ME/CFS and long-COVID are post-viral illnesses with overlapping symptoms. These include fatigue, brain fog, gut problems, and exercise-related crashes. But the exact cause of these conditions is still not known. This gap limits efforts to create effective treatments.

Researchers now propose a new explanation for how these begin. They believe viral infections damage blood vessel cells called endothelium. This damage can happen directly or through other immune responses.

In certain body areas, these damaged cells may become senescent. Senescent cells stop working properly but still send strong chemical signals in a “zombie-like” state. This occurrence is called the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, or SASP.

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If immune system cells appreciated music, they’d probably love “Here Comes the Sun” as much as the rest of us do. A new study suggests daylight boosts the infection-fighting power of neutrophils, the body’s most common white blood cells. Neutrophils have internal clocks that respond to light. When the sun is up, these clocks activate and help neutrophils kill bacteria more effectively.

Researchers at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, conducted the study. They used transparent zebrafish, which have immune systems similar to humans. Zebrafish are ideal for studying how cells behave in real time.

The study’s findings could lead to new treatments that target neutrophil clocks to improve immunity. Neutrophils are key players in defending the body against bacterial infections. By understanding how light affects their activity, scientists may unlock new ways to boost the immune system.

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Sometimes, small changes bring unexpected benefits. A person with sore feet might buy orthopedic shoes. Suddenly, their nighttime back pain improves due to better posture. In medicine, small shifts can create similar ripple effects.

A new study shows this may be true for some vaccines. Shingrix and Arexvy protect against shingles and RSV, respectively. But they may also reduce the risk of dementia. The research, published in npj Vaccines, revealed striking results.

Both vaccines contain the immune-boosting adjuvant known as AS01. Shingrix recipients showed an 18% lower risk of dementia. Those who received Arexvy saw a 29% reduced risk. Together, the vaccines lowered dementia risk by 37%.

The results suggest dementia may not be a standalone disease. Instead, it could reflect an immune disorder within the brain. This shifts how we understand, prevent, and possibly treat dementia.

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The brain may serve as a watchtower for the immune system. It spots possible infection threats and sounds the internal alarm. As a result, the immune system may react before a virus ever enters the body.

A new study explored how the brain senses and prepares for infection. The findings show how this early response may prime immune defenses in advance.

Researchers used virtual reality to show sick avatars approaching participants. These avatars moved into participants’ peripersonal space—the area immediately near the body. The brain responded to this possible threat before any real contact happened.

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When asked about cancer risk, many think of poor lifestyle choices. People may mention alcohol, diet, lack of exercise, or even plastic exposure. But a common stomach infection may pose a far greater threat.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that infects the stomach lining. It spreads through contaminated food or water and often goes unnoticed. Many cases require antibiotics, though some infections resolve on their own.

A new study in Nature Medicine explored this bacterium as a hidden stomach cancer risk factor. Researchers focused on people born between 2008 and 2017 worldwide. They estimate that 15.6 million people in this group will develop gastric cancer. Of these, 11.9 million cases—or 76%—are linked to H. pylori.

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