Large gatherings in crowds may be contributing to a growing health challenge that threatens millions. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global threat that makes deadly diseases harder to treat. Knowing how to mitigate this risk is crucial, as the danger posed by AMR is projected to increase in coming decades.

Recent research published in Nature Water demonstrated how large crowds help infect nearby wastewater systems with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The findings contribute to a growing recognition of wastewater as a valuable disease surveillance tool. They also further highlight how large groups of people create pathogenic risk. Offsetting the increasing AMR of dangerous bacterial strains remains a top health priority.

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If one wanted to learn how to best kill bacteria, phages would be the first warriors to study. Phages and bacteria have fought an endless, microscopic war for billions of years. Their battle strategies may be the key to beating back bacterial strains with antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

AMR is a significant and worsening threat to public health. Millions of lives are jeopardized each year the crisis persists. Urgent intervention from governments and medical professionals can prevent tens of millions of deaths in coming decades.

Recent research published in Cell identified a unique strategy bacteria use to defend against phage attacks, called Kiwa. The study also revealed two strategies phages use to overcome Kiwa. These tactics could inform new therapies to combat bacterial strains with AMR.

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The Justinian Plague was the first pandemic in world history, spanning 541-750 CE. The previously unidentified pathogen unleashed massive destruction on the Byzantine Empire, brining tens of millions to their graves. Among historians, debates surrounding the plague’s origins have been marred in controversy. Now, the age-old question can finally be put to rest.

Researchers at the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University made a groundbreaking discovery. Along with Indian and Australian colleagues, they recovered Yersinia Pestis microbes from Jerash, Jordan. This city sits near the location historians have marked as the plague’s epicenter. Thus, publications from USF and FAU now claim Y. Pestis caused the world’s first pandemic.

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For Jimi Olaghere, the opportunity to receive gene editing treatment changed everything. All of his life, he had suffered constant pain and organ dysfunction. The experimental CRISPR treatment Olaghere received transformed his symptoms and gave him his life back. However, he notes that for so many with genetic disease, including those with sickle cell, there are huge barriers to treatment.

Now, researchers at Northwestern University have made strides that could increase CRISPR’s accessibility and effectiveness. They experimented with a nanostructure that boosts the ability of gene editing materials to enter cells. The results could help CRISPR realize a fuller potential in treating genetic diseases. The medicine was three times more effective and far safer than previous methods.

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For those who menstruate, monthly cycles often bring discomfort and disruption. Health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, and heart disease can further interfere with hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. Now, researchers have identified another factor that can disrupt the menstrual cycle: Long COVID.

A new study strongly associates Long COVID with increased menstrual flow, longer duration, missed periods, and unexpected bleeding between cycles. These findings shed light on how the virus continues to affect health beyond initial infection and may guide future treatment for irregular menstruation.

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