The new coronavirus typically spreads when droplets from an infected patient’s coughs or sneezes land on or get inhaled by another person. According to the World Health Organisation, the virus is not airborne and does not spread between people who are more than 6 feet apart. Some research, however, suggests […]

Airlines are turning to hospital-grade disinfectants to clean planes that may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus. Qantas and Korean Air, which evacuated people from the virus’ epicentre, used disinfectants designed to kill bugs like herpes, MERS, HIV, avian flu, and salmonella, according to Bloomberg. United Airlines cleans planes […]

The coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China, has killed at least 2,250 people and infected more than 76,000. Research from a group of Chinese scientists suggests the virus’ incubation period could be as long as 24 days. Another case study found that an asymptomatic patient’s incubation period was 19 […]

A coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China, has killed at least 259 people and infected more than 11,000. Coronaviruses are zoonotic diseases, meaning they can pass from animals to humans. Both this virus and SARS likely originated in bats, then jumped to people. In the last 50 years, at least […]

Illnesses that can pass from animals to humans are known as zoonotic. These types of illnesses can be common and are typically spread through contact with animals or animal waste. Rabies is a famous zoonotic disease, but other examples include giardia and ringworm. Make sure to wash your hands after […]

The Vibrio vulnificus species of bacteria thrives in warm salty or brackish water. This type of bacteria, along with Streptococcus, can cause a flesh-eating disease that sometimes results in amputations or death. People can contract a Vibrio infection after wading in contaminated water with an open wound or eating raw […]

A fungus called candida auris is spreading around the world at an alarming rate because it is resistant to drug treatments. Some experts believe the global increase in candida auris is due in part to climate change. Drug-resistant “superbugs” like candida auris evolve to resist existing treatments. That makes them […]

As average temperatures rise around the world, the geographic area in which disease-carrying mosquitoes can thrive and transmit illnesses like the Zika virus and dengue fever is expected to grow. According to a new study, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise unabated, nearly 1 billion new people will be […]

Beneficial human microbiota, largely found in the gut, can help people digest food and maintain a healthy immune system. The diversity of microbiota among residents of urbanized countries has decreased dramatically in the past several decades. At the same time, the incidence of inflammatory diseases has gone up. A group […]

I tried an at-home gut-microbiome test kit made from the Silicon Valley startup uBiome. Founded in 2012, uBiome raised $US105 million from investors on the promise of exploring the microbiome, a ‘forgotten organ.’ The startup is now in hot water on the heels of an FBI investigation and new revelations […]

A viral illness that’s never been known to infect humans, Keystone virus, was identified in a Florida boy, according to a recent study. Keystone virus is widespread in the Southeast and is part of a family of viruses that can cause encephalitis, or brain inflammation. This case is a reminder […]

There’s more bad news for people who have unprotected sex. As well as super-gonorrhea, syphilis is on the rise. There were 20% more cases in England in the past year, and 148% more than in 2008. The public health advice for prevention is still the same – just wear a […]

HTLV-1, an ancient virus similar to HIV, is spreading around Australia’s Northern Territory. Some 40% of adults in certain parts of Australia, mostly indigenous communities, carry the virus. There’s little research into how to treat and prevent HTLV-1, and doctors are calling for more research. An ancient virus similar to […]

If there's anyone billionaire Bill Gates looks...

What body shape are you? Apple, Pear, or...

The Honduras government is fighting to save land threatened by illegal cattle ranching, which contributes to deforestation. The land is home to the treasured Moskitia rainforest, the second-largest rainforest in Central America and a key player in the fight against climate change. It’s also home to the vaunted “White City,” […]

VIDEO: Many of us take our phones with us wherever we go, including the bathroom. We were curious how this affected the phones, and if there could be any bacteria, pathogens, or anything else on them.