Walking Dead famed actress Kelley Mack has passed away at the age of 33 on Saturday at her birthplace of Cincinnati. Her demise was confirmed by a social media post by her sister, who mentioned, "It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley. Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go."

As per Deadline, the actress was battling with glioma of the central nervous system. She had also posted her health update battling the same, and shared how her radiation therapy had been going.

What Is Glioma?

As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, glioma is a common type of tumor originating in the brain. About 33% of all brain tumors are gliomas, which originate n the glial cells that surround and support neurons in the brains, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells.

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Gliomas are called intra-axial brain tumors because they grow within the substance of the brain and often mix with normal brain tissue.

Types Of Glioma

Astrocytomas: Astrocytomas are tumors that form in glial cells, specifically from connective tissue cells called astrocytes. They are the most common type of primary intra-axial brain tumor, making up almost half of all primary brain tumors. These tumors are most often found in the cerebrum, the large outer part of the brain, but they can also occur in the cerebellum, located at the base of the brain.

Astrocytomas can affect both children and adults. In children, low-grade astrocytomas, known as pilocytic astrocytomas, are typically found in the cerebellum. In adults, these tumors are more commonly located in the cerebrum. The most aggressive form of astrocytoma is glioblastoma multiforme, a high-grade tumor that is considered the most malignant of all brain tumors. Its symptoms are often similar to those seen with other types of gliomas.

Brain stem gliomas: Brain stem gliomas, also known as diffuse infiltrating brainstem gliomas or DIPGs, are rare and usually found in the brain stem. Due to their location and the way they grow by blending into normal brain tissue, they are generally not removable by surgery. These tumors most often affect school-age children and are responsible for the highest number of childhood deaths from primary brain tumors.

Ependymomas: Ependymomas develop from ependymal cells, which line the brain’s ventricles or the spinal cord. Although they are rare, making up just 2 to 3 percent of primary brain tumors, they account for 8 to 10 percent of brain tumors in children, especially those younger than 10. In children, these tumors are usually found near the cerebellum, where they may block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to increased pressure in the skull. Ependymomas can also spread to other areas of the brain or spinal cord through spinal fluid, a process known as drop metastasis.

Mixed gliomas: Mixed gliomas, also called oligoastrocytomas, contain more than one type of glial cell. There is some debate over whether these tumors should be classified as a separate type, and genetic testing of tumor tissue is often used to clarify the diagnosis. These tumors usually occur in the cerebrum and are most common in adult men.

Oligodendrogliomas : Oligodendrogliomas form from oligodendrocytes, the supportive cells in the brain, and are usually located in the cerebrum. They make up about 2 to 4 percent of primary brain tumors and are more common in men, especially those in young to middle adulthood. Seizures are a frequent symptom, affecting up to 80 percent of patients, along with headaches, weakness, or speech problems. Oligodendrogliomas tend to have a better prognosis than many other gliomas.

Optic pathway gliomas: Optic pathway gliomas are low-grade tumors found in the optic nerve or optic chiasm. These tumors often affect people with neurofibromatosis and can lead to vision loss and hormone-related problems, especially since they tend to grow at the base of the brain, near areas responsible for hormone control. When these tumors impact hormone function, they may be referred to as hypothalamic gliomas.

What Are The Symptoms of Glioma?

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Weakness in the arms, face or legs
• Numbness
• Problems with speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision loss
• Dizziness

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology saved millions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It brought unprecedented speed, precision, and adaptability that allowed shots from Pfizer and Moderna to roll out in record time. Now, that same platform is at a crossroads: scientists are leveraging its power to develop vaccines and therapies for everything from cancer to cystic fibrosis. But this week, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a vocal critic of vaccines—announced the cancellation of $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research targeting respiratory illnesses, igniting fierce backlash among public health leaders.

In a video posted to X on August 5, RFK Jr. revealed that BARDA (the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) would terminate 22 mRNA vaccine projects and shift focus toward whole-virus vaccine platforms. He argued mRNA technology was “ineffective” against mutable respiratory viruses and claimed it posed more risks than benefits—a stance sharply criticized by public health experts.

Experts have been unified in raising concerns, calling the move a “huge strategic misstep,” warning it weakens the U.S. pandemic defense and labeling it “one of the most dangerous decisions in public health” that he’d ever seen. The shift, critics say, undermines preparedness and sacrifices the adaptability that made mRNA a global game-changer.

How mRNA Vaccines Works?

Traditional vaccines typically rely on growing whole viruses or viral proteins in eggs or cell cultures, a process that can take months—sometimes up to 18 months—to produce sufficient doses for global inoculation. mRNA bypasses this bottleneck by delivering synthetic messenger RNA into cells, instructing them to produce a harmless viral protein. This trains the immune system to recognize and fight the real virus.

The “m” in mRNA stands for “messenger,” reflecting how the molecule carries instructions. Researchers craft a synthetic snippet in the lab, inject it, and the body becomes its own vaccine factory. This rapid, flexible process gives scientists both speed and precision unmatched by older methods.

How mRNA Help Build Effective COVID Vaccines?

Protection from mRNA vaccines—and all vaccines, really—wanes over time. That’s due to waning immunity and virus mutations. Still, the strongest defense remains prevention of hospitalization and death. The advantage of mRNA lies in how quickly vaccines can be updated. This capability helps scientists stay a step ahead of viral drift, especially for flu and COVID variants.

mRNA isn’t just for stopping infections—it’s a Trojan horse for therapies against existing diseases. Scientists are testing mRNA-based therapeutic vaccines for cancers like pancreatic and melanoma. They’re also designing inhaled mRNA treatments for genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis. Unlike traditional approaches, these therapies aim to teach the body to restore missing proteins or directly activate immune systems to eliminate abnormal cells.

Could mRNA Cure Cancer Too?

Some of the most compelling work is happening in personalized oncology. Researchers can now sequence a patient’s tumor mutations and design mRNA that encodes those unique markers—training the immune system to attack only the cancerous cells. Moderna’s mRNA‑4157/V940, paired with pembrolizumab in melanoma trials, has shown improved recurrence-free survival. BioNTech similarly uses personalized neoantigen panels to reduce relapse.

Why Future Pandemic Preparedness Hinges on mRNA?

Take flu pandemics, for example. Traditional egg-based production takes more than a year to scale—and may only reach 25% of the world’s population. mRNA platforms, however, could vaccinate nearly everyone in a similar timeframe. That speed is critical if the next pandemic emerges. Cutting off mRNA infrastructure now risks prolonging future crises.

From a policy standpoint, mRNA is not just another vaccine method—it’s a strategic asset. When new viruses emerge or existing ones mutate, response speed matters more than strength. Waiting months—or worse, years—to catch up can cost lives. Michael Osterholm and others note that global mRNA capacity could avert prolonged pandemics. Shifting resources away from it now diminishes that capability.

But it’s more than pandemic preparedness. mRNA’s adaptability has ignited a renaissance in RNA biology—from tumor vaccines to genetic therapies. Pulling back research support risks stalling a new generation of treatments already in motion. This isn’t just about one technology; it’s about whether the U.S. wants to lead—or fall behind—in a platform that’s shaping modern medicine.

Will COVID-19 Vaccines Still Be Accessible?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines will still be accessible despite the recent decision to cut funding for future mRNA research projects. The mRNA-based vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are already approved by the FDA and continue to be manufactured and distributed widely across the U.S. These vaccines have become a mainstay in the country’s public health strategy, and that’s not going away any time soon.

The announcement from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to cancel nearly $500 million in federal research funding impacts new and developing mRNA projects—not the existing COVID-19 vaccine programs already in place. The vaccines currently in circulation are produced by private pharmaceutical companies, and they aren’t dependent on government funding to continue manufacturing or distributing updated boosters.

Additionally, global pharmaceutical efforts to develop next-generation mRNA vaccines are still in motion. Many companies are continuing to explore and invest in mRNA platforms for not only COVID-19 but also for flu, RSV, and other infectious diseases. So while Kennedy’s move may slow down innovation in the U.S. public sector, it does not mean COVID-19 vaccines will disappear or suddenly become inaccessible.

In short, if you’re wondering whether you’ll still be able to get your annual COVID booster—yes, you will.

When it comes to your gut health, you don’t think about it much unless something goes wrong but since COVID-19, a lot more of us are concerned and worried about our gut. Doctors and researchers are now linking the virus to a surge in gut issues—and it goes far beyond a one-off stomach bug. If your digestive system feels off these days—maybe tired, unpredictable, or mysteriously unsettled—you’re not imagining it.

Here’s what researchers have uncovered: COVID-19, especially in its lingering long-COVID form, is rewriting how our gut and brain talk to each other. And that rewrite is showing up as real-world distress—in symptoms like IBS and functional dyspepsia that left pre-pandemic experts baffled.

A recent international study—reported in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology—used the Rome Foundation’s diagnostic criteria to compare two snapshots: one from 2017 and another from 2023. The result was a hard wake-up call:

• Gut‑brain disorders rose from 38.3% to 42.6%
• IBS jumped 28% (from 4.7% to 6%)
• Functional dyspepsia surged 44% (from 8.3% to 11.9%)

And people with long COVID reported more severe gut symptoms alongside heightened anxiety and depression. This isn’t just more awareness; it’s a measurable shift.

Why These Gut-Brain Disorders Are More Than Just Stomach Upsets?

These aren’t bland digestive symptoms. IBS and functional dyspepsia fall under disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI): an umbrella term that says our gut reacts not just to food—but to stress, mood, infection, and inflammation. That gut-brain axis is a two-way street connecting digestion, emotion, and immunity. When COVID-19 enters the picture, it seems to throw that entire system off balance.

Why Did A Respiratory Illness Affect the Gut?

When we talk about COVID-19, we normally picture a cough or sore throat—but GI symptoms have always been part of the story. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain—they’re not rare. Some patients experienced these as first or only symptoms. And for a significant number, those symptoms don’t resolve. One study found people who had COVID were 36% more likely than uninfected peers to develop GI disorders—ranging from ulcers and pancreatitis to IBS and acid reflux.

For those who were hospitalized, or who had more severe cases, the long-term risks jumped even further. A large Veterans Affairs cohort reported substantially higher GI risks—not just in the first year, but for at least three years post-infection.

How Long COVID and Gut Distress Linger On?

We often talk about long COVID in terms of fatigue or brain fog. But in many cases, chronic gut issues are front and center—months or even years after the infection. Nausea, stomach pain, altered digestion (like unexpected diarrhea or constipation): these symptoms persist, even when the initial respiratory illness has passed. This persistence may come down to a few intertwined issues:

Viral Persistence – COVID can linger quietly in gut cells

Chronic Inflammation – triggering heightened gut sensitivity

Microbiome Disruption – an imbalance of gut bacteria that affects digestion and mood

How Anxiety, Depression Are Also Affecting Your Gut?

Here’s a pattern worth noting, people with DGBIs often report anxiety and depression—and vice versa. The emotional distress isn’t a side effect—it may be part of the same conversation happening along the gut-brain axis. Research shows that anxiety can actually increase the risk of functional dyspepsia eightfold. After COVID, this link seems even stronger.

This isn’t about turning normal people into patients. It’s about recognizing that when COVID hits the gut, it can leave a footprint long afterward. It’s about listening to your body and knowing when something is more than just “stress.”

If you still have gut symptoms after recovering from COVID, you owe it to yourself to explore them—especially if anxiety or depression have joined the mix. A thoughtful medical workup is key, but so is understanding that many GI specialists now see these symptoms as part of chronic long COVID.

How To Heal the Gut Post-COVID?

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for post-COVID gut issues, but experts in GI health and gut-brain disorders are recommending a few key approaches. First, focus on diet and microbiome care: eating more high-fiber foods, incorporating prebiotics, staying well-hydrated, and cutting back on alcohol and red meat can help restore microbial balance. Next, address the mind-body connection—stress, anxiety, and gut dysfunction often fuel each other, so practices like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or meditation can play a critical role in breaking that cycle. And finally, don’t hesitate to seek clinical support. If your symptoms persist, it’s important to speak with a GI specialist who understands the complexities of long COVID, and, if needed, get connected to programs or researchers focused on gut-brain rehabilitation.

COVID changed how we think about viruses—and what they leave behind. It rewrote the narrative for our lungs, yes, but it also turned the gut into a frontline survivor. If your digestion hasn’t felt the same since then, you're not alone and you're not imagining it.

A newborn baby girl from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, is battling a rare and dangerous tick-borne illness. After preliminary tests showed she contracted Powassan virus, baby Lily Sisco was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The infant's mother, Tiffany Sisco, said Lily had a tick on her after a brief walk on a local bike path. "She is still fighting daily at MGH," Sisco shared on Facebook. "Although the CDC, Neurological Doctors and Nurses have no answers for long term, we remain hopeful."

Reports state that local health officials are now investigating this case, which would be only the second confirmed case of Powassan virus on Martha's Vineyard in two decades.

What Is Powassan Virus?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services explains that powassan virus is a rare but serious illness spread to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick (also known as a black-legged tick). While uncommon, cases are most frequently found in the northeastern U.S. and the Great Lakes region. In Wisconsin, the first case was identified in 2003, and most have since occurred in the northern part of the state. Anyone can contract the virus, but those who spend more time outdoors are at higher risk.

Who Is At High Risk For Powassan Virus Infection?

Ticks become infected with the virus by biting an infected small mammal, like a rodent. It's not known exactly how long a tick must be attached to a person to transmit the virus, but it could be as little as 15 minutes.

The majority of human infections are caused by immature ticks called nymphs, which are about the size of a poppy seed and difficult to spot. Nymphs are most active during the spring and early summer. Adult ticks can also spread the virus but are larger and more likely to be found and removed before transmission occurs.

Because ticks can attach to any part of the body, it's crucial to check hard-to-see areas after being outdoors, such as behind the knees, in the armpits, on the scalp, and around the ears and groin.

Symptoms and Treatment Options For Powassan

Symptoms can appear anywhere from one week to one month after a tick bite. Many people who get the virus don't have any symptoms at all. Early signs often include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and a stiff neck. In severe cases, the virus can lead to:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Memory loss
• Loss of coordination
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)

Is Powassan Virus Deadly?

Powassan virus can be very serious, with about 10% of severe cases resulting in death. Of those who survive a severe illness, about half will have permanent or long-term neurological problems. If you experience any of these symptoms after being outdoors, you should see a doctor right away, even if you don't remember being bitten by a tick.

Ways That Can Protect And Prevent Tick-Borne Disease

This has been a bad year for ticks. To stay safe, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health gives this advice:

• Use bug spray.
• Wear long, light-colored clothes.
• Stay on paths when you are outside.
• Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after you've been in a grassy or wooded area.