Latest Health News
Climate Change Drives Global Rise in Infectious Diseases
A major international study involving 3,752 health experts across 151 countries finds climate change, poverty, and drug resistance are escalating infectious diseases worldwide. Climate change expands mosquito habitats and accelerates vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, especially impacting low- and middle-income countries. Experts warn this crisis could become a 'creeping catastrophe' without urgent action.
New Class of Antibody Discovered for Next-Generation Malaria Treatment
Researchers in 2025 identified a novel antibody targeting the malaria parasite's stable internal structures, not surface proteins. This discovery opens new doors for more effective, durable vaccines against *Plasmodium falciparum*, potentially reducing hundreds of thousands of annual deaths from severe malaria.
Targeted Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Scientists at University College London developed a gene therapy delivering the LGI1 gene selectively to malfunctioning brain regions for focal epilepsy patients resistant to drugs. This approach may provide an alternative to invasive surgery, representing a major advance in epilepsy treatment.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Timing Change May Increase Chronic Infections in Children
A report indicates delaying infant hepatitis B vaccination offers no safety or efficacy benefits but risks more children developing chronic hepatitis B, increasing early liver disease risks. Despite this, some federal panels review changes excluding expert input, raising concerns among vaccine specialists.
Shingles Vaccine May Slow Dementia Progression
New research shows the two-dose shingles vaccine not only prevents viral infection but may also slow dementia progression. This finding suggests potential neurological benefits beyond infection prevention, expanding the vaccine’s role in geriatric health.
Experimental Liver Cancer Vaccine Shows Life-Saving Potential
Johns Hopkins researchers report positive early clinical trial results from a novel vaccine against a rare liver cancer affecting mostly younger, healthy patients. The vaccine demonstrates a survival benefit, marking a promising therapeutic development in oncology.
Johnson & Johnson's Nipocalimab Approved in Europe for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
The European Commission approved Nipocalimab, a first-in-class FcRn blocker, for adults and adolescents (≥12 years) with antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis, showing sustained disease control and improved patient outcomes in Phase 3 trials.
WHO Releases Guidelines for GLP-1 Treatments for Obesity
Amid rising obesity—now over 1 billion affected globally—WHO issued new guidelines endorsing GLP-1 receptor and dual agonists for obesity management within chronic care models. The guidelines emphasize equity, affordability, and system preparedness to expand access responsibly.
Novel Foam-Based Genetic Engineering Enables Targeted Bone Marrow Therapies
Bioengineers demonstrated that methylcellulose foam combined with gene therapy vectors can efficiently modify bone marrow stem cells ex vivo before reinjection. This technique promises a new platform for bedside targeted genetic treatments, potentially enhancing cancer and blood disorder management.
US Stillbirth Rate Improves Slightly, But Progress Remains Slow
CDC data released show a 2% decline in US stillbirth rates in 2024, a hopeful yet modest improvement following recent setbacks, indicating ongoing challenges in maternal and fetal health care.