Top virologists sound the alarm on bird flu and plead with world leaders to prepare for another pandemic
Leading virologists from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu—which can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and other symptoms in humans—urging global leaders to step up with a range of measures and to use knowledge gained during the COVID pandemic.
'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.'
The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission.
The authors note that more than 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 people have been infected with H5N1, including severe cases and the first reported U.S. death.
'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, said in a press release. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.'
The highly pathogenic influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states and Canada, the virologists warn, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry animals in the U.S. since 2022. While human-to-human transmission is not documented, experts warn that virus mutations or the combination of two flu viruses could increase transmissibility.
The researchers made several recommendations:
Continuously monitoring animals, including testing milk, wastewater, and people working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility.
Accelerating the sharing of genomic data among global research networks to track virus evolution and spread.
Using personal protective equipment and strict farm-cleaning protocols.
Advocating for self-administered diagnostic tests for farmworkers and health care access for frontline medical workers.
Providing more funding for responses, especially in high-risk regions.
Investing in predicting traits of avian flu viruses from genetic data.
Developing and rapidly administering vaccines to people and animals.
Conducting clinical studies on the properties of emerging virus strains, potential therapies, and vaccines.
'A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections,' said Elyse Stachler, GVN member and a research scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 'Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farmworkers.'
'We are advocating for community-driven strategies to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines, if necessary,' said Dr. Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN and director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 'The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration across public health sectors. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical to prevent further spread.'
More on infectious disease:
At this rate, measles could become endemic again within 2 decades, researchers warn
As measles spreads throughout the U.S., here's how to tell if you need a booster shot
What are the symptoms of bird flu and how does it spread?
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Politico
36 minutes ago
- Politico
HHS justifies decision to stop recommending Covid shots during pregnancy with studies supporting the shots' safety
The Department of Health and Human Services is circulating a document on Capitol Hill to explain its decision to remove the Covid-19 vaccine recommendation for pregnant women — citing studies that largely found the shot is safe. The document, which HHS sent to lawmakers days before Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his plan to fire the panel that advises the CDC on immunizations, says that studies have shown that women who got the vaccine during pregnancy had higher rates of various complications. And it claims that 'a number of studies in pregnant women showed higher rates of fetal loss if vaccination was received before 20 weeks of pregnancy,' footnoting a research paper on vaccination during pregnancy. But Dr. Maria P. Velez of McGill University, the lead author of one of the studies, told POLITICO in an email that 'the results of our manuscript were misinterpreted.' The 2023 study shows a slightly higher rate of miscarriages among women who were immunized against Covid-19 during their pregnancies. But, Velez said, that after adjusting for 'variables that can confound a crude association,' like 'age, rurality, neighbourhood income quintile, immigration status, comorbidity' and other factors that could affect the outcome, Canadian researchers found 'no association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and an increased risk of miscarriage.' Raw numbers don't account for significant differences among the groups being compared — such as underlying conditions and when during pregnancy the people were vaccinated, said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist who's consulted for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scientists, including the Canadian researchers, use statistical methods to adjust for those factors, she said, which is how they determined the vaccine wasn't associated with miscarriage. In a statement, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon pointed to the raw study data, which showed a slightly higher rate of miscarriage in the first half of pregnancy for women who were vaccinated against Covid compared with those who weren't. 'The underlying data speaks for itself — and it raises legitimate safety concerns,' he said. 'HHS will not ignore that evidence or downplay early pregnancy loss.' Nixon added that HHS and the CDC encourage people to talk to their providers 'about any personal medical decision.' Vaccine researchers and obstetricians criticized the decision to remove the recommendation for pregnant women, and researchers cited in the HHS document largely dismissed any connection between Covid vaccination and miscarriages. 'Given that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with serious maternal and neonatal morbidity, the current study can inform healthcare providers, pregnant women and those considering a pregnancy about the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in relation to miscarriage risk,' Velez and her co-authors wrote in the study. That research was based on health-system data from Ontario, Canada, and aligned with similar population studies in the U.S., Scotland and Norway. Similarly, HHS cited an April 2022 study in its document concerning mRNA vaccination in people undergoing in-vitro fertilization, which also found no adverse effects on conception rates or on early pregnancy outcomes. 'Administration of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines was not associated with an adverse effect on stimulation or early pregnancy outcomes after IVF,' the New York City-based researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Mount Sinai West hospital wrote in the study. 'Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in women who are trying to conceive.' The HHS document also includes an incorrect link for that study, instead leading to a different study — also cited in HHS' document — by Israeli researchers that found the vaccine 'appears to be safe during pregnancy,' with no increase in preterm labor or in newborns with low birth weight. That February 2022 study did note a possible increase in preterm birth rates for women vaccinated during the second trimester, and the authors suggested future investigations of outcomes based on the timing of immunization. HHS' assertion about significant risks to pregnant women 'contradicts the bulk of published studies,' said Dr. Paul Offit, an expert who has served as an outside adviser on vaccines to the FDA and the CDC. HHS deviated from past practice when it changed the Covid vaccine guidance last month, announcing the decision without the endorsement of an existing outside panel of expert advisers. Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, told POLITICO at the time that he was disappointed by HHS' decision, and pointed to data showing that newborns can benefit from maternal antibodies from the vaccine for protection from Covid. 'In fact, growing evidence shows just how much vaccination during pregnancy protects the infant after birth, with the vast majority of hospitalized infants less than 6 months of age — those who are not yet eligible for vaccination — born to unvaccinated mothers,' Fleischman said.
Scientific American
an hour ago
- Scientific American
What a Wandering Mind Learns
While you do the dishes or drive to work, your mind is likely not on the task at hand; perhaps you're composing a grocery list or daydreaming about retiring in Italy. But research published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests you might be taking in more than you think. During a simple task that requires minimal attention, mind wandering may actually help people learn probabilistic patterns that let them perform the task better. 'The idea to study the potentially beneficial influence of mind wandering on information processing occurred to us during the COVID pandemic, when we had plenty of time to mind wander,' says Péter Simor, lead author of the recent study and a psychology researcher at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. Study participants practiced a simple task in which they pressed keyboard buttons corresponding to the direction of arrows that lit up on a screen. But there were patterns hidden within the task that the participants were unaware of—and they learned these patterns without consciously noticing them. The researchers found that when participants reported letting their minds wander, they adapted to the task's hidden patterns significantly faster. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. 'This is an exciting and important piece of work, especially because the authors opted for a nondemanding task to check how [mind wandering] would affect performance and learning,' says Athena Demertzi, a cognitive and clinical neuroscientist at the University of Liège in Belgium. Previous related research focused more on long and demanding tasks, she says—on which zoning out is typically shown to have a negative effect. But the results are not clear-cut, says Jonathan Smallwood, a psychology researcher at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. 'I don't think that this means the spontaneous mind-wandering episodes themselves cause implicit learning to occur,' he says. 'Rather both emerge at the same time when people go into a particular state.' Neither Smallwood nor Demertzi was involved in the new study. Simor, who studies sleep, was interested in whether participants' mind wandering displayed any neural hallmarks of dozing off. Using electroencephalogram recordings, the team showed that in those test periods, participants' brains produced more of the slow waves that are dominant during sleep. Perhaps, the researchers say, mind wandering is like a form of light sleep that provides some of that state's learning benefits. To better understand whether mind wandering might compensate for lost sleep, Simor and his colleagues next plan to study narcolepsy and sleep deprivation. 'We know that people spend significant amounts of time not focused on what they are doing,' Smallwood says. 'The authors' work is important because it helps us understand how reasonably complex forms of behavior can continue when people are focused on other things—and that even though our thoughts were elsewhere, the external behavior can still leave its mark on the person.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Portable Oxygen Concentrator Market is expected to double, reaching USD 4.5 billion by 2034
Portable Oxygenerator Market Outlook 2025–2034 Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Market Overview The global portable oxygenerator market is undergoing a period of sustained growth, with an estimated valuation of USD 2.1 billion in 2024. This market is forecasted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.0%, reaching USD 4.5 billion by 2034. The primary drivers of this growth include the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma, an aging global population, and a rising inclination toward home-based healthcare solutions. Furthermore, technological progress and enhanced accessibility to oxygen therapy devices are transforming the dynamics of the market. Download PDF Brochure: Market Drivers A critical factor contributing to market expansion is the rising burden of respiratory ailments globally. As awareness around chronic lung conditions increases, so does the demand for dependable oxygen therapy equipment. This is especially pronounced among the elderly, who form a significant portion of the patient base requiring portable oxygen delivery systems. Another major driver is the technological evolution of oxygen concentrators. Modern portable oxygenerators are now smaller, lighter, and equipped with longer-lasting batteries, improving their usability for both domestic and mobile purposes. The integration of smart technologies, such as real-time oxygen level monitoring and remote data transmission, has enhanced the effectiveness and attractiveness of these devices. Additionally, healthcare reforms and infrastructure development, particularly in developing countries, are fostering broader adoption of oxygen therapy products. Governments and private players are making significant investments in health systems to accommodate the rising need for respiratory care, thereby opening new market opportunities. Market Restraints and Challenges Despite the optimistic outlook, several obstacles continue to hinder market acceleration. One of the foremost concerns is the high cost of advanced portable oxygenerators, which can deter uptake, especially in low-income or developing regions. While innovations are enhancing functionality, they also often raise the cost of manufacturing and final pricing. Regulatory complexities further impact the industry. Gaining approvals from regulatory bodies can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Moreover, companies face challenges related to distribution logistics, particularly in emerging markets where infrastructure and healthcare access remain limited. Global supply chain disruptions, amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed vulnerabilities in the procurement and distribution of essential components. Such uncertainties could result in delayed production timelines, reduced inventory levels, and higher operational risks. Segmentation Analysis By Product Type: Continuous Flow vs. Pulse Dose Oxygenerators Portable oxygenerators are broadly classified into continuous flow and pulse dose types. Continuous flow models, which deliver oxygen at a constant rate, dominate the market and are preferred in home care and clinical settings where steady oxygen supply is essential. On the other hand, pulse dose models, which dispense oxygen in bursts synchronized with the user's inhalation, are gaining popularity among mobile users and active individuals due to their energy efficiency and portability. By Technology: Molecular Sieves vs. Membrane Separation In terms of technology, molecular sieve systems lead the market. They are known for delivering high-purity oxygen and are widely adopted in hospital and home care applications. Conversely, membrane separation systems are less efficient but more cost-effective, making them suitable for budget-conscious or recreational applications. Continuous research and development in improving the efficiency and affordability of molecular sieves signal strong growth prospects for this segment. By Application: Medical, Industrial, and Recreational The medical segment remains the dominant application category, accounting for the highest revenue share. This is driven by the clinical need for continuous oxygen therapy among patients with chronic respiratory disorders. However, recreational and industrial applications are emerging steadily. Recreational use, especially in sports and high-altitude activities, is on the rise. In the industrial sector, portable oxygen systems are utilized in manufacturing, welding, and chemical processing, where reliable oxygen delivery in remote environments is crucial. By End-User: Hospitals, Home Care, Emergency Services, and Sports & Fitness Hospitals form the largest user segment, owing to their critical need for oxygen during surgeries, intensive care, and emergency treatments. The home care segment is also expanding rapidly due to the aging population and a societal shift toward home-based healthcare. Meanwhile, emergency services and sports & fitness represent emerging niches. Emergency responders are increasingly adopting portable systems for their ability to provide immediate oxygen in critical scenarios. The sports and fitness segment is attracting attention as athletes and health-conscious individuals explore oxygen therapy for enhanced recovery and performance. By Distribution Channel: Online and Offline Distribution is evolving with the growing importance of online retail channels, especially post-pandemic. Online platforms offer wider reach, consumer education, and price transparency, making them a preferred option for many users. Nevertheless, offline distribution through pharmacies, medical equipment stores, and hospital networks still holds substantial market share, especially in regions where e-commerce penetration remains limited. Market Segmentation Product Type Continuous Flow Oxygenerators Pulse Dose Oxygenerators Technology Molecular Sieves Membrane Separation End-User Hospitals Home Care Emergency Services Sports and Fitness Distribution Channel Online Distribution Offline Distribution Application Medical Recreational Industrial Browse full Report - Regional Insights North America North America leads the global portable oxygenerator market, capturing around 40% of the total revenue in 2024. This is attributed to the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence of respiratory conditions, and proactive government policies promoting home healthcare. Technological innovation and consumer awareness are also more mature in this region. Europe Europe holds a significant share of approximately 30%, fueled by increasing awareness around oxygen therapy, a rising elderly population, and favorable reimbursement policies. The European market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 5% through 2034. Asia-Pacific The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid market expansion, with a projected CAGR of 7%. Key drivers include rising air pollution, increasing healthcare investments, and a large patient population base. Countries like China, India, and Japan are driving demand through both public and private sector healthcare initiatives. Latin America, Middle East, and Africa Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa offer considerable growth opportunities. Challenges such as limited infrastructure and inconsistent regulations exist, but these are gradually being addressed through public-private partnerships and increasing medical awareness. Cost-effective product offerings tailored for local needs could unlock growth in these regions. Competitive Landscape The competitive environment is characterized by innovation, partnerships, and geographical expansion. Key players in the industry include: Philips Respironics Inogen, Inc. AirSep Corporation ResMed Chart Industries DeVilbiss Healthcare Caire Inc. Oxymat A/S Invacare Corporation Companies are increasingly investing in product development and acquisitions to enhance their market position. Strategic alliances with local distributors are also being leveraged to improve regional penetration. Recent Market Developments Philips Respironics launched the SimplyGo Mini+ in January 2023, featuring longer battery life and improved mobility, addressing user demand for highly portable medical-grade solutions. In March 2023, Inogen, Inc. acquired a technology firm specializing in oxygen delivery innovation, aiming to boost its technological edge and expand its product line. ResMed, in July 2023, announced its expansion into the Asia-Pacific market, targeting India and Southeast Asia to capitalize on increasing demand and investment in healthcare. AirSep Corporation introduced a new portable oxygen concentrator in September 2023 with reduced power consumption and enhanced oxygen purity, appealing to cost-conscious and eco-friendly buyers. Chart Industries entered a strategic partnership in India in October 2023 to expand its distribution network and cater to rising local demand. This report is also available in the following languages : Japanese (ポータブル酸素発生器市場), Korean (휴대용 산소 발생기 시장), Chinese (便携式制氧机市场), French (Marché des oxygénateurs portables), German (Markt für tragbare Sauerstoffgeneratoren), and Italian (Mercato degli ossigeneratori portatili), etc. Request Sample Pages: More Research Finding – Indoleamine 2,3 Dioxygenase 1 IDO1 ELISA Kit Market The market for Indoleamine 2,3 Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) ELISA kits is poised for significant growth, with a current estimated value of approximately USD 150 million in 2024. This market is projected to reach around USD 300 million by 2034, reflecting increasing interest in immunotherapy and its applications in cancer treatment and autoimmune disorders. The anticipated CAGR for the period 2025–2034 is approximately 7%. Indoleamine 2,3 Dioxygenase 1 Antibody Market The Indoleamine 2,3 Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) antibody market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach a value of approximately $1.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching around $5.0 billion by the end of the forecast period. Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Treatment Market The Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) treatment market is projected to reach a value of approximately $1.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow significantly, with a forecasted market value of around $2.5 billion by 2034. This growth represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Medical Gas Making Equipment Market The global medical gas making equipment market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion, driven by the rising demand for medical gases in hospitals and the growth of home healthcare services. The projected market value is expected to reach around $2.3 billion by 2034, reflecting robust growth opportunities in emerging markets and innovations in technology. Hospital Centralized Oxygen Supply System Market The global market for Hospital Centralized Oxygen Supply Systems is valued at approximately $2.5 billion, with expectations to reach about $4.8 billion by 2034. This growth trajectory indicates a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7.2% during the forecast period of 2025–2034. Portable Oxygenerator Market The global portable oxygenerator market is valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 4.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust CAGR of about 8.0% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Physical & Chemical Sensors for Water Market The global market for physical and chemical sensors for water is projected to reach approximately $5.2 billion in 2024, fueled by increasing concerns over water quality and pollution management. The market is expected to expand significantly, with a projected value of $9.1 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Chemical Oxygen Demand COD Analyzers Market The global market for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analyzers is valued at approximately $300 million in 2024. With increasing regulatory pressure for water quality monitoring and enhanced environmental protection standards, the market is projected to reach around $500 million by 2034. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 5.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Steel Wire Rod Market The global steel wire rod market is projected to be valued at approximately $150 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach around $220 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.0% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market The global market for therapeutic respiratory devices is estimated to reach approximately $31 billion in 2024, driven by increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases and rising healthcare expenditure. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7% from 2025 to 2034, anticipating a value of nearly $63 billion by the end of the forecast period. Cryogenic Submerged Electric Motor Pump Market The global market for cryogenic submerged electric motor pump systems is projected to be valued at approximately $2.1 billion in 2024, with expectations of reaching around $3.9 billion by 2034. This growth represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 6.5% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ECMO Service Market The global Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) market is anticipated to reach a value of approximately $3.2 billion in 2024, driven by increasing prevalence of respiratory and cardiac illnesses, advancements in ECMO technologies, and a growing aging population. From 2025 to 2034, the market is projected to expand significantly, reaching an estimated $5.8 billion, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7.2%. Oxygen Supply System to Hospitals Market the global oxygen supply system market for hospitals is valued at approximately $5.2 billion, reflecting a robust demand amid ongoing health challenges. The market is projected to reach about $8.4 billion by 2034, indicating significant growth over the next decade. This results in a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 4.7% from 2025 to 2034. SBQ Steel Market The global Special Bar Quality (SBQ) steel market is valued at approximately $20 billion, with expectations of reaching $30 billion by 2034. This growth is projected at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The market is currently characterized by robust demand across various sectors, particularly automotive and construction, driven by the rising need for high-strength materials. High Purity Oxygen Market The global high purity oxygen market was valued at approximately $6.2 billion in 2024, driven by applications in healthcare, steel manufacturing, and electronics. With increasing demand for high-purity oxygen in medical applications, particularly in respiratory therapies amid rising respiratory diseases, the market is poised for significant growth. The projected market value is expected to reach around $10.5 billion by 2034, indicating a robust expansion trajectory. CONTACT: Irfan Tamboli (Head of Sales) Phone: + 1704 266 3234 Email: sales@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
