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New research about an old vaccine – one that has been in use for nearly 100 years – has not only shown how effective it is but also suggests it improves our immune response to a wider range of bacteria than originally intended.

Gut microbes produce compounds that prime immune cells to destroy harmful viruses in the brain and nervous system, according to a new study. The findings suggest that having healthy and diverse microbiota is essential for quickly clearing viruses in the nervous system to prevent paralysis and other risks associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Getting the flu shot while pregnant is safe for both mothers and babies and saves lives, a finding that researchers hope will help tackle vaccination concerns.

A challenge often faced by clinicians is how to best address complex clinical problems within the health care setting. These problems may look simple at face value, for example, improving mobility amongst older inpatients, but they are often complex, including several components and requiring multiple groups or teams to change their behaviours.

Every pregnant woman knows that just as they are settling down for the evening, their babies kick into party mode. Now a University of Auckland-led study shows it is entirely normal in late pregnancy for babies to be more active in the evening and bedtime, and that babies’ movements tend to keep getting stronger even as they come to term. 

Self-care guidance from nurses can equip patients with the skills and knowledge they need to manage the risks associated with taking disease-modifying drugs for inflammatory arthritis, according to a landmark study.

The World Health Organization has urged governments around the world to implement a new tool to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance, as part of a new global campaign.

A group of drugs often prescribed for epilepsy and neuropathic pain are linked to an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, according to a study by international researchers from Sweden, the UK and the US.

Working night shifts does not increase the risk of breast cancer, according to a major new analysis by UK researchers who hope their findings will provide reassurance to female employees such as nurses.

Conflict can arise between health professionals and the parents of children not only where there is disagreement on the withdrawal or withholding of life sustaining treatment but also in more general routine care. A new paper for paediatricians and other health professionals suggests ways to help reduce conflict.