Researchers from The University of Osaka and collaborators developed a wastewater-based method to estimate influenza incidence by measuring viral RNA concentrations in wastewater. The approach can separately estimate influenza A and B trends and may detect epidemic changes about one week earlier than conventional patient report data. The study highlights wastewater surveillance as a promising complement to existing public health systems for earlier healthcare preparedness.

New research suggests rapid, on‑the‑spot health tests may do more than deliver faster results - they could also help people better understand their health and feel more confident managing long‑term conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Published in the journal, BMC Public Health, the study reviewed evidence from around the world to examine whether point‑of‑care testing (POCT) improves health literacy - a person’s ability to understand, use and act on health information in everyday life.