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Disease
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Disease. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
A German butcher prepares pork. South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture has banned all pork imports from Germany after a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Photo: dpa
South Korea

South Korea bans pork from Germany after outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease

The outbreak represents the first known cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany since 1988.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s children suffer amid climate change-fuelled floods and disease

‘No new virus’ in China and flu rates lower this year, health authorities say

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Wellness

That morning coffee is doing wonders for your health, says new study

Researchers at Tulane University have found drinking coffee in the morning appears to be better for health outcomes than caffeinating throughout the day – though they don’t know why.

A barista pours a freshly made coffee. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

3 fitness trends for 2025, including advances in wearable tech

Leading global trends in the American College of Sports Medicine’s 2025 report include advances in wearable tech beyond tracking steps.

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Wellness

Iodine deficiency has made a comeback. The risks, and how to get enough

Iodised salt all but eradicated iodine deficiency years ago, but cases are now rising. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable.

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Wellness

Explainer | What are functional foods and should you be having them?

Functional foods claiming to provide all kinds of health benefits are blowing up on social media, but few examples have scientific backing.

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Some functional foods and beverages can be good for you, a doctor says, including products that have been fortified or enriched with a specific ingredient, like drinks fortified with vitamin B, or foods for specific dietary needs, like gluten-free or lactose-free products. But many others do not live up to their marketing. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

How a Japanese electric spoon could help reduce the salt in your diet

The spoon uses an electric current to make food taste saltier, so you don’t feel the need to add more, and the risks of salt overconsumption.

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Hong Kong weather

Flu outbreaks surge at Hong Kong schools as cold weather warning issued

The forecaster issued the warning at 6am, expecting the weather to be persistently cold over next few days.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong health officials take aim at 168 schools for not joining flu jab drive

Official urges members of the public to get vaccinated as surveillance data shows Hong Kong has entered the flu season.

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Health officials say the flu vaccination can reduce serious complications and lower school absenteeism. Photo: Edmond So
Science

Chinese doctors surprised by reports of HMPV surge, say flu is a bigger problem

International media reports have said hospitals are being ‘overwhelmed’ by cases, but medical staff say that is not the case.

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A baby waits to be seen by medical staff at a hospital in Hangzhou in eastern China. Medical staff say cases of flu are far more common this winter. Photo: AFP
Australia

Scientists in Australia breed mosquitoes with ‘toxic’ semen to curb diseases

The ‘toxic male technique’ aims to breed male mosquitoes that kill disease-spreading females through the act of mating.

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Wellness

Coffee drinkers less at risk of head and neck cancers, new study finds

People who drink more than four cups of coffee a day are less at risk and even decaf coffee is found to have benefits, the analysis says.

Bird flu viruses

US records its first human death from bird flu

The 65-year-old patient had underlying conditions and was infected by exposure to sick and dead birds.

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Since March, 66 confirmed bird flu infections have been reported in the US. File photo: Reuters
Wellness

5 simple checks for dementia, starting with a clock drawing test

Is it dementia? A popular neurologist uses five simple tests of cognitive function to help gauge the health of a patient’s brain.

The clock-drawing test requires a person to be able to interpret the placement of the hands in relation to the numbers. It is an ability often lost in people with early dementia. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

What I realised reading my dad’s letters to my late mom as he lay dying

It took all her courage, but Barbara J. Ferraro read the wartime letters aloud to her father as his body withered, and finally understood.

Bird flu viruses

US allocates US$306 million in new bird flu funding before Trump takes office

US has reported 66 human cases of bird flu since the start of 2024, though experts believe the true number could be higher.

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Wellness

Mind-body interaction: a healthy body makes a healthy mind and vice versa

Our mindset, attitude and emotions affect our physical health, and having a healthy lifestyle improves our mental well-being.

Positive self-belief is linked to lower stress levels and better physical health. It is one example of mind-body interaction. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Pancreatic cancer needs catching early. The signs and symptoms to look for

The disease is rarely found in time for lifesaving treatment, and kills about half a million people annually; here is what to look for.

Wellness

How gender stereotyping of girls with ADHD delays diagnosis often until adulthood

Despite signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during childhood, it is often not diagnosed until adulthood, especially in women.

Bird flu viruses

‘Worrisome’ mutations found in H5N1 bird flu virus isolated from Canadian teen

A Canadian teenager has fully recovered from H5N1 bird flu, but genetic analysis revealed concerning mutations in the virus.

This colourised electron microscope image shows avian influenza A H5N1 virus particles (yellow). File photo: CDC/NIAID via AP
Coronavirus pandemic

WHO implores China to share data, access to learn about Covid-19’s origins

‘Without transparency, sharing and cooperation, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.’.

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University students queue to receive the China National Biotec Group (CNBG) Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine at a university in Wuhan, in China’s central Hubei province in April 2021. Photo: AFP
Wellness

Trucks converted to mobile clinics offer medical services to Greek islands

Free dental and medical consultations, and scans, are provided by truck to people of Greece’s remote islands and regions.

Bird flu viruses

New bird flu mutation discovered in US as cat infections cause alarm

A cat in Oregon died after eating raw pet food confirmed to be contaminated with H5N1, prompting recall of a Northwest Naturals’ product.

Science

Chinese scientists show animal brain changes while awake through neural imaging

Microscopy technology is promising because of potential for taking live imaging of the brain and other organs and tissues, say researchers.

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A Chinese Academy of Sciences team says their microscopy technique overcomes being limited to imaging cultured cells, tissue sections or anaesthetised animals. Image: Shutterstock
Wellness

How easy is it to lower your biological age? 8-week plan shows big results

A study shows women needed two months to lower their biological ages by years – by eating and sleeping better and exercising. You could, too.

A specially designed diet and a lifestyle programme helped six women in a study lower their chronological age b years in a matter of weeks. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Personal health forecasts based on DNA are getting close to reality

Personal well-being guides based on our genetic make-up that have the potential to predict disease risks are becoming increasingly possible.

Wellness

5 years after pandemic began, long Covid still turns lives upside down

Two victims describe lingering, debilitating symptoms that keep them from reclaiming their lives; WHO expert describes barriers to diagnosis.

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