In surprising findings, recent research has linked vaccines to lower dementia risk. Another recent study may help explain why this connection exists. Researchers found that severe infections may increase dementia risk years later. The findings suggest that preventing infections could help protect brain health.

The study included more than 62,000 older adults. Researchers recruited participants in 2016 and followed them through 2021. Participants were at least 65 years old when the study began. The average participant age was approximately 81 years old.

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In recent years, mosquito populations have expanded into traditionally cooler regions. Previously, many disease-carrying mosquitoes were concentrated in warmer climates. As global temperatures rise, however, some mosquito species are adapting to new environments and spreading farther north.

This shift has increased concerns about mosquito-borne illnesses in areas that historically faced fewer risks. As a result, researchers are searching for better ways to track mosquito populations and understand how they move.

A new study published in the journal PNAS Nexus explores one possible solution: harmonic radar tags.

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Malaria remains a devastating disease with major global impact. In 2024, 282 million malaria cases caused over 600,000 deaths. The World Health Organization reported cases across 80 countries. Africa carried 95% of both cases and deaths.

About 75% of malaria cases occurred in children under five. This burden shows how deeply the disease affects vulnerable populations. A new discovery offers hope against this global health crisis.

Researchers identified a protein that helps malaria parasites reproduce. When scientists deactivate this protein, parasite growth drops sharply. This finding could help reduce transmission and lower infection rates.

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Travel can expose people to many valuable new experiences. It offers chances to see new sights, taste new foods, and meet new people. These opportunities may not exist in the same way at home.

However, travel can also expose people to new health risks. Many people in the United States view polio as a past disease. Yet, in some countries, polio transmission still occurs.

Recent reports show the polio virus appearing in several regions worldwide. Some common travel destinations, including the United Kingdom and Germany, now carry risk. In March 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a level 2 travel notice.

A level 2 notice advises travelers to take extra precautions. It does not suggest canceling or avoiding nonessential travel. Polio continues to circulate across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

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Sometimes important answers appear in unexpected and surprising places. People often find lost items hidden under cushions or inside drawers. Researchers discovered a similar surprise while studying vitamin D and COVID-19.

Scientists found regular vitamin D intake may reduce Long COVID risk. This finding came from researchers at Mass General Brigham. Their results were published in the Journal of Nutrition.

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