The Black Death is often seen as a relic of the past. Many believe plague no longer affects modern people or communities. But plague still causes illness and death around the world today. In July 2025, Coconino County, Arizona reported its first pneumonic plague death in 18 years.

Nearly 1000 years after the first major outbreak, a new vaccine emerged. Researchers have created an mRNA-based vaccine against Yersinia pestis. This bacterium causes both bubonic and pneumonic plague. The vaccine marks the first mRNA vaccine to target a bacterial pathogen. The research was published in Advanced Science.

The vaccine was conceived by Tel Aviv University and Israel’s Biological Research Institute. It uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver modified bacterial protein instructions. These help human cells produce plague antigens to train the immune system. Tests in animal models showed strong protection against deadly plague strains.

This breakthrough offers hope beyond plague prevention. The technology could lead to vaccines for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These bacteria cause hard-to-treat infections and kill thousands each year. Drug-resistant infections are expected to worsen in coming decades.

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A new study in Science identified piperacillin for treating Lyme disease. Researchers tested nearly 500 FDA-approved compounds to find effective drugs. Piperacillin, related to penicillin, best eliminated Lyme-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi.

Doxycycline is currently the main treatment but has significant drawbacks. It harms helpful gut bacteria, causes side effects, and affects children negatively. Doxycycline also leaves 10–20% of Lyme disease cases incompletely treated. Piperacillin provides targeted treatment of Borrelia burgdorferi with fewer side effects.

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If someone leaves their car unlocked, they may face theft. Such an experience often makes them more cautious in the future. Similarly, a common cold infection may prepare the immune system. This preparation can help protect against future threats like COVID-19.

Researchers at National Jewish Health studied this connection. They found prior rhinovirus infection could cut COVID-19 risk nearly in half. This protection may help explain why children have milder COVID-19 symptoms. Children often face more colds than adults, boosting immune readiness.

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One of the most remembered facts from biology class is about mitochondria. They’re called the “powerhouse of the cell” because they help make energy. But new research published in Cell reveals another crucial role. Mitochondria also help your immune system detect and trap harmful bacteria.

Inside neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, mitochondria act as sensors. They detect a chemical called lactate, which is made by bacteria during infection. When mitochondria sense lactate, they send a signal inside the neutrophil. This signal tells the neutrophil to launch a defense called a NET.

NETs, or neutrophil extracellular traps, are sticky webs made of DNA and proteins. These webs trap bacteria and help stop them from spreading. Scientists once thought NETs only formed from stress or damage inside cells. But this study shows NETs can also form in response to bacterial activity.

The discovery shows that mitochondria do more than make energy. They help your immune system respond to threats and fight off infection.

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A new study published in Virulence reveals how lung infections involving more than one type of bacteria suppress the immune system.

Mycobacterium abscessus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa often coinfect patients with chronic lung conditions. People with cystic fibrosis (CF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially at risk.

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