Wildfires ignite infection risks by weakening the body’s immune defenses and spreading bugs in smoke
Over the past several days, the world has watched on in shock as wildfires have devastated large parts of Los Angeles.
Health
What the color of your snot says about your immune health
Ever wondered why the color of your snot is different when you’re sick? You’re probably not the first person to ask this question.
Playing in mud and dirt can boost your child’s immune system—here’s how
With the popularity of CleanTok on social media, we’re constantly being reminded about how dirty everything around us is. But while you might feel you should disinfect every surface in your home or send your child off to school with antibacterial gels …
How vitamin D deficiency can lead to autoimmune diseases
As Canadians brace for “vitamin D winter”—months when the sun’s angle is too low to produce the vitamin in the skin—a McGill University study explains why vitamin D deficiency early in life is associated with a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.
No evidence for belief that nut allergens spread through aircraft ventilation systems, say experts
There is no evidence for the commonly held belief that nut allergens can be spread through aircraft ventilation systems, say allergy and aviation medicine specialists in an evidence review published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Your gas stove might be making your asthma worse: What you can do about it
We may think of air pollution as an outdoor problem, made up of car exhaust and smog. But if the air inside our homes is polluted, this can also affect our health.
Why are some more likely to get sick—and how can they boost their immune system?
It has been a long winter, filled with many viruses and cost-of-living pressures, on top of the usual mix of work, study, life admin and caring responsibilities.
Researchers warn of allergy risks from insect-based foods
James Cook University researchers say food derived from crickets and flies can cause allergic reactions in people with existing shellfish allergy—and this is not consistently picked up by currently available testing methods. Their study is published in…
The human virome: Why viruses could be as important for good health as gut bacteria
We often hear about the importance of the human microbiome—the vast collection of bacteria and fungi that live on and inside us—when it comes to our health. But there’s another, equally important part of this microbial community that remains far less k…
Ultra-processed foods: Here’s how they may affect the way the immune system functions
In our fast-paced world, convenience can often come at the cost of nutrition. This shift has led to an increased reliance on ultra-processed foods.