Most cases of mpox are spread from skin-to-skin contact, but it is possible to catch the virus by touching a contaminated surface in a house or a hospital room, according to a new study. Researchers studying this found temperature made a difference. The virus could survive at room temperature on a surface for up to…  read on >  read on >

It’s been known for years that Epstein-Barr virus can trigger multiple sclerosis or drive progression of the degenerative disease, and Swedish researchers think they now understand why. Some people have antibodies against the common Epstein-Barr virus that mistakenly attack a protein found in the brain and spinal cord, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden…  read on >  read on >

Working nights can be tough on the body, and a new study suggests it might take a particular toll on men’s health. The research, which involved lab mice and humans, hints that the male of the species might be more vulnerable to the “body clock” disturbances that come with shift work. In the lab, researchers…  read on >  read on >

A ruling on the abortion pill mifepristone will be one step closer Wednesday when three federal judges hear arguments in the case. The three judges at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans have a history of supporting abortion restrictions, the Associated Press reported. They aren’t expected to rule immediately. In November,…  read on >  read on >

Skip artificial sweeteners if you’re trying to lose weight, warns the World Health Organization (WHO), noting the sugar substitutes aren’t effective for shedding pounds and may also cause harm. Long-term use of sugar substitutes may cause “potential undesirable effects,” according to new WHO guidance. This can include an “increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular…  read on >  read on >

Kids whose families left distressed neighborhoods had significantly fewer severe asthma attacks, with improvements greater even than those seen with medication. New research found that children whose families participated in a program that enabled them to move to areas with less poverty, and better schools and parks had about 50% fewer severe attacks. After moving,…  read on >  read on >