The new technology behind Pfizer’s and Moderna’s coronavirus vaccines could be used to prevent everything from heart disease to cancer, experts say. The breakthrough vaccine ‘platform’ they use transforms the body into a virus-zapping vaccine factory and could be retooled to run interference on other diseases and speed the development of shots to prevent future … Read more
Five hundred-year-old excrement from Medieval toilets reveals how changes in diet since the 15th Century may have triggered diseases such as irritable bowels, allergies and obesity Researchers analysed deposits from two Medieval latrines from Latvia and Israel They identified various microorganisms from the guts of the toilets’ users The findings could provide a baseline to compare with … Read more
Climate change could trigger the spread of potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases around Africa and beyond, a new study shows. Disease-carrying mosquito species, such as the aedes aegypti or yellow fever mosquito, are attracted to the excess heat caused by climate change. US researchers have predicted when and where in Sub-Saharan Africa malaria will decrease and other … Read more
Probiotic yoghurts ‘could reduce obesity in children’ and shrink their risk of serious diseases in future, study finds The study included 100 obese children aged between six and 18 years old It found that those receiving probiotic drinks lost more weight than the others They also had improved insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of serious … Read more
Plastic pollution in our oceans could spread fatal diseases into the food chain through farmed seafoods such as mussels and oysters, scientists warn. Microplastics – plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in diameter – can come from larger plastic products that have broken down, textile fibres, cigarette filters or even beauty products. Microplastics that enter … Read more
Viruses jumping from animals to humans are becoming more common, the United Nations has warned. The UN’s environmental branch revealed that the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 — the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 — came as no surprise. In a report, they said the pandemic was ‘highly predictable’ because human behaviour, including intense farming for meat, has … Read more
Mosquitoes carrying diseases such as dengue, zika and yellow fever could be common throughout parts of Europe by 2030 due to global warming, a study warns. Changes to traditional rainfall patterns and soaring temperatures will make more parts of the world viable homes for the mosquitoes. The insect, known by the scientific name Aedes aegypti as well … Read more
Living alone makes over-50s 30% more likely to be treated in hospital for respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 Study of more than 4,000 Britons aged over 50 assessed their lifestyle Compared this with their hospital records to register any hospital admissions Found those who lived alone are 32 per cent more likely to be sent to hospital … Read more
Parts of Sweden could achieve ‘herd immunity’ as early as next month, the country’s leading epidemiologist has said, as the death toll rises. The Government is holding out against a total lockdown despite growing calls for ‘rapid and radical measures’ to contain the coronavirus outbreak. It has cancelled football games and closed university buildings. Restaurants, … Read more