One of the most common viruses in the world, Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV is a member of the herpes virus family, also known as herpesvirus 4. Herpes viruses have been with humans for a very, very long time and have gotten good at living in our bodies. Once you get a herpes virus, it stays in your body forever. This means pretty much every adult has at least one type of these nine herpes viruses.

When you first get a herpes virus, you often don't even know it because you don't feel sick. After this first infection, the virus goes into a quiet stage where it's still there but not causing problems.

There are eight main types of herpes viruses that we know about. They are everywhere and are very good at living in us without causing too much trouble most of the time.

• Herpes simplex type I (HSV-1).
• Herpes simplex type II (HSV-2).
• Varicella-zoster virus (VZV/HHV-3).
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV/HHV-4).
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV/HHV-5).
• Herpesvirus type 6 (HBLV/HHV-6).
• Herpesvirus type 7 (HHV-7).
• Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8)

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention many people get infected with EBV in their lifetime especially in their childhood, however its symptoms are not distinguishable from other mild brief childhood illnesses.

While most cases of EBV do not cause any serious health issues, some strains of it like the Chronic Epstein-Bar Virus can cause serious health issues in people. A new study published in the BMC Virology Journal explained that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is now being seen as a germ that can cause a serious brain problem called encephalitis.

What Is Epstein Bar Virus (EBV)?

EBV is a highly contagious virus that can pass through bodily fluid contact. It is the cause of one of the most common infections, mononucleosis or mono. Once you get this virus, it stays in your body, inactive and in a dormant state until it becomes reactivated.

According to the Frontiers in Immunology, Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) disease is a very uncommon problem where people's bodies can't fight off the EBV virus. It keeps getting worse, with a lot of the virus's DNA in their blood and the virus attacking their organs with infected blood cells.

People with this disease often have fevers, swollen glands, a big spleen, liver problems caused by EBV, or low blood counts. Over time, their body's ability to fight off infections gets weaker. If they don't get treatment, they can die from other infections, a problem where the body attacks its own blood cells, organ failure, or cancers linked to EBV.

The only treatment that has been proven to work for this disease is a stem cell transplant (a procedure to replace damaged blood cells with healthy ones). Right now, scientists are trying to figure out why this disease happens. They are looking at problems with the body's defense system (immune defects) and changes in people's genes that might be linked to the disease. A new study as also revealed that EBV may also cause us brain damage due to a disease called encephalitis.

Symptoms Of Epstein-Bar Virus

EBV infections do not cause symptoms especially for children, teens and adults are more likely to experience symptoms like fever, feeling tired or fatigued headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in your neck and arm, enlarged spleen or swollen liver, body aches and skin rash. The symptoms of this usually last for two to four weeks. Things are a bit different with Chronic EBV. In rare cases of EBV, it can lead to a chronic condition called active EBV (CAEVB) some symptoms include, swollen and tender lymph nodes, fever, enlarged liver, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain joint stiffness, anemia and liver failure.

Can EBV Cause Brain Damage?

The study looked at all the people who were diagnosed with encephalitis at one hospital from June 2020 to April 2021. The researchers took information from the hospital's computer records. Then they used different math tests to compare the information from people who had EBV-related encephalitis with those who had encephalitis caused by other germs.

The study included 364 people with encephalitis. In 86 of these people (about 24%), EBV was found in the fluid around their brain and spinal cord (CSF). Out of those 86, 39 people were diagnosed with encephalitis that was definitely caused by EBV. The study found that EBV-related encephalitis is different from encephalitis caused by other herpes viruses.

People with EBV encephalitis had more protein in their CSF, less sugar in their CSF, and were more likely to have swelling around the brain (meningitis) show up on brain scans (MRI). The study also found that older age, having HIV, having a weakened immune system for reasons other than cancer, and having EBV in their blood made it more likely for EBV to infect their brain and spinal cord.

EBV encephalitis seems to be different from encephalitis caused by other herpes viruses. It often involves more swelling around the brain, more protein and less sugar in the brain fluid, and fewer of a certain type of immune cell (T-lymphocytes) in the blood. These differences suggest that EBV might cause brain swelling in a unique way compared to other herpes viruses.

When summer arrives and the air grows thick with warmth, it brings with it an unwelcome guest—mosquitoes. That irritating buzz in your ear, the sharp sting on your skin, and the maddening itch afterward can quickly turn a pleasant evening into a nightmare. But have you ever noticed that mosquitoes seem to swarm around you more than others? If you find yourself swatting away bites while your companions remain unbothered, you're not alone—and you're not imagining it.

Turns out, mosquitoes do play favorites, and science has a few fascinating explanations for why that might be. From your blood type to your wardrobe, your scent to your sweat, here’s a deep dive into the weird and wild biological reasons why mosquitoes might just love you more—and what you can do about it.

Before we decode their behavior, it’s important to understand the threat they pose. Mosquitoes are among the deadliest creatures on earth, not because of their bite itself, but because of what they can carry. From Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya to Zika Virus and Japanese Encephalitis, mosquitoes are silent vectors for disease that impact millions globally. According to the World Health Organization, mosquito-borne illnesses claim over a million lives each year—making them far more than a backyard pest.

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes don’t bite for food. Male mosquitoes survive entirely on nectar, while females seek out blood to obtain proteins vital for egg development. That’s right—only the females bite, and they do it for reproduction.

But mosquitoes don’t choose their targets randomly. Their decision to bite you is rooted in biology and chemistry. Female mosquitoes are equipped with a suite of sensory tools that allow them to detect carbon dioxide from nearly 160 feet away, identify specific skin odors, and even spot you based on the color of your clothes. Here are five weird biological reasons mosquitoes may find you more irresistible than others.

1. Your Blood Type

There’s long been speculation that mosquitoes prefer certain blood types, and science offers some support. A 2004 study found that mosquitoes landed on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A. A more recent 2019 study reinforced this finding, observing mosquitoes feeding more frequently from Type O blood samples.

While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, researchers believe it’s related to secretions on the skin associated with specific blood types—particularly in people known as “secretors,” whose blood type antigens are found not just in their blood but in their saliva, sweat, and skin.

2. The Color of Your Clothing

Mosquitoes are highly visual and rely on sight to locate hosts, especially in the daylight. Studies show that darker colors—black, navy, and red—stand out more to mosquitoes. These colors retain more heat and contrast strongly with green, natural environments, making you an easy target.

Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing offers more than just summer comfort—it can be your first line of mosquito defense.

3. You Emit More Carbon Dioxide

Every time you exhale, you release carbon dioxide, one of the key cues mosquitoes use to track humans. Larger individuals, people who are pregnant, or anyone who’s physically active emits more CO₂ and is more likely to attract attention.

According to research published in Chemical Senses, mosquitoes detect carbon dioxide using an organ called the maxillary palp, which enables them to lock in on their target from a shocking distance of up to 164 feet.

4. Your Body Odor

Human sweat contains a mix of compounds—like lactic acid, ammonia, and uric acid—that mosquitoes find irresistible. Newer research highlights the role of carboxylic acids, which are produced when beneficial skin bacteria break down sebum (the waxy substance secreted by your skin).

Interestingly, even the most expensive perfumes or colognes may not mask these natural odors. Genetics, hygiene, and lifestyle factors like exercise can all impact how your skin smells to a mosquito.

5. Alcohol

Yes, even your choice of beverage can make a difference. A small study found that mosquitoes were more likely to land on participants after they had consumed beer. While the sample size was small and the findings modest, it raises interesting questions about metabolism, body temperature, and skin chemistry post-consumption.

Why Some People Swell More Than Others After Bites?

Mosquito bites don’t affect everyone equally. Some people develop small red dots; others end up with itchy welts. The difference lies in your immune response. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva that contains anticoagulants and proteins. Your immune system releases histamine to combat these foreign substances, which causes inflammation and itchiness. People with stronger immune responses tend to have more visible reactions.

Remedies To Protect Yourself

Forget citronella candles and unverified home remedies. The most effective repellents contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. For those preferring natural alternatives, plant-based repellents such as neem oil, lavender, and citronella can help, though they may need more frequent application.

Want an extra layer of protection? Look for sunscreens that also offer mosquito repellent features—perfect for beach days and hikes alike.

How to Make Your Home Mosquito-Free?

A few strategic changes can turn your home into a mosquito fortress:

• Eliminate stagnant water in pots, buckets, and bird baths—mosquitoes breed in still water.
• Use ceiling fans to disrupt mosquito flight patterns.
• Install window screens and keep doors shut during dawn and dusk.
• Add mosquito-repelling plants like marigold, basil, and lemongrass to your garden.
• Taking cues from global solutions like the Caribbean’s approach to community fogging and public awareness can also make a lasting impact.

Understanding why mosquitoes target you is more than a fun fact—it’s a survival skill. Armed with knowledge and the right protection, you can reclaim your summer without constantly itching or worrying about disease.

Cancer diagnoses is one of the most devastating news that one receives. The future after the revelation may seem bleak, but as many cancer survivors have said, one must power through and try their best. During these times, you lean on your close ones and friends for help, even if it is just for emotional support. Angela Torres always looked out for others, and helped them as best she could, until it was her who needed the help.

Angela is a busy mom with three kids and a full-time job. She also runs two food banks in the Bronx, New York City. She took over this important work from her mother, who also believed strongly in helping the community. However, when Angela found out she had breast cancer, it made her rethink everything about herself.

Angela said that before her diagnosis, she was always the one taking care of everyone else. She admitted, "I didn’t want anyone to think I was weak."

Finding a Lump and Diagnosing Cancer

At 39, Angela felt a small lump in her breast. Tests showed it was stage 0 breast cancer, also called carcinoma in situ. This meant it was very early, and she didn't need more treatment. This experience made Angela realize how important it was to get regular mammograms and checkups. She also encouraged her loved ones to do the same.

A few years later, Angela's sister had a mammogram, and doctors wanted to carry out more tests because they suspected something serious. The results, fortunately, showed no serious signs.

This scare made Angela's sister urge her to get another mammogram sooner than planned. Angela remembered, "She kept saying, ‘I just have a bad feeling.’ So I moved my mammogram appointment up six months, mostly just to get her to quit talking to me about it.”

Angela clearly remembers getting the call with the results of that mammogram. She was ironing her son's shirt for his prom the next day. Her doctor told her they had found several tumors that she would never have been able to feel on her own.

More Serious Diagnosis and a Change in Plans

Angela had another surgery to remove the tumors and take samples from her lymph nodes. Sadly, the tests showed that the tumors were cancerous. Doctors found different kinds of breast cancer cells. Most were hormone-positive, but one was triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Because TNBC can be more aggressive, Angela's treatment plan had to change. She would need surgery, chemotherapy (chemo), and radiation.

Treatment was a long and difficult process. After surgery, Angela had four months of chemo. Then, she had a few weeks to recover before starting daily radiation for several weeks. Her doctor explained that the side effects of chemo and radiation can build up over time. Angela wasn't sure what that meant for her life. But when she started radiation and experienced more side effects, she understood. Some of the side effects from chemo were still bothering her, and the radiation added to them.

How did Community Support Helped Her Prognosis?

Even though the treatment was hard, it worked. Angela believes that her positive attitude played a big part in getting through it. She also learned to accept help from others during her treatment. This was new for Angela, and she said it was the hardest thing to adjust to. "I just didn’t want to feel weak. I didn’t want people to give me that ‘awww’ look. I wanted to be superwoman and just power through, but you have to allow the help in," she explained.

American Cancer Society (ACS) explained that emotional support is crucial for better chances of survival during cancer. A strong emotional support helps people going through cancer have a more positive outlook, better changes in the cancer, and reports show that it helps them better their life quality immensely.

Small things like making brief calls, ending the call with ‘I’ll be in touch soon’, calling when it is suitable for them, returning their messages as soon as you can, checking in with their caretaker to know if they need anything.

True to her nature, Angela strives to help more people, she has spoken at events, at interviews, and with friends and family. Her goal is to use her experience to help save lives and talk about cancer honestly. She thanks ACS for their help and contribution, and gives people hope for the future and love “Nobody wants to go through this, but they make you feel like they're with you for the fight. That means everything.”

Brain health has been highlighted in many recent conversations. Many studies have highlighted things like what food affects our brains negatively. Whether it is how our activities or lack thereof could change our brain function as well as how different psychological factors like stress and anxiety can hurt our brain. However, have you wondered what things positively affect your brain health and age? A new study found that the natural curiosity that we have could be the answer to healthy brain aging.

As kids, all of us had our curiosity, the urge to find new things and learn interesting facts. People become less curious as they age, or that’s what most of us believe. However, the researchers pointed out that we don’t lose our curiosity, rather we focus on one aspect of interest and expand on that.

Staying Curious Helps Your Brain Stay Healthy

The study published in the journal PLOS One 2025, found that some types of curiosity become even stronger as we age. Older people who keep wanting to learn new things might have a better chance of avoiding or delaying problems like Alzheimer's disease.

The study looked at curiosity in two different ways. One type is called "trait curiosity." This is like a basic part of someone's personality that makes them want to find out new things in general. The study found that this type of curiosity tends to become less strong as people get older. The other type is "state curiosity." This is when you feel curious about something specific at a certain moment, like wanting to know the answer to a question someone asks you. This type of curiosity behaves differently as we age.

You Become More Curious As You Age

What the researchers found interesting was that "state curiosity" often starts to increase quite a bit after people reach middle age. This feeling of wanting to know about specific things keeps getting stronger as people move into old age. In the UCLA news release the lead scientist of the study, Alan Castel from UCLA, said that this fits with his idea that older people don't stop wanting to learn, they just become more careful about what they choose to learn about.

He gave examples of older people who go back to school, start new hobbies, or enjoy activities like watching birds. He believes that if older adults can keep this specific kind of curiosity alive, it can really help them stay mentally sharp as they age. This suggests that focusing on learning about things that interest you might be a key to keeping your brain active and healthy in your later years.

Why Does ‘Specific Curiosity’ Rise Later In Life?

To understand this better, the researchers asked over 1,400 people in the age group of 20 and 84, to take a test online that measured their curiosity. Part of the test involved guessing the answers to difficult trivia questions. After guessing, the participants were asked if they wanted to know the correct answer.

The results showed that people who had more general curiosity also tended to have more specific curiosity, and the other way around. However, they also found that while general curiosity tended to decrease as people aged, specific curiosity decreased in early adulthood but then started to increase significantly after middle age and continued to rise in older age.

The researchers think this happens because younger adults are often very focused on learning what they need for their jobs, school, and raising families. This can make them curious early on, but it can also be stressful.

As people get older, and perhaps after their children have grown up and they have retired, they have more time and energy to focus on things they personally enjoy learning about. This could be why their curiosity about specific topics becomes stronger in later life. This suggests that actively keeping your curiosity alive as you age could be an important way to help keep your brain healthy and maintain a good quality of life.