UTMB scientists have been awarded up to $6.4 million in funding to support an international research consortium working to determine which immune responses protect people against Lassa fever, the Daily News reports. “Once we can measure protection in a blood test instead of a prolonged clinical efficacy trial, we can deliver vaccines to impacted communities much faster,” said UTMB’s Dr. Courtney B. Woolsey.

Dr. Hasan Yasin writes about the health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms. Turkey tail mushrooms show real promise for immune and gut health, with the strongest evidence for their use as a complementary therapy under medical guidance for certain cancers, Yasin writes.

Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel discuss the differences between human brains and those of our closest primate relatives in their latest Medical Discover News column. In addition to the larger size of the brain and the higher number of neurons, the ability to connect regions of the brain appears to be a defining characteristic that distinguishes the human brain from those of our primate cousins, they write.

A new study from UTMB shows that different strains of Hendra virus can cause markedly different disease outcomes, reports Global Biodefense. The results of the study will inform vaccine and therapeutic development, potentially enabling targeted strategies depending on the genotype detected in an outbreak, the outlet states.

Certain mushrooms with psychoactive compounds as such as psilocybin offer documented benefits in difficult psychiatric conditions, writes Dr. Victor S. Sierpina. Future studies, including those at the VA and Hopkins will hopefully provide better clarity, decriminalization, and protocols for psychedelic assisted therapy, he writes.

"This research could introduce a new perspective to the discussion of preventing and mitigating the devastating effects of stroke and related brain injuries," says Dr. Matias Costa in this Newsweek story on studies that find that weight loss drugs like Ozempic also protect the brain from stroke damage. This news was also reported in Consumer Affairs and Pharmacy Times.

Becker’s followed up on a CNN story that reports that health care experts are calling for the end of routine use of diphenhydramine citing safety concerns that outweigh benefits. UTMB’s Dr. Manuel Murray said the medication should not be used lightly and “should always be used under the guidance of a medical professional, and it is only indicated to treat allergic reactions and motion sickness.”

The Daily News reported on Blue Zones Ignites interest in partnering with UTMB to work on increasing lifespans through healthier environments, new policy and strong social connections. UTMB’s Dr. Jochen Reiser joined Blue Zones representatives to discuss the potential partnership at a recent community meeting.

Drs. Megan Berman and Ricard Rupp write about a new and improved pneumococcal vaccine for their Vaccine Smarts column. Capvaxive covers up to 85 percent of the strains that cause the most severe forms of pneumococcal disease in adults, they write.