In a new study titled “Enteric Viruses and Free-Living Amoebae: Protozoa as Potential Reservoirs and Transport Vessels for human Norovirus and Adenovirus,” published in Water & Ecology, an international team of researchers demonstrated that human norovirus (HNoV) and adenovirus (HAdV) can reside within environmental free-living amoebae (FLA) for up to 12 days. Viruses remained infectious within amoebae while encapsulated, protected from amoebal digestion and structural degradation. The detection of HAdV mRNA further suggests possible viral replication. These findings indicate that FLA may serve as environmental reservoirs and transmission vessels for enteric viruses—challenging the current water treatment efficacy and underscoring the need for updated public health guidance.

A professional musician’s ability to regulate their emotional state plays an important role in guaranteeing a successful performance. Previous studies have explored how anxiety affects the nervous system, leading to lower performance quality. However, the characterization of the optimal pre-performance state was unclear and required further exploration. Now, however, researchers have examined the role of unique, positive life events in modulating nervous system activities of musicians and how they positively influence performances.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions and lacks effective treatments due to safety concerns, cost, and growing drug resistance. In a recent study, researchers from Japan discovered that onnamides, compounds isolated from marine sponges in Okinawa, exhibit potent anti-leishmanial properties. These molecules showed high efficacy and low toxicity in laboratory tests, offering a promising foundation for new therapies targeting leishmaniasis and other protozoa-derived infections.

In the last year, 38% of people age 50 and over said another adult attended at least one of their health care appointments, and 34% have accompanied another person over 50 to at least one appointment. Spouses, partners and grown children were the most common "care companions" cited.

It is well established that gut microbiome composition plays a pivotal role in human health – yet the precise connections are still not fully elucidated. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have moved a step closer to understanding these complex interactions: they have identified a cellular mechanism that alters the gut microbiome in a way that promotes cancer. An analysis of patient data shows that the findings also apply to humans.