Scientists Close In on Universal Flu Vaccine
Researchers worldwide are developing vaccines that could protect against multiple flu strains for years, ending the need for annual shots. Around a dozen candidates are already in clinical trials.
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35 results for "infectious disease"
One Pill Cures Deadly Sleeping Sickness in Africa
A single-dose pill that cures sleeping sickness in one day just received approval, replacing treatments that once required 10 days or dangerous arsenic injections. After decades of African-led research, this breakthrough could help eliminate a disease that's killed millions.
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Cape Town Scientists Push HIV Vaccine Trial Forward Alone
When the US pulled funding for a groundbreaking HIV vaccine trial in Cape Town, South African scientists refused to quit. They found new backers and launched a scaled-down version that could reinvigorate global vaccine research.
Scientists Grow HIV Cells in Lab, Edge Closer to Cure
Researchers have successfully isolated and grown the rare HIV-infected cells that hide from the immune system, offering the first real look at why the virus is so hard to cure. Even better, they've already found ways to make these stubborn cells vulnerable to destruction.
Laser Treatment Defeats Antibiotic-Resistant Pneumonia
A physicist-turned-biomedical engineer has developed a groundbreaking treatment using light to disable bacteria's defenses, making deadly antibiotic-resistant infections treatable again. The therapy has already saved lives in Brazil and could protect millions from infections that currently kill 4 million people annually.
Tanzania and South Korea Team Up to Fight Cholera
A five-year partnership between Tanzania and South Korea is strengthening disease detection labs across the country. Now in year three, the project is tackling cholera nationwide after successful work on dengue and respiratory illnesses.
New Vaccine Cuts Severe Diarrhea Deaths in Young Kids by 48%
A groundbreaking oral vaccine has shown it can cut severe diarrhea cases by nearly half in young children, offering hope against a disease that kills tens of thousands of kids under 5 each year. After decades of research, the vaccine is moving to its final testing phase.
Immune Booster Blocks Superbug and Flu in 100% of Mice
Scientists in South Korea discovered a drug ingredient that primes the immune system to fight deadly infections before they strike. When mice received this treatment one day before exposure, they survived infections that killed every untreated animal.
Weekly Inhaled TB Treatment Could Replace Daily Pills
Scientists developed a once-weekly inhaled tuberculosis treatment that delivers medicine straight to the lungs, potentially replacing months of daily pills that cause serious side effects. The breakthrough could help millions worldwide finish their TB treatment and prevent drug-resistant infections.
MSF Opens Health Project for 3 Million in Southwest Ethiopia
Doctors Without Borders just launched a permanent health project in Southwest Ethiopia, bringing free medical care to over three million people in remote communities. The initiative tackles deadly outbreaks while building long-term healthcare systems in one of the region's most vulnerable areas.
Scientists Discover First Drug Candidate for Zika Virus
Researchers in Italy have developed the first promising drug to combat Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe brain damage in babies. The breakthrough molecule also shows potential against dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.
New HIV Treatment Could End Daily Medication Dependency
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have enhanced immune cells to fight HIV in ways current drugs cannot. The breakthrough could help patients achieve long-term remission without taking daily antiretroviral medications.
Single-Shot HIV Vaccine Shows Promise in Primate Study
Scientists in Philadelphia created an HIV vaccine that triggered protective antibodies after just one shot in monkeys. The breakthrough could replace current experimental protocols requiring up to ten injections.
First Nipah Vaccine Enters Human Trials This April
Scientists in Japan are launching the first human trial of a Nipah vaccine in April, targeting a virus that kills up to 75% of those infected. With no current treatment available, this breakthrough could save thousands of lives in regions where outbreaks occur.
COVID Drug Shows Promise Against Deadly Nipah Virus
A drug already approved for COVID-19 treatment just showed strong results against Nipah virus in early studies, potentially offering a faster path to fighting an infection that kills up to 75% of patients. The breakthrough could speed up treatment options since the drug is already approved for human use.
One-Shot HIV Vaccine Shows Promise in Primate Study
Scientists achieved something that's never happened before: an HIV vaccine that starts working after just one dose. The breakthrough could transform how we fight a virus that's challenged researchers for decades.
Gates Foundation Pledges $200B to End Child Deaths by 2045
The Gates Foundation announced it will spend $200 billion over 20 years to prevent child deaths and eradicate deadly infectious diseases before closing in 2045. Despite recent setbacks in global health, CEO Mark Suzman says renewed focus on proven solutions can get progress back on track.
New mRNA Malaria Vaccine Beats Parasite's Defense System
Scientists have cracked a major puzzle in malaria prevention using mRNA vaccine technology to overcome a natural barrier that weakened previous vaccines. The breakthrough could transform protection against a disease that still causes hundreds of millions of infections each year.
Boston Doctor Finds Super Donors for Life-Saving Treatment
A Boston doctor has discovered that only 1% of volunteers have the right gut bacteria to donate stool for a life-saving transplant treatment. Some rare super donors have now contributed over 100 samples to help patients with dangerous infections.
Midnight Response Stops Nipah Outbreak in India
When two nurses arrived with failing brains and lungs, a doctor suspected the deadly Nipah virus and mobilized a response that prevented an outbreak. Swift testing, isolation, and contact tracing kept 196 people safe and saved two lives.
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