Latest news with #LongCovid
IOL News
a day ago
- Health
- IOL News
Unmasking the 'Zombie' Cells: The shocking link between ME/CFS and Long Covid
Both the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially classify ME/CFS as a brain disorder and post-viral fatigue syndrome. Image: File Despite testing negative and being told they're fine, millions of people recovering from infections like Covid-19, influenza and glandular fever are left battling crippling fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, gut issues and a strange crash after any physical effort — a pattern that's becoming too common to ignore. These symptoms are medically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Both the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially classify ME/CFS as a brain disorder and post-viral fatigue syndrome. Now, researchers from Stellenbosch University believe they may have found a common underlying factor linking ME/CFS and Long Covid: zombie-like cells hiding in our blood vessels. Dr. Massimo Nunes, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, explained:'Uncovering how ME/CFS and Long Covid originate and evolve over time is essential to move beyond symptom management toward disease-modifying therapies.' The Stellenbosch team's latest hypothesis is based on a growing body of research into what happens to blood vessels after viral infections. It proposes that viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid-19), Epstein–Barr virus, and influenza A can infect the inner lining of blood vessels, known as endothelial cells. Once infected, these cells enter a 'senescent' state — they stop functioning normally but stay alive, releasing molecules that trigger inflammation and clotting, while resisting destruction by the immune system. Prof. Resia Pretorius, Distinguished Professor in Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University, said: 'The long-term economic and health burden of Long Covid is immense, and we're seeing striking parallels with ME/CFS, a condition that has been historically neglected. Many Long Covid patients meet ME/CFS diagnostic criteria, highlighting the urgent need to recognize these overlapping diseases as serious physiological illnesses with real-world consequences.' The phenomenon of cellular senescence isn't new, but Stellenbosch's research adds a new dimension by placing these 'zombie' blood-vessel cells at the centre of disease progression in both ME/CFS and Long Covid. These dysfunctional cells contribute to thickened blood, lower oxygen delivery to tissues and immune dysfunction — a combination that aligns with what many patients experience physically and cognitively. Prof. Burtram Fielding, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, explained: 'Long Covid refers to a range of symptoms and conditions that persist for weeks, months or even years after a Covid-19 infection. It is not a single illness, but rather a collection of new, returning or ongoing symptoms that vary from person to person.' Dr. Nunes highlighted several studies showing the overlap between Long Covid and ME/CFS diagnostic criteria: 'A systematic review and meta-analysis inferred that 51% of Long COVID patients meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, based on data from 1,973 individuals across 13 studies. 'Another review with 127,117 participants found 45% met chronic fatigue criteria. A smaller study of 465 patients found 58% met ME/CFS criteria. Even in a 42-patient sample, 42% matched the diagnosis,' Nunes said. The research team believes that when blood-vessel cells become senescent, they disrupt circulation and immune responses in ways that echo what many patients report fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, gut issues and post-exertional crashes. 'We propose that when blood-vessel cells turn into 'zombies', they pump out substances that make blood thicker and prone to forming tiny clots. These clots slow down circulation, so less oxygen reaches muscles and organs. This is one reason people feel drained,' Dr. Nunes said. During physical exertion, the problem worsens. Instead of relaxing, blood vessels tighten, leading to a drop in oxygen supply. In the brain, this may contribute to dizziness and brain fog. In the gut, weakened blood-vessel walls could allow bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream, fuelling further inflammation. Adding to this is immune system exhaustion. Senescent cells are typically cleared by healthy immune responses, but in Long Covid and ME/CFS patients, natural killer cells and macrophages appear sluggish or dysfunctional. The zombie cells send out signals that help them evade immune attack, creating a cycle that allows them to persist and perpetuate illness. As part of the next phase of their research, the Stellenbosch team is now testing blood samples from patients to see if they trigger senescence in lab-grown endothelial cells. They're also piloting non-invasive imaging techniques to detect these ageing blood-vessel cells in real time. 'Our aim is simple: find these ageing endothelial cells in real patients. Pinpointing them will inform the next round of clinical trials and open the door to therapies that target senescent cells directly, offering a route to healthier blood vessels and, ultimately, lighter disease loads,' Dr. Nunes said. Weekend Argus
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
'My son battling Long COVID…': RFK Jr.'s shocking revelation at explosive Senate hearing
Democrats in the U.S. Senate slammed Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for cutting biomedical research and public health programs at the committee hearing. Chairman Cassidy sought assurances that NIH would continue to study Long Covid. Kennedy responded that his own son is struggling with Long Covid and said: 'The [Long] Covid office was cut by an executive order from the White House. But … everybody at NIH and CDC is committed to these kinds of studies, and I can tell you personally, I will make sure that they happen.' Watch the intense exchanges with Democrat Senators as Secretary Kennedy faces tough questions on vaccines, autism research, and accountability at the Department of Health and Human Services. Show more Show less
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Did the pandemic age our brains? New study reveals ‘shocking' truth
We've all been there. Tired, drained from our daily routines, which hardly ever left a dent in our energy levels before. What do we mean by 'before'? It's BC, but with rather a modern twist – Before COVID. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many of us have casually attributed this exhaustion and lethargy to the aftereffects of 'Long Covid', but this time we have solid proof. A new study from the UK suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have aged our brains faster, even for people who never got sick from the virus. Researchers found signs of premature brain aging in people's brain scans during the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022. Interestingly, this change may be linked more to the overall stress and lifestyle disruptions of the pandemic than to the virus itself. The findings raise important questions about how events like global crises can affect our mental and neurological health. What does the study say A new study published in suggests that during the height of the pandemic in 2021 and 2022, people's brains showed signs of premature aging, such as shrinkage in gray matter, regardless of whether they were infected with the virus. The findings come from a large-scale analysis of brain scans in the UK, offering some of the clearest evidence yet that the pandemic's psychological and social toll affected neurological health. The research, led by Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad, a neuroimaging expert at the University of Nottingham, used data from the UK Biobank, a health resource that has been tracking brain scans and health outcomes from over 500,000 volunteers since 2006. Signs of aging without any illness Analyzing brain scans from nearly 1,000 individuals, researchers found that the average person showed signs of accelerated brain aging, equivalent to about 5.5 months of extra aging. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The changes were more pronounced in men and individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. 'These findings highlight that brain health is not shaped solely by illness, but also by broader life experiences,' Mohammadi-Nejad said to NBC News in an email interview. 'The cumulative stress of the pandemic period itself appears to have left a mark on our brains, even in the absence of COVID-19 infection.' Brain shrinkage is a normal part of aging, particularly in the gray matter, which plays a critical role in memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. However, accelerated loss in this area can raise the risk of future cognitive issues, including memory problems or impaired judgment. How the study was conducted To understand whether the pandemic had any measurable impact on brain structure, researchers compared two groups: 564 participants who received both of their brain scans before the pandemic. 432 participants who had one scan before and another after the pandemic began. By developing a model of what normal aging looks like using pre-pandemic data from more than 15,000 people, researchers were able to measure how much additional aging had occurred during the pandemic years. The second group, whose follow-up scans took place mostly in 2021 and 2022, showed significantly more aging in brain structure compared to the control group. The aftereffects of infection For individuals who had tested positive for COVID-19, researchers observed additional deficits in cognitive abilities, including slower processing speeds and reduced mental flexibility. These findings align with earlier research pointing to neurological effects of the virus itself. 'The most intriguing finding in this study is that only those who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed any cognitive deficits, despite structural aging,' said Dr. Jacqueline Becker (to NBC News), a clinical neuropsychologist and assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 'This speaks to the effects of the virus itself, which may help explain lingering syndromes such as long COVID.' However, it remains unclear whether those who experienced brain structure changes without infection will eventually show similar cognitive symptoms. Brain aging in teens and young adults The findings echo earlier research from the University of Washington, which reported in 2024 that teenagers' brains also appeared to age faster during the pandemic. That study found that boys' brains aged 1.4 years, while girls' brains aged 4.2 years, likely due to increased stress and isolation. Other studies have also found that environmental stressors, such as isolation in remote areas like Antarctica, can lead to brain shrinkage, suggesting a broader connection between lifestyle factors and brain health. Experts' take While the study offers compelling evidence, experts caution that it remains unclear whether these changes will have long-term effects. 'This is still a hypothesis,' said Dr. Adam Brickman, professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, who was not involved in the study. 'We don't know yet whether these effects are reversible or if they will persist over time.' Still, Brickman and others agree that people can take proactive steps to support their brain health. Habits like regular physical activity, adequate sleep, social engagement, and managing stress have been shown to support healthy brain aging. 'We know exercise is good for the brain,' Brickman added. 'So is keeping blood pressure in check and maintaining strong social connections.' Optimal blood pressure helps our brains age slower: Study
STV News
20-07-2025
- Business
- STV News
Queensferry Crossing: Ballot opens to public for guided tour inside iconic bridge
Members of the public will be able to ballot for an exclusive guided tour inside the Queensferry Crossing. In September, as part of Doors Open Day, 180 visitors will get to see the interior of the £1.3bn bridge, led by Transport Scotland's operating company BEAR Scotland. The winners will be offered a unique glimpse at the structure's inner workings, with ten lucky winners taken up the highest tower to take in views over the Forth of Firth. It will be the first event of its kind on the UK's tallest bridge, which opened in 2017. While there will be no charge for the tours, donations to charity will be welcomed. All money raised will go to BEAR Scotland's national charity partner Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland. STV News Nick Forbes, Bear Scotland's bridge manager, said: 'We're really excited to offer members of the public the chance to see Queensferry Crossing for the first time. 'Over 75,000 use the bridge every day, but very few people get to come and see inside the bridge, how it operates, and the job we do to maintain the structure. 'People will come onto the abutment and see main elements including the maintenance structure and various components – bearings, expansion joints, cable stays. There will be guides to explain different aspects and the real workings of the bridge. 'This is one of the best views of the Forth, no doubt about it – nearly 210 metres up. Visitors are offered raffle tickets for a trip up here themselves. 'It's a unique experience to get inside here – apart from the people who work here, very few members of the public get the chance to get inside the structure. 'Part of it is to showcase what we do – we're passionate about maintaining a fantastic structure, and raising money for a fantastic charity as well.' STV News The towers of the Queensferry Crossing are 207 metres (679 feet) high above high tide, making the Queensferry Crossing the tallest bridge in the UK. The towers are also higher than the Forth Road Bridge, which is 156 metres high. Anne Magarin, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland's corporate fundraising manager, got the chance to climb the bridge's North Tower. 'My favourite part has been overcoming my fear of heights to be on top – but the views are incredible! It makes it worth it going up there.' The charity provides vital support services to people and their families who are living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition and Long Covid. STV News Around one million in Scotland are living with such conditions – an estimated one in five across the country. Anne added: 'We're absolutely delighted to be part of this to raise money for the cause. It's an absolute privilege. 'One call to our advice line costs £12.50. The more money we raise, the more calls we can cover. It also gives us publicity, which is important – people know they can get in touch. 'On the day, people can come here, get their raffle tickets, go on the tours and hopefully be one of the lucky ones to go up to the North Tower.' Guided tours will depart every 20 minutes on September 27 from the bridge office in South Queensferry. Tours will last 90 minutes, visiting parts of the Queensferry Crossing normally closed to the public, including the interior of the box girder deck and the central reservation where the bridge's cable stays are anchored. A total of 180 places will be available, allocated via a random ballot which will go live later in July. Members of the public are encouraged to follow @setrunkroads and @theforthbridges on X to be first in line when the ballot opens. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Time to halt legal gravy train
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont. John Lamont MP, my Westminster colleague, has come in for some predictable criticism because he signed an early day motion which called for the implementation of 'a comprehensive national strategy to identify, detain, and deport' all illegal immigrants. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Up popped the usual suspects, like Green MSP Ross Greer, parroting stuff about immigrants filling vacancies in the NHS or care sector, conveniently overlooking the fact there aren't enough homes for people living here now, that they can't get GP appointments or find an NHS dentist. Such vacancies contrast with the high number of inactive working age people, over a fifth of the labour force, and a rise of 500,000 on pre-pandemic levels. The UK is the only G7 country showing such an increase, and the leap in sickness benefit claims isn't all down to Long Covid. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the heart of the problem is an attitude that UK law doesn't matter, and human rights lawyers are only too keen to drain public resources by using the courts to block deportations on the spurious grounds that even sending back violent criminals is a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. By its nature illegal immigration is hard to measure, but it's thought there are around a million people here with no right of residence. Of the 166,000 people whose asylum applications were refused in 2010-23, 84,000 were still here this time last year, and now 24,000 Aghan refugees must be accommodated because of a staggering security blunder, it's time the legal gravy train slowing down deportations was halted. Sue Webber is a Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian
