Scientists in Japan have discovered yet another tick-borne virus that can make people sick. The Yezo virus is transmitted by tick bites, and triggers fever and a reduction in blood platelets and white blood cells. “At least seven people have been infected with this new virus in Japan since 2014, but, so far, no deaths…  read on >  read on >

THURSDAY, Oct. 7Two new studies confirm that the immunity offered by two doses of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine drops off after about two months, although protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death holds strong. The reports, from Israel and Qatar, add to evidence that suggests even fully vaccinated people need to continue to guard against COVID-19…  read on >  read on >

You might think that wildfires in the western United States would only affect folks in places like Colorado, California or Oregon. But a new study estimates that three-quarters of smoke-related deaths and visits to the emergency room for asthma in the United States happen east of the Rocky Mountains. “We don’t often talk about smoke…  read on >  read on >

A shift in thinking means it’s OK to skip your monthly breast self-exam — but don’t miss your regular professional checkup and diagnostic imaging, health experts say. A periodic visual check in a mirror can be helpful, breast health experts from the Cedars-Sinai health system in California suggest. “Beginning at age 40, women with an…  read on >  read on >

If you often have a stomachache after eating, you’re not alone, a new survey finds. One in 10 people experience frequent meal-related pain. This includes 13% of women and 9% of men, and is most common in 18- to 28-year-olds (15%), according to an online survey of more than 54,000 people in 26 countries. “The…  read on >  read on >