Changing habits like quitting smoking or managing stress is hard – but crucial. Motivational interviewing (MI), a proven counseling method that sparks internal motivation, works well but isn’t widely used due to time and training demands. Now, AI tools like ChatGPT are stepping in, simulating MI conversations anytime, anywhere. A new review shows these tools are promising and well-received, but questions remain: Do they truly reflect MI’s core principles? Can they drive real, lasting change? The answer could reshape digital health interventions.

The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) today announced the launch of Immunology Explained, a public communications initiative designed to connect people everywhere with clear, science-based information about the immune system and its impact on health. Immunology Explained will cover a broad range of immunology topics including vaccines, autoimmunity, cancer immunotherapy, and infectious diseases.

The Herpes simplex virus is a widespread virus that often causes cold sores, and most people carry it. By removing a virulence gene, i.e. a gene that makes the virus harmful to humans, the herpes virus can be repurposed as a cancer vaccine. This modification prevents the virus from harming healthy tissue while allowing it to target cancer cells, which function differently from normal cells. These findings are presented in a new doctoral thesis at Åbo Akademi University, Finland.