Researchers at the University of Oxford have pioneered a new approach to simulate turbulent systems, based on probabilities. The findings have been published today (29 January) in the journal Science Advances.

Researchers have developed a powerful tool that can detect variants of SARS-CoV-2 with high transmission potential before they become widespread. This approach could significantly support public health efforts to control outbreaks and help identify new variants that need closer monitoring.

About The Study: This repeated cross-sectional study including 69.2 million obesity management drug dispensed prescriptions revealed an increase from 0.76 million in July 2017 to 1.5 million in February 2024, with an upward trend in monthly phentermine and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist prescriptions. There was a robust positive correlation between public online search activity for semaglutide and tirzepatide and their prescription trends. The joint surge in prescriptions and online searches and their close correlation highlight the real-time associations between public awareness and prescription trends. 

A new meta-analysis evaluating condom use across 249 studies and more than a quarter million U.S. teens finds that simply having knowledge about safer sex practices is not enough to encourage condom use. The analysis suggests teens also need to feel confident about buying and using condoms, they need to plan to use them, and they need to be able to communicate effectively with their partners about condom use.