Health

As the world breathes easier after weathering the 2022–23 global mpox outbreak, another more lethal strain of the virus is surging in central Africa — largely ignored, underfunded, and under-monitored.

Hypersensitivity to cold—especially ice-cold feet—and a sensation of heaviness in the legs may be important, yet under-recognized indicators of varicose veins, according to a new large-scale study published in the journal Open Heart.

In a breakthrough that bridges the gap between physical and mental health, researchers at McMaster University have identified a novel link between body fat and anxiety. Published in Nature Metabolism, the study reveals how psychological stress activates fat cells in a way that directly impacts anxiety-related brain activity, offering new hope for future treatments.

A new study out of Sweden has found that initiating combination cholesterol-lowering therapy early after a heart attack can significantly reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events and death. The findings, published by researchers at Lund University and based on data from over 36,000 patients, challenge existing global treatment guidelines and could prompt a shift in how post-heart attack care is delivered.

Babies napping in dark, quiet rooms may not be getting the best start for restful nights, according to one of Britain’s leading infant sleep researchers. Instead, Professor Helen Ball, a scientific adviser for The Lullaby Trust, suggests that babies should nap in light-filled rooms with everyday background noises — such as the hum of a washing machine — to foster healthier and more natural sleep patterns.

Australia is facing an unusually early and potentially severe flu season, prompting strong recommendations from healthcare experts for early vaccination. Doctors across the country are warning that the influenza virus is already circulating rapidly, with cases surging significantly higher than this time last year. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian Medical Association are urging the public—especially vulnerable populations—to receive their flu shots now, before the virus reaches its expected peak in the coming winter months.

A groundbreaking doctoral thesis by Andreea Badache at Örebro University has found that good hearing and vision are strongly associated with better cognitive health in older adults. The findings, based on extensive data analysis across Europe, offer significant implications for public health strategies, healthcare policy, and the quality of life in ageing populations.

Health authorities have issued a warning after six people were hospitalised with Legionnaires’ disease following visits to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) over the past three weeks. NSW Health is urging anyone who has been in the area within the last 10 days to remain vigilant for symptoms of the potentially life-threatening infection.