The Black Death, or plague, is one of the most infamous diseases in human history. It caused huge loss of life, especially during its second pandemic in the 14th century. Cases of plague still crop up worldwide, though nowhere near the extent they used to.

Recent scientific inquiry has unveiled specific details about the Black Death’s possible origins. Additionally, an organism has been identified as a possible overlooked plague vector. These insights could alter how scientists understand the Black Death’s past and present.

[Read more…]

Only one vaccine prevents cancer: the HPV vaccine. It reduces rates of multiple forms of carcinoma.

Contrary to belief, the HPV vaccine benefits all genders. Despite its effectiveness, vaccination rates are low. In the U.S., only a small majority of teens complete the series; adults are even less likely.

Improved education and distribution could save hundreds of thousands of lives.

[Read more…]

Dengue fever cases are rising globally, worrying experts. The virus is spreading to areas where it wasn’t found before, including the United States.

Treatment options for dengue fever are very limited. As global case numbers break records, researchers are rushing to find real solutions. New developments promise innovative approaches to dengue prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

[Read more…]

The Black Death is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It may have killed up to half of Europe’s population.

Two years ago, researchers suggested that the plague might have left marks in human DNA. But recent studies disagree with these findings. Other studies highlight possible flaws in the methods used. More research is needed to finally resolve the debate about the plague’s impact on human DNA.

[Read more…]

West African nations have been inoculating against smallpox for centuries. African, Arab, and Asian communities used this practice for safe trade.

Africans brought smallpox prevention to the Americas before the 18th century. Later, Edward Jenner used these ancient techniques to invent the first vaccine.

This tool became crucial in the 20th-century effort to eradicate smallpox. The virus claimed hundreds of millions of lives before global cooperation stopped it.

Now, West Africa faces a new, related viral disease: mpox. Formerly called monkeypox, mpox has infected over 30,000 Africans in 2024 alone.

Africa helped create vaccines. It now needs them from the rest of the world to fight the mpox crisis.

[Read more…]