Cholesterol lowering drugs used to lower the risk of stroke might also protect against infectious diseases. Doctors at Duke University found statins helped provide protection against typhoid fever, chlamydia, and malaria. 

A new study suggests the mosquito-borne Zika virus weakens the immune systems of pregnant women similar to HIV. California researchers said when the immune system is suppressed the virus can spread, increasing chances the fetus can be harmed.

Those close friendships in high school may be a predictor of good mental health later in life. Doctors in Virginia discovered teens with intimate friendships had lower social anxiety, increased self-worth, and fewer symptoms of depression at age 25. 

Sources 

1 – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

2 – Keck School of Medicine, USC

3 – Child Development