A tick bite can cause a deadly meat allergy

Tick bites can introduce the alpha-gal sugar molecule into the bloodstream, leading some individuals to develop IgE antibodies and become sensitized to mammalian meat allergy. Subsequent consumption of red meat or products containing alpha-gal can trigger allergic reactions, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis. Most cases occur in older adults, with incidence rising mainly due to increased awareness and testing.
There is no cure for mammalian meat allergy. So preventing tick bites is best:

wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when walking or working in areas where there are ticks
tuck pants into long socks
wear a wide-brimmed hat
wear light-colored clothing
use insect repellent, particularly ones containing DEET.

https://theconversation.com/how-can-a-tick-bite-cause-a-deadly-meat...

Could nanoplastics nudge Salmonella toward antibiotic resistance?
Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics prompts Salmonella enterica to increase expression of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes and enhances biofilm formation, indicating heightened pathogenicity. Prolonged exposure shifts bacterial behavior toward persistence rather than aggression. These findings suggest nanoplastics may contribute to antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens.
Researchers examined the physiology of Salmonella in response to nanoplastics, and they found an increased expression of virulence-related genes. The bacteria also formed thicker biofilms, which further indicates they are becoming more virulent.
Biofilm is an agglomeration of microorganisms growing together to form a protective layer, increasing survival for pathogenic bacteria under physiological stress. You might see biofilms as a slimy film in your kitchen sink or on your cutting board after handling raw meat.

However, while Salmonella initially showed increased virulence, prolonged exposure to nanoplastics slowed its stress response.

Jayita De et al, Polystyrene nanoplastics and pathogen plasticity: Toxic threat or tolerated stressor in Salmonella enterica? Journal of Hazardous Materials (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141264

How a tick could help prevent autoimmune diseases 

A research team  has identified a tick-derived evasin that can bind to two major classes of chemokines, a discovery that is important for the development of therapeutics targeting inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The work is published in the journal Structure.

When the immune system detects a harmful or foreign agent, it triggers an inflammatory response. Small proteins called chemokines direct immune cells to the site of the injury or infection, resulting in the invader being inactivated.

More commonly known as parasites, ticks are able to attach and draw blood from us or our pets without triggering an immune reaction, because they produce proteins called evasins, which attach to these chemokines, preventing them from warning the immune system that it is under attack.

These chemokines can also "turn bad," overstimulating the immune system, resulting in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

Until now, scientists had identified only evasins that selectively block chemokines within a single class.

But this new study is important because a broad-acting evasin such as they have discovered is a potential therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and cancer.

 In this study, the researchers have identified a naturally occurring evasin that can inhibit both major classes of chemokines.

The discovery opens up new opportunities to develop therapies that target chemokines driving inflammatory diseases such as RA and MS. 

Discovery of an evolutionarily distinct evasin with dual CC and CXC chemokine inhibitory activity, Structure (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2026.02.001. www.cell.com/structure/fulltex … 0969-2126(26)00043-2