6-May-2026 Countries with seasonal influenza programs achieved 2.5× higher COVID-19 vaccination coverage, study finds The Partnership for International Vaccine Initiatives New report from the Partnership for International Vaccine Initiatives Finds Countries with Seasonal Influenza Programs Achieved 2.5× Higher COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Journal Vaccine
6-May-2026 Land conservation restores soil health in endangered Brazilian Atlantic Forest South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Protecting old-growth forests significantly boosts soil physical–biochemical quality, dissolved organic matter chemodiversity, and beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, offering a proven pathway to safeguard endangered Ocotea porosa and mitigate climate change. Journal Biological Diversity Funder National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Paraíba State Research Foundation (FAPESQ-PB)
6-May-2026 Kidney stones and AI Wroclaw Medical University Chatbots can provide fast, clear answers about symptoms, and a study from Wroclaw Medical University shows they are usually correct. The problem isn’t obvious errors, but partially accurate answers that sound convincing while missing key clinical details. In conditions like urinary tract stones—where treatment depends on many factors—such simplifications can mislead patients, delay care, or lead to risky self-treatment. AI can help patients understand a problem and prepare for a doctor’s visit. But it cannot replace medical consultation, where information is assessed in full clinical context. Journal Artificial Intelligence Review
5-May-2026 New laterite biochar composite offers sustainable solution for arsenic-contaminated water Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University Arsenic contamination in water remains a serious public health challenge in many parts of the world, especially in regions where groundwater is widely used for drinking and irrigation. A study published in Biochar reports an eco-friendly adsorbent made from biochar and laterite minerals that can efficiently remove both major forms of arsenic from water while remaining regenerable and safe for disposal. Journal Biochar
4-May-2026 Biochar can boost soil microbial life by more than 20%, global field study finds Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University A global analysis of field experiments suggests that biochar, a carbon-rich material made by heating organic biomass with limited oxygen, can significantly increase soil microbial biomass carbon, an important indicator of soil health and biological activity. Journal Biochar
4-May-2026 Invasive plant transformed into biochar helps suppress tomato bacterial wilt and improve soil health Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University A plant best known as an ecological problem may offer a new tool for healthier soils and more resilient crops. A study published in Biochar reports that biochar made from Solidago canadensis L., an invasive plant in southern China, can be modified with silicon to suppress bacterial wilt, improve soil quality, and promote beneficial soil microbes. Journal Biochar
3-May-2026 Emergency departments failing Australians with psychosocial disability Adelaide University Emergency departments are failing Australians with psychosocial disability, as new research from Adelaide University reveals that the very system designed to help, is instead retraumatising vulnerable patients in crisis. Journal Emergency Medicine Australasia Funder This work was supported by MIND Australia
1-May-2026 Biochar and beneficial microbes team up to clean toxic soils and boost plant growth Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University Heavy metal pollution from mining and industrial activities continues to threaten soils, ecosystems, and human health worldwide. Contaminants such as lead and zinc can persist in soils for decades, entering the food chain and posing serious risks. A study offers a promising, nature-based solution by combining biochar with a carefully designed community of beneficial microorganisms to enhance plant-driven cleanup of polluted soils. Journal Biochar
1-May-2026 Medicaid restrictions could lead to over 1 million missed cancer screenings University of Chicago Medical Center Analysis indicates that upcoming funding cuts and changes to federal Medicaid eligibility rules could lead to dramatic reductions in cancer screening for millions of Americans, ultimately worsening patient outcomes. Journal JAMA Oncology
