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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Imagine waking up with the flu one morning, calling out sick, and spending time resting and recovering. A week passes, and symptoms linger. Then two or three weeks slip by, and still no relief. Now picture over 100 weeks passing with the same unrelenting illness.

One man experienced this with COVID-19, worsened by his suppressed immune system. He endured acute symptoms for more than 750 days. Throughout this time, he visited the hospital five times because of his constant respiratory struggles.

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Unlike in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, electricity cannot reanimate dead bodies. Yet new research shows the fictional idea isn’t far off. Electrical stimulation may boost the body’s natural healing processes.

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that electrical stimulation can reboot macrophages. These white blood cells either move through tissues or reside within them. At injury sites, they reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in treating injuries and disease.

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Autumn brings many things: cooler weather, pumpkin carving, and longer walks outside. Yet the season also carries a downside—rising rates of respiratory illness.

The Nimbus variant of COVID-19 was uncovered in the summer of 2025. Now, as fall begins, another newly identified variant has appeared: Stratus, more formally known as XFG. Stratus is a recombinant virus, formed from two variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. It first emerged in Canada but has since spread worldwide.

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For as long as mosquitoes have been biting humans, one question has persisted: what makes certain people so tasty? Is it bananas, garlic, clothing color, or blood type?

Most of these common beliefs have no evidence behind them. But a recent field experiment may finally offer some real clarity. Researchers found that certain hedonistic habits made people more attractive to mosquitoes—specifically beer drinking, sleeping with partners, and skipping sunscreen.

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COVID-19 cases are stable or declining across most U.S. states. The CDC reports 36 states show declining or likely declining infections. Only one state shows growth, while 10 states remain unchanged. In some U.S. states and territories, the data is still inconclusive.

Even with cases dropping, new COVID-19 treatments remain essential. Future surges or infectious new variants could still emerge. Researchers are actively seeking therapies to lower risks for patients.

A study from King’s College London tested inhaled heparin. Results showed lower risk of severe complications and reduced need for ventilation. The drug also showed promise for other respiratory infections

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When I had Valley Fever, I spent months facing misdiagnoses. At one point, I received intravenous antibiotics at an urgent care clinic. Because Valley Fever is a fungal infection, those antibiotics could not help. Misapplied treatments like this add to a larger crisis: antibiotic resistance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alarming report on NDM-producing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterioles (NDM-CREs). These are dangerous strains of bacteria that resist nearly all antibiotics. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, shows infections rose more than 460% between 2019 and 2023.

NDM-CRE infections can include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. They are extremely hard to treat and can be fatal. Detection is also difficult, since many clinical labs lack the tools to identify them.

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In October 2020, then 69-year-old Chicago resident Linda Tomcow tested positive for COVID-19. A chest X-ray later showed pneumonia after several weeks of illness. In May 2021, she began cognitive rehabilitation for ongoing symptoms. Doctors also found mild brain scarring caused by COVID-19.

The scarring was believed to be behind her severe brain fog symptoms. Tomcow sought help from many specialists, including a pulmonologist and neurologist. She also visited a neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist.

Tomcow represents thousands who live with Long COVID brain fog. This broad term refers to lasting fatigue and cognitive difficulties. In one recent study, researchers used brain imaging to find a biomarker. The biomarker was connected to brain fog in Long COVID patients.

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