animals and spill over into humans, researchers are racing to stop it before it adapts to spread widely between people. A new nasal spray vaccine showed strong protection against H5N1 in animal tests, outperforming traditional flu shots. Because it targets the nose and lungs, it may prevent infection at the earliest stage. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:43:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083349.htm A 5,500-year-old skeleton from Colombia has revealed the oldest known genome of the bacterium linked to syphilis and related diseases. The ancient strain doesn’t fit neatly into modern categories, hinting at a forgotten form that split off early in the pathogen’s evolution. This pushes the history of treponemal diseases in the Americas back by millennia and shows they were already diversifying long before written records. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:04:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083349.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082716.htm Stanford scientists have uncovered how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can very rarely trigger heart inflammation in young men — and how that risk might be reduced. They found that the vaccines can spark a two-step immune reaction that floods the body with inflammatory signals, drawing aggressive immune cells into the heart and causing temporary injury. Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:52:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082716.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004149.htm A one-dose oral drug called zoliflodacin has proven highly effective against gonorrhoea in a major international trial. The pill matched the success of current treatments while avoiding injections and complex dosing. As antibiotic resistance spreads, this new option could make treatment simpler and more accessible worldwide. Approval could mark a major step forward in controlling a stubborn global STI. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 03:19:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043040.htm Microscopic fibers secretly shape how every organ in the body works, yet they’ve been notoriously hard to study—until now. A new imaging technique called ComSLI reveals hidden fiber orientations in stunning detail using only a rotating LED light and simple microscopy equipment. It works on any tissue slide, from fresh samples to those more than a century old, allowing scientists to uncover microstructural changes in disorders like Alzheimer’s and even explore the architecture of muscle, bone, and blood vessels. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:50:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043040.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004721.htm A unique vaccine rollout in Wales gave researchers an accidental natural experiment that revealed a striking reduction in dementia among seniors who received the shingles vaccine. The protective effect held steady across multiple analyses and was even stronger in women. Evidence also suggests benefits for people who already have dementia, hinting at a therapeutic effect. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:22:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004721.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251129044513.htm Millions face Medicare decisions each year, but many don’t take advantage of tools that can save them money and stress. Insurance marketing often overshadows unbiased options like SHIP, leaving people unaware of better choices. Comparing real costs—not just premiums—can prevent unpleasant surprises, especially when provider networks or drug rules change. New assistance programs for low-income adults offer valuable help for 2026. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:22:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251129044513.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108083910.htm Sertraline (Zoloft) may relieve emotional symptoms of depression and anxiety within two weeks, while physical side effects stabilize later. The research highlights how antidepressants can act on specific symptom networks rather than uniformly across all aspects of depression. Sat, 08 Nov 2025 23:51:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108083910.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027225628.htm An international team of researchers led by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, working with 15 collaborators around the world, has conducted the most comprehensive study yet of lifespan differences between the sexes in mammals and birds. Their findings shed new light on one of biology’s enduring mysteries: why males and females age differently. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:39:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027225628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027224837.htm Researchers found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines significantly increased survival in lung and skin cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. The vaccine appears to prime the immune system in a powerful, nonspecific way, enhancing cancer treatment outcomes. If confirmed, the discovery could lead to a universal cancer vaccine and transform oncology care. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:47:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027224837.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251019120503.htm A groundbreaking study reveals that cancer patients who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy lived dramatically longer than those who didn’t. Researchers from the University of Florida and MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that the vaccine’s immune-activating properties may boost cancer-fighting responses, acting like a nonspecific “flare” that reawakens the immune system. Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:43:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251019120503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040337.htm Scientists at Mass General Brigham have created HPV-DeepSeek, a blood test that can detect HPV-linked head and neck cancers nearly a decade before diagnosis. By finding viral DNA in the bloodstream, the test achieved 99% sensitivity and specificity. This breakthrough could lead to earlier, less invasive treatments and significantly improve survival. A large NIH trial is underway to confirm the results. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:55:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040337.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm UMass Amherst researchers have developed a groundbreaking nanoparticle-based cancer vaccine that prevented melanoma, pancreatic, and triple-negative breast cancers in mice—with up to 88% remaining tumor-free. The vaccine triggers a multi-pathway immune response, producing powerful T-cell activation and long-term immune memory that stops both tumor growth and metastasis. By combining cancer-specific antigens with a lipid nanoparticle “super adjuvant,” it overcomes key challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:03:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250909031509.htm Thousands of women are using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for weight loss without contraception, leading to unintended pregnancies and potential risks for unborn babies. Experts warn clearer medical guidance is urgently needed. Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:38:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250909031509.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102951.htm A breakthrough mRNA cancer vaccine has shown the ability to supercharge the effects of immunotherapy in mice, sparking hope for a universal “off-the-shelf” treatment that could fight multiple cancers. Unlike traditional vaccines designed to target specific tumor proteins, this approach simply revs up the immune system as if it were fighting a virus. The results were dramatic—when paired with checkpoint inhibitors, tumors shrank, and in some cases, the vaccine alone wiped them out. Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:22:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102951.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm Scientists have discovered that flossing between your teeth could one day help vaccinate you. By targeting a uniquely permeable gum tissue called the junctional epithelium, this new method stimulates immunity right where many infections enter: the mouth, nose, and lungs. Using dental floss on mice to apply a flu vaccine triggered a robust immune response—better than existing oral approaches and comparable to nasal vaccines, but without the risks. It even worked with mRNA and protein-based vaccines. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:57:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045708.htm HIV antivirals may be the key to stopping HTLV-1, a deadly virus with no cure. In a decade-long study, researchers successfully suppressed the virus in mice and discovered a way to kill infected cells, offering hope for the first preventative and curative treatments. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:51:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045708.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm A new UK study shows that vaccinating pregnant women against RSV has led to a staggering 72% drop in hospitalizations of newborns with severe lung infections. By passing virus-fighting antibodies to their babies, vaccinated mothers are helping shield infants during their most vulnerable early months. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:38:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250718031218.htm In a groundbreaking UK first, eight healthy babies have been born using an IVF technique that includes DNA from three people—two parents and a female donor. The process, known as pronuclear transfer, was designed to prevent the inheritance of devastating mitochondrial diseases passed down through the mother’s DNA. The early results are highly promising: all the babies are developing normally, and the disease-causing mutations are undetectable or present at levels too low to cause harm. For families once haunted by genetic risk, this science offers more than treatment—it offers transformation. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:05:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250718031218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250717013903.htm Premature menopause isn t just a hormonal issue it s a deeply emotional one for many women. A new study reveals that almost 30% experience depression, and it s not just about hormone loss but also grief, identity, and support systems. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 01:39:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250717013903.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250713031439.htm Aging men aren't just battling time—they're up against rising blood sugar. New research reveals that subtle increases in metabolic markers like glucose have more influence on declining sexual health than age or testosterone levels alone. The findings, based on a 6-year study of otherwise healthy men, show that even below-diabetes-level sugar changes can impair sperm mobility and erectile function. But there’s good news: lifestyle choices and medical support could help men maintain reproductive vitality well into older age. Sun, 13 Jul 2025 06:53:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250713031439.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250630073443.htm Scientists have discovered a stealthy mechanism that cytomegalovirus (CMV)—the leading infectious cause of birth defects in the U.S.—uses to infiltrate blood vessel cells while evading immune detection. The virus forms a hidden protein complex that acts like a molecular “backdoor,” allowing it to bypass the immune system’s defenses. This newly identified pathway may explain why vaccine efforts have failed for decades and opens the door to targeted therapies that could finally prevent CMV-linked birth defects in newborns and protect vulnerable patients. Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:40:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250630073443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250625011635.htm Keeping sex on the schedule may be its own menopause medicine: among 900 women aged 40-79, those active in the last three months reported far less dryness, pain, and irritation, while orgasm and overall satisfaction stayed rock-solid despite dips in desire and lubrication. The results hint that intimacy itself can curb genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a cluster of estrogen-related symptoms that erode quality of life. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:33:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250625011635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250621233836.htm HIV is surging among adults over 50 in sub-Saharan Africa, yet prevention and treatment campaigns still focus mainly on the young. New research reveals older adults face comparable or higher infection rates but remain largely invisible in HIV studies, which hampers progress toward global health goals. Persistent stigma, outdated perceptions, and limited education or access in rural areas worsen the situation, especially for older women. Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:38:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250621233836.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250619090853.htm Researchers from MIT and Scripps have unveiled a promising new HIV vaccine approach that generates a powerful immune response with just one dose. By combining two immune-boosting adjuvants alum and SMNP the vaccine lingers in lymph nodes for nearly a month, encouraging the body to produce a vast array of antibodies. This one-shot strategy could revolutionize how we fight not just HIV, but many infectious diseases. It mimics the natural infection process and opens the door to broadly neutralizing antibody responses, a holy grail in vaccine design. And best of all, it's built on components already known to medicine. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:08:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250619090853.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124444.htm New HIV research shows that small changes in the virus affect how quickly or slowly it replicates and how easily it can reawaken in the body. These insights bring researchers closer to finding ways to flush out the dormant virus and eliminate it for good. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:44:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124444.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124123.htm In the long battle to create an effective HIV vaccine, scientists have made a major leap forward. A new study shows that a series of vaccines can coax the immune system to produce powerful antibodies capable of blocking a wide range of HIV strains -- including those that are typically the hardest to stop. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:41:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124123.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521125115.htm A study has found that implementing robust air pollution control measures could mean Southeast Asian countries prevent as many as 36,000 ozone-related premature deaths each year by 2050. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:51:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521125115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124744.htm High birth weight is the main risk factor for birth injuries to the anal sphincter muscles of the person giving birth, according to a new study. This new method for predicting the risks could improve care and reduce injuries. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:47:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124744.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121154.htm Head and neck cancer researchers are reporting the development and testing of HPV-DeepSeek, a novel liquid biopsy assay. In their new study, HPV-DeepSeek achieved 99% sensitivty and specifity for diagnosing HPV-associated head and neck cancers, outperforming standard of care methods. HPV causes about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S., which are increasing in incidence faster than other head and neck cancers. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:11:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515145628.htm A decades-long scientific challenge in HIV vaccine development has been finding a way to train the immune system to produce antibodies that can target many variants of the virus. Traditional approaches haven't worked -- largely because HIV mutates rapidly and hides key parts of itself from the immune system. Now, a new study combining data from two separate phase 1 clinical trials shows that a targeted vaccine strategy can successfully activate early immune responses relevant to HIV, and, in one trial, further advance them -- a key step toward a long-sought goal in vaccine development. Thu, 15 May 2025 14:56:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515145628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515141843.htm MIT scientists have designed self-boosting vaccines that release doses over time from a single injection. This breakthrough could make multi-shot vaccines one-and-done, protecting children in even the most remote corners of the world. Thu, 15 May 2025 14:18:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515141843.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111245.htm Postpartum maternal mental health and mother-to-infant bonding are well-established as critical factors in a child's psychosocial development. However, few studies have explored the combined impact of postpartum maternal depression and early bonding experiences on emotional and behavioral difficulties during middle childhood. A new study reveals significant associations between postpartum depression, mother-to-infant bonding, and child difficulties. Notably, secure early bonding was found to partially buffer the long-term effects of postpartum depression on child outcomes. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:12:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112146.htm Researchers have identified a never-before-seen mechanism that enables HIV-1 to evade the body's natural defenses and use it to support its survival and replication. The 'loophole' is a biological process that involves circular RNAs and marks the first experimental evidence of HIV-1 generating them from an integrated retroviral genome. Findings point to a novel strategy the virus uses to survive, providing a new target in the fight against one of the world's most resilient pathogens. Tue, 13 May 2025 11:21:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112146.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112553.htm Researchers have discovered a type of molecule that can kill chlamydia bacteria but spare bacteria that are important for health. The discovery opens the door for further research towards developing new antibiotics against chlamydia. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:25:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112553.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507170530.htm Scientists have uncovered a promising new way to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines by tapping into the potential of a specific type of immune cell, opening the door to long-lasting vaccines for viruses and enhanced cancer therapies. The study used a novel approach combined with cutting-edge mRNA vaccine technology to increase the formation of a type of T cell which has remarkable self-renewing capacity and can remember threats for years and even decades. Wed, 07 May 2025 17:05:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507170530.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125835.htm Researchers reviewed US national fatal crash data (2016-2021) and examined the vehicle age and driver assistance technologies of vehicles driven by teen and middle-aged drivers, and their associations with driver deaths during fatal crashes. Wed, 07 May 2025 12:58:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125835.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505204912.htm People who are given a vaccine for shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease, according to a recent study of more than a million people. The protective effect of the vaccine lasts for up to eight years and is particularly pronounced for men, people under the age of 60 and those with unhealthy lifestyles. Mon, 05 May 2025 20:49:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505204912.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424132807.htm A simple consultation during unrelated visits to the emergency room can help patients with high blood pressure -- 'the silent killer' -- manage the condition, even before they experience symptoms, according to new research. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:28:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424132807.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423135033.htm The link between proximity to greenspace -- including trees and parks-- and healthy birth outcomes is well established. Now new data adds to our understanding of these health benefits, accounting for other factors that may influence this link, such as education, income and body mass index, but also taking the body of knowledge a step further by exploring the effect of residing near newly planted trees. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:50:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423135033.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm A vaccine under development has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of the virus that causes bird flu. The work focuses on the H5N1 variant known as 2.3.4.4b, which has caused widespread outbreaks in wild birds and poultry and other mammals. The vaccine is step toward more potent, versatile and easy-to-produce vaccines that public health officials believe will be needed to counteract evolving bird flu strains that grow resistant to existing vaccines. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:50:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm Scientists have pioneered an influenza virus vector-based nasal spray vaccine platform and developed a nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, this platform enabled the rapid development of a nasal spray vaccine in collaboration with mainland China's Wantai BioPharm. After completing Phase 1-3 clinical trials, it was approved in 2022 as the world's first nasal spray COVID-19 vaccine. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:21:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121706.htm Research shows that the biological parents' genes affect the child's insulin function and capacity to regulate blood sugar levels and blood lipids in different ways. Such knowledge may be used to to develop preventive treatments that reduce the child's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:17:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121706.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121657.htm Researchers have shown that differences in the entire rotavirus genome -- not just its two surface proteins -- affect how well vaccines work, helping to explain why some strains are more likely to infect vaccinated individuals. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:16:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121657.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm Low vaccination rates for influenza viruses and the lack of an HSV vaccine underscore the need for a new approach to reduce viral transmission. Researchers have now used a clinical-grade antiviral chewing gum to substantially reduce viral loads of two herpes simplex viruses and two influenza A strains in experimental models. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:14:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404122634.htm The Xpert MTB/Ultra molecular diagnostic test for stool samples, until now recommended only for children, could be established as an additional test for diagnosing tuberculosis in adults living with HIV. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:26:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404122634.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402160657.htm The technology described uses a nanomechanical platform and tiny cantilevers to detect multiple HIV antigens at high sensitivity in a matter of minutes. These silicon cantilevers are cheap and easy to mass produce and can be readily equipped with a digital readout. Built into a solar-powered device, this technology could be taken to hard-to-reach parts of the world where early detection remains a challenge to deliver fast interventions to vulnerable populations without waiting for a lab. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:06:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402160657.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122149.htm A unique vaccination rollout in Wales offered researchers a natural experiment: some older adults qualified for the shingles vaccine, while others just missed the cutoff. The results were striking — those who got the shot had a 20% lower risk of developing dementia within seven years. This breakthrough hints that viruses lurking in the nervous system may contribute to dementia and that prevention could be simpler than anyone imagined. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:21:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122149.htm