In the Press

Mathematical ability is shaped by a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors, in which genetic variance explains about 60% of the behavioral variance [1].

A new discovery about osteoporosis suggests a potential treatment target for that brittle-bone disease and for bone loss from rheumatoid arthritis.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a causal agent of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in humans, and afflicts more than 70 million people worldwide. The HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2 are responsible for the binding of the virus to the host cell, but the exact entry process remains undetermined1.

In order to assess health effects in humans caused by environmental nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) a systematic review of studies in humans was conducted. MEDLINE database was searched for epidemiological studies and experiments on adverse effects of NO(2) published between 2002 and 2006.

Tiny droplets loaded with viruses disappear more slowly after exhalation than previous models suggested. Experiments and simulations by TU Wien (Vienna) can now explain this.

Key messages Cardiac troponin increases in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. Cardiac troponin is increased in exacerbation and pneumonia in COPD. This increase is mediated by systemic inflammation that accompanies exacerbation and pneumonia in COPD. Airways inflammation triggers a systemic inflammation that damages the heart muscles.

A new report attributes a rise in other infections to a "laser focus" on COVID-19 and exhausted and overworked staff.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is characterized by symptoms such as nasal discharge, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing.

Some infectious diseases, including COVID-19, can be transmitted via aerosols that are emitted by an infectious person and inhaled by susceptible individuals.

The role of diet in depression is becoming increasingly acknowledged.