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: 10-Jan-2026 02:11 ET (10-Jan-2026 07:11 GMT/UTC)
Inside the gut: What our poo could tell us about our diet, gut microbes and health
King's College LondonPeer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers from King’s College London have found that molecules in stool samples can accurately reflect what people eat and how their gut microbiome responds, offering a potential new tool to study nutrition and its impact on health.
- Journal
- Nature Communications
Quality improvement project results in increased screening and treatment for iron deficiency in pregnancy
American Society of HematologyReports and Proceedings
Within a year of initiation, a multidisciplinary project to improve screening and treatment for iron deficiency in pregnancy resulted in a sixfold rise in screening rates for iron deficiency in pregnant patients, a 20-fold rise in the number of intravenous (IV) iron infusions, and a significant improvement in median hemoglobin levels.
- Meeting
- 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition
IV iron improves survival, increases hemoglobin in hospitalized patients with iron-deficiency anemia and an acute infection
American Society of HematologyReports and Proceedings
- Meeting
- 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition
A newly identified pear gene reveals how red fruit color is fine-tuned
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of ScienceAnthocyanins are essential plant pigments that determine fruit coloration and contribute to stress protection and human nutrition.
- Journal
- Horticulture Research
American College of Cardiology supports front of package nutrition labeling
American College of CardiologyPeer-Reviewed Publication
Simplifying nutrition information can empower consumers to make healthier, more informed dietary choices and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to guidance issued by the American College of Cardiology and published in JACC, its flagship journal. The new guidance supports a standardized front-of-packaging food labeling system that highlights key nutrients to limit or encourage.
- Journal
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Prehab can improve recovery after surgery, but barriers remain
The Ottawa HospitalPeer-Reviewed Publication
A clinical trial led by Canadian researchers shows that prehabilitation (also called prehab) can reduce disability after surgery in older adults with frailty, provided they are able to fully take part in the prehab program. The trial enrolled 847 older adults living with frailty from 13 surgical centres across Canada. Half were randomized to receive a home-based prehab program, focused on exercise and nutrition, for at least three weeks before surgery.
- Journal
- JAMA Surgery
- Funder
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, University of Ottawa