EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Infectious Diseases

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This month, we’re focusing on infectious diseases, a topic that affects lives and communities around the world. Here, you’ll find the latest research news, insights, and discoveries shaping how infectious diseases are being studied, prevented, and treated globally.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 9-Jan-2026 13:11 ET (9-Jan-2026 18:11 GMT/UTC)

15-Dec-2025

Households using more of the most popular WIC food benefits stay in the program longer, UW study finds

University of Washington
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The WIC program provides families with cash benefits to purchase food in specific categories. New research finds that households who redeem more of their benefits in the most popular food categories are more likely to remain in the program long-term.

Journal: JAMA Network Open

15-Dec-2025

Survey: Half of US adults resolve to start a new diet in 2026

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Reports and Proceedings

Nearly half of U.S. adults say starting a new diet is one of their New Year’s resolutions, according to a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey. More than 80% of respondents said the cost of groceries is important when choosing a weight-loss plan, but only 6% say they’ll try a plant-based or vegan diet, which research shows is among the least expensive and most effective for losing weight and keeping it off.

15-Dec-2025

Jeonbuk National University researchers explore the impact of different seasonings on the flavor perception of Doenjang soup

Jeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Doenjang, a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste, contains natural umami and kokumi-active compounds. A new study from Jeonbuk National University found that monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nucleotide-based seasonings affect doenjang soup differently. Nucleotides mainly boost umami, while MSG strongly enhances both umami and kokumi, resulting in higher consumer acceptance.

Journal: Food Quality and Preference

15-Dec-2025

National Poll: Few parents offer teens guidance on healthy eating during holiday season

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan
Reports and Proceedings

While parents recognize concerns about their teen’s eating habits, few provide concrete strategies to help them make healthy decisions during festive gatherings, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

12-Dec-2025

Supplemental nutrition assistance program policies and food insecurity

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: In this cross-sectional study, adoption of state-level policies associated with higher Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation was also associated with lower county-level food insecurity rates. Policies that lower barriers to SNAP participation may help address rising food insecurity rates observed in 2022 and 2023.

Journal: JAMA Health Forum

12-Dec-2025

Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children

Taylor & Francis Group
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth when carefully planned with appropriate supplementation, finds a major new meta-analysis – the most comprehensive study to-date of plant-based diets in children.

Journal: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

11-Dec-2025

Clean water access improves child health in Mozambique, study shows

University of Notre Dame
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In Mozambique, more than one in three children under five suffer from stunting, or impaired physical growth. New research from Santosh Kumar Gautam, associate professor of development and global health economics at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, shows that improving access to safe drinking water can reduce the odds of stunting by about 20 percent, making it one of the most effective interventions for child growth.

Journal: Children