A new study led by York University found that not only could machine-learning models accurately pinpoint differences in healthy controls and those living with HIV, but also found outliers in both groups that provide fascinating glimpses into the complex nature of the immune system and what personalized medicine could look like in the future, accounting for variables such as age, comorbidities and genetics.

New research reveals that Covid lockdowns set children's development back by years. The study shows how the pandemic hampered children’s ability to regulate their behaviour, stay focused and adapt to new situations. The greatest impact was seen among pupils who were in reception year (ages four-five) when the first lockdowns began - a crucial stage when youngsters normally learn to socialise, follow routines and navigate the busy world of the classroom.

The team say that children may still be feeling the effects years later.

Scientists have identified molecular and structural changes in taste buds that may explain why a small subset of people experience long-term taste loss after COVID-19 infection.

About The Study: In 2024, 8.3% of U.S. adults—an estimated 21.3 million—reported ever having long COVID (LC), among whom nearly 6 in 10 reported recovery, consistent with RECOVER initiative findings showing similar LC prevalence in 2023 and 2024 and longitudinal Veterans Affairs data demonstrating declining LC prevalence. Yet many adults, particularly those 35 years or older, continue to experience lasting symptoms. With no LC treatment demonstrating clear efficacy, greater investment in understanding biological mechanisms, including immunotypic differences between those who recover and those who do not, may provide insights into pathways of persistence and potential targets for intervention. 

People with prior COVID-19 infection have a significantly higher risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and kidney failure compared to those who had influenza or no infection, according to a new study from researchers at Penn State College of Medicine.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major health crisis that challenged citizens’ information management routines. Epistemic ideals guided how people scanned and filtered information, engaged with it and adapted their behaviour accordingly. Conducted in Finland, a recent study found that four distinctive profiles characterise citizens’ engagement with information. 

An analysis comparing the effects of influenza versus COVID-19 in mice found differences in how lungs heal after infection and potentially shed light on why COVID-19 causes neurological issues such as brain fog. 

A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway during the 2023/24 influenza season found that only 29.9% were vaccinated against influenza and 12.1% against COVID-19 during pregnancy, falling short of recommended vaccination targets.