Key immune system cells in folks who’ve had COVID-19 or the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are able to recognize and mount a defense against highly contagious coronavirus variants, new research shows. In both groups, CD4+ “helper” T-cells and CD8+ “killer” T-cells can recognize the Delta mutation and three other widespread variants of concern. That’s key…  read on >  read on >

Most cancer patients have a good immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, new research shows. Two of the three approved vaccines in the United States — Pfizer and Moderna — are mRNA vaccines. Researchers assessed 131 cancer patients and found that 94% developed antibodies to the new coronavirus three to four weeks after their second…  read on >  read on >

New research finds that countries with more cloudy days tend to have higher colon cancer rates. Lower levels of vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin,” may be to blame. So, boosting your vitamin D levels through exposure to sunlight could help reduce your risk of colon cancer, according to researchers at the University of California, San…  read on >  read on >

Telehealth is increasing in popularity in the United States, partly due to the pandemic. But some children with autism have difficulty sitting through these virtual appointments. Yet those visits can be a helpful part of a child’s ongoing medical care, and their convenience may help limit time away from work and school, according to the…  read on >  read on >

Sunscreen isn’t just for pool gatherings and beach outings: Using sunscreen every day could reduce your risk of skin cancer, experts say. Daily use of at least an SPF 15 sunscreen can lower your risk of melanoma — the deadliest type of skin cancer — by 50%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you…  read on >  read on >

Johnson & Johnson announced Thursday that its coronavirus vaccine is effective against the highly contagious Delta variant that brought India to its knees this past spring. The finding will no doubt reassure the 11 million Americans who have gotten the J&J shot, as the company also noted the protection lasted eight months after inoculation. Although…  read on >  read on >

The Delta variant of COVID-19 is upending any return to normalcy in some parts of the United States, with locales like Los Angeles County urging vaccinated folks to once again don masks indoors. Infectious disease experts said these places are acting with an abundance of appropriate caution, given that the Delta variant is more transmissible…  read on >  read on >

Many women in the United States aren’t screened for cervical cancer because they can’t afford it, a new study finds. Screening helps reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths, but disparities in screening rates exist based on income, insurance status, race and ethnicity. “Low-income women need greater access to insurance coverage options, Medicaid eligibility, or free…  read on >  read on >