People with cancers of the blood, bone marrow or lymph nodes are at an increased risk of not making protective coronavirus antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination, a new study warns. The risk is particularly high for those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The researchers urged these patients and those who interact with them to get vaccinated…  read on >  read on >

Older adults in long-term care develop detectible antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination, which may mean it’s safe to reopen these facilities, according to a new study. But because it’s unclear how long the antibodies last, researchers from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) say there’s still a need to monitor symptoms and controls on reopening. “COVID-19…  read on >  read on >

In a setback to a national vaccination campaign that was finally gaining ground, the federal government said Thursday that Johnson & Johnson will allocate 86 percent fewer doses of its coronavirus vaccine across the United States next week. The company delivered the first batch of its single-dose vaccine at the beginning of March, sending 2.8…  read on >  read on >

Obese women can be more likely to have heavy monthly periods, and now new research hints at why. In addition to stirring up inflammation, excess weight may slow down the uterine repair process, U.K. researchers reported. Menstruation occurs when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) sheds each month, but the healing process stops the bleeding…  read on >  read on >

COVID-19 might have a tough new foe: The sun. New research shows that sunnier regions of the United States have lower COVID-19 death rates than cloudier areas, suggesting that the sun’s UV rays might somehow provide some protection against the disease. The effect is not due to better uptake of the healthy “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin…  read on >  read on >

There’s more than one kind of fungus living among lung tissue, but people can breathe easy knowing these species are for the most part harmless, scientists say. It’s normal for people to have fungi in their lungs, and using drugs like inhaled steroids won’t hurt them, a research team found. According to a team led…  read on >  read on >