More than 171 million people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States, but the highly infectious Delta variant has left some with “breakthrough” cases nonetheless. These cases were anticipated, because the COVID vaccines weren’t designed to eliminate all virus infections, but rather to lower a person’s risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Even… read on > read on >
Moderna Inc. announced Wednesday that it has completed its submission for full approval of its coronavirus vaccine, while Pfizer Inc. said it has begun to file data for full approval of a third booster shot of its vaccine. “This BLA [biologics license application] submission for our COVID-19 vaccine, which we began in June, is an… read on > read on >
Coronavirus cases and deaths in Florida are at record highs as the Delta variant ravages the state and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis holds firm on forbidding vaccine and mask mandates. As of Tuesday, Florida had reported a record average of 227 COVID-19 deaths a day this week, and the average number of new known cases… read on > read on >
The search for the source of the new coronavirus is at an impasse and the window of opportunity to identify the virus’ origins is “closing fast,” a World Health Organization-appointed team of experts said Wednesday. The investigation is at a “critical juncture” that requires urgent collaboration, but Chinese officials remain reluctant to share some raw… read on > read on >
U.S. passengers aged 12 and older boarding Disney Cruise Line voyages to the Bahamas will have to start providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination as of Sept. 3, the company said Wednesday. The new policy is in effect until November and requires passengers to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding and includes visitors… read on > read on >
Even before COVID-19, college could be a challenging experience, but a new study suggests those stresses are much higher for female students. Still, in the face of a continuing pandemic, all students may need interventions to develop healthy coping strategies, the study authors said. “They’re balancing work, classes, relationships and family — and then now… read on > read on >
Women smokers puff fewer cigarettes than men but have more trouble quitting, French researchers report. “Our findings highlight the need to provide smoking cessation interventions tailored to the needs of women,” said Ingrid Allagbe, a doctoral student at the University of Burgundy, who led the research. The study included nearly 38,000 smokers (about 43% women)… read on > read on >
Mink farms could be breeding grounds for future pandemics in humans, new research suggests. That’s because in mink and other carnivorous (meat-eating) animals, three key genes required to detect and respond to infection by pathogens have lost their function. If these genes were working, they would activate inflammatory responses to fight off these disease-causing organisms.… read on > read on >
The health impact of wildfires is already huge, and new research suggests it might also raise a mom-to-be’s risk for preterm birth, according to a new study. Wildfire smoke contains high levels of PM 2.5, the deadliest type of pollution from particles so fine they can embed deep in the lungs and pass into the… read on > read on >
Struggling to decide whether to spend another hour at the office or take a late afternoon stroll? Put on your walking shoes. Making leisure time a priority is good for your mental health. For many, though, especially folks who prize productivity above all, it’s a hard sell, a new study finds. “There is plenty of… read on > read on >
