Singer Jesy Nelson recently shared an emotional update regarding the complications she is experiencing in her pregnancy with twin babies. Former Little Mix singer Jesy, who is having twins with partner Zion Foster, announced that she has been diagnosed with pre-twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (pre-TTTS). The condition, which is present in pregnancies involving twins with a shared placenta, has serious risks involved and needs intense medical supervision. As Nelson embarks on this difficult journey, her story enlightens us about a rare but dangerous condition many expectant parents may not know much about.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare but dangerous condition that arises in monochorionic twin pregnancies, in which identical twins share a single placenta. The placenta supplies the developing babies with oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow, but in TTTS, there is an imbalance of blood vessels that interconnect the twins, and thus the vital resources are not evenly distributed. One twin, or the donor twin, shares excess blood with the other, referred to as the recipient twin. This leads to one baby becoming malnourished and possibly anemic, and the other in danger of heart problems due to too much blood.

Nelson described her diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram video, explaining that she is currently in the pre-stage of TTTS and undergoing frequent monitoring. "I am being scanned twice a week, and each time, things have gotten a little worse," she shared, expressing her fears and hopes for the health of her babies.

Potential Risks of TTTS

If left untreated, TTTS can have devastating consequences. Medical research indicates that:

• 90% of the cases of untreated TTTS lead to loss of one or both twins.
• Despite treatment, only a 70% survival rate for both twins is assured.
• Severe forms can result in preterm labor, cardiac failure in the recipient twin, and organ failure in the donor twin.
• Complications in long-term survivors include neurological damage and developmental delay in surviving infants.

TTTS usually advances in stages, beginning with minimal changes in fluid levels and worsening as one twin continues to get an unequal share of blood. In extreme cases, fetal laser surgery, referred to as the Solomon technique, can be employed to divide the blood vessels and balance the twins.

Why Identical Twin Pregnancies Are More Complicated

Identical twins may develop differently, and their own unique form of placental sharing can have a dramatic effect on pregnancy risk. Jesy Nelson's twins are considered monochorionic diamniotic (mono/di), which means they share a placenta but have two amniotic sacs. This is the type of pregnancy in about 70% of identical twin pregnancies and carries an increased risk of complications like TTTS, umbilical cord entanglement, and growth restriction.

Conversely, dichorionic diamniotic (di/di) twins both have a separate placenta and amniotic sac, which greatly diminishes the threat of TTTS. Twin pregnancy type is normally identified by early ultrasound, with physicians being able to track future complications from inception.

Other Twin Pregnancy Health Risks

Twin pregnancies, even without the presence of TTTS, entail a variety of health risks to the mother as well as infants:

1. Premature Birth

Over 60% of twin pregnancies end in premature delivery, with birth usually taking place before 37 weeks. Premature infants can have immature organs and need neonatal intensive care (NICU) assistance to assist with breathing, feeding, and infection fighting.

2. Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Pregnant women with multiples are at increased risk of having high blood pressure during pregnancy. This, if left untreated, can result in preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can result in damage to organs, preterm labor, and in some cases, maternal or fetal death.

3. Anemia

Pregnant women carrying multiples are twice as likely to experience anemia, a condition where the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and complications during delivery.

4. Birth Defects

According to John Hopkins Medicine, multiple birth babies are twice as likely to have congenital abnormalities compared to single births. These can include heart defects, neural tube defects, and gastrointestinal issues.

5. Amniotic Fluid Imbalances

When twins have to share a placenta, they are more likely to have polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) or oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid). Both result in distress to the babies during fetal development and can result in premature labor.

6. Postpartum Hemorrhage

Twins are at increased risk of excessive postpartum hemorrhage because their uterus is larger and there are greater blood supply needs.

Jesy Nelson's openness about her challenging experience is raising awareness for TTTS, a condition that few individuals—let alone expectant mothers and fathers—might be aware of. Through her tearful video, Nelson stressed the significance of knowing about twin pregnancies aside from the thrill of having multiples. "We had no idea that this type of thing occurs when you're having twins. We just desperately want to make people aware of this because there are so many people who aren't aware."

Her case reminds us of the intricacies involved in twin pregnancy and the significance of early identification and medical management. For mothers carrying twins, frequent ultrasounds and vigilance can become a life-and-death issue for early detection and better outcomes of both babies.

Through constant medical attention and care, she and her partner Zion Foster remain positive and get ready for their babies to be born. In other parents whose situations are no different, the story of Nelson highlights awareness, medical progress, and emotional encouragement in handling complicated pregnancies.

The expecting parents of twin siblings are advised to discuss TTTS screening and possible interventions with their physicians to give their babies the best chance.

Tiny plastic particles may be making their way into one of the body's most protected organs, the brain, according to new research. This has raised concerns about the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure, particularly on brain health.

In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that microplastics and nanoplastics were present in brain tissue, with significantly higher concentrations than in liver and kidneys.

One of the most important findings is that these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that normally blocks harmful substances from entering the brain.

The researchers analysed brain tissue samples collected over several years and observed that they contained seven to 30 times more plastic particles than other organs.

They also found an increase in brain plastic concentrations in more recent samples, reflecting the growing burden of plastic pollution worldwide in the last few years.

"Our data suggest a trend of increasing concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics in the brain," the study authors wrote. They stressed that the findings do not prove these particles cause disease.

Could Microplastic Exposure Increase Dementia Risk?

The researchers also reported higher concentrations of plastic particles in brain tissue from people diagnosed with dementia.

However, they cautioned that the study only identified an association and cannot determine whether microplastics contribute to dementia or whether brains diseased with dementia simply accumulate more particles.

Scientists are still trying to understand how these particles do harm once they reach the brain. Proposed theories include triggering inflammation, disrupting communication between nerve cells, or affecting blood flow, but none have yet been confirmed in humans.

Also read: Risks Of Plastic Pollution: Study Finds Microplastics In Heart Arteries Can Cause Severe Heart Attacks

How Can Microplastics Get Into The Brain?

Since nanoplastics are extremely small, researchers believe some may pass through the blood-brain barrier and become trapped in brain tissue.

The study found polyethylene, commonly used in food packaging and plastic bottles, was the most abundant type detected in the brain tissue.

Scientists emphasise that it is too early to conclude that microplastics directly damage the human brain.

"The findings are concerning, but they should not be interpreted as proof that microplastics cause neurological disease," the researchers emphasised. More studies are needed to determine whether the particles themselves are harmful or simply markers of environmental exposure.

Also read: Dementia Progression Observed To Slow Down When You Do This Exercise 3 Times A Week

How To Reduce Exposure To Microplastics?

While eliminating exposure entirely is nearly impossible, experts recommend practical steps that may lower intake:

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
• Choose glass or stainless steel for food and water storage when possible.
• Reduce consumption of heavily packaged and ultra-processed foods.
• Improve indoor ventilation and reduce household dust, another potential source of airborne microplastics.

The study adds to mounting evidence that microplastics are no longer just an environmental issue. They are increasingly being detected throughout the human body, including the blood, lungs, placenta and now the brain.

A new study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that nearly one in three patients who were hospitalised were diagnosed with invasive mould disease (IMD) died during their hospital stay.

The findings highlighted the urgent need for better surveillance, hygiene, early diagnosis, and greater awareness among healthcare professionals.

The findings come from the surveillance study of invasive mould infections conducted by the CDC across four hospitals in Atlanta and Georgia, between 2020 and 2024.

What Did The Study Find?

Researchers identified 499 confirmed cases of invasive mould disease during the five-year study period. Around 33% of these patients died while hospitalised, while the overall 90-day mortality rate reached 45%.

Nearly half of the patients needed intensive care, and about 50% needed ventilation, highlighting just how severe these infections can turn.

Patients who had a recent or current COVID-19 infection were found to be even worse. Their 90-day mortality rate was 66%, compared with 41% among patients without COVID-19.

"Our findings demonstrate that invasive mold disease is associated with substantial illness and death," the CDC researchers wrote, adding that active surveillance can help improve understanding of how common these infections are and guide prevention efforts.

Also read: DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Becomes World’s Second Largest As Death Toll Surpasses 1,500

What Is Invasive Mould Disease?

Unlike the mould that grows on damp walls or spoiled food, invasive mould disease occurs when fungal spores enter the body through the lungs, wounds, or contaminated medical equipment and spread into deep tissues, blood vessels, or organs.

The infections are most commonly caused by fungi such as Aspergillus, Mucorales, Fusarium, and Scedosporium. Once inside the body, they can rapidly become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

Also read: Vibrio Vulnificus: US Records First Flesh-eating Bacteria Death Of 2026

Who Is Most At Risk?

The disease rarely affects healthy individuals. Instead, it primarily targets people whose immune systems are already weakened, including:

• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Organ transplant recipients
• People taking long-term steroids or immunosuppressive drugs
• Patients in intensive care units
• Individuals recovering from severe COVID-19
• Older adults with multiple illnesses

Also read: Donald Trump Urges RFK Jr. To Accelerate Childhood Vaccine Rollback

Why Experts Are Concerned

One of the biggest challenges is that invasive mould disease is not a nationally reportable disease in the United States, meaning health authorities do not routinely collect nationwide data on cases. Researchers believe the actual burden may therefore be underestimated.

The CDC authors noted that active surveillance is essential to estimate disease incidence, identify outbreaks, and improve patient outcomes. They also highlighted that patients with COVID-19 experienced significantly more severe disease, suggesting clinicians should remain vigilant for fungal complications in critically ill patients.

Outside experts have also warned that factors such as climate change, extreme weather events, an ageing population, and rising antifungal drug resistance could contribute to an increase in serious fungal infections in the coming years.

Although invasive mould infections remain relatively uncommon, the study shows they carry an alarmingly high risk of severe illness and death among vulnerable patients. Researchers say increasing awareness, recognising symptoms early, improving hospital surveillance, and developing faster diagnostic tools could help identify infections sooner and improve survival.

Deadly superbug Candida auris remains a critical public health concern in the United States. Between 2022 and 2024, the number of clinical C. auris cases nearly doubled, rising from 2,882 to 6,197, according to the latest surveillance report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen infected at least 7,000 people across 27 US states by early 2026, according to the CDC. However, the agency's latest Surveillance Summaries report focuses on trends between 2022 and 2024.

The CDC noted that the drug-resistant fungus continues to pose a major challenge for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities because it is difficult to treat and control.

"Candida auris is an emerging yeast that is frequently resistant to antifungal drugs. C. auris can cause invasive infections associated with high mortality and can colonize patients asymptomatically, which facilitates transmission in health care settings," the CDC said.

"Since it was first reported in the United States in 2016, C. auris has been identified in multiple states, with increasing numbers of cases reported annually. Monitoring national trends in cases identified through clinical testing and screening for colonization is critical to guide infection prevention and control efforts," the CDC report said.

Also read: One In Three Hospital Patients With Serious Mold Infections Died, CDC Study Finds

Key Findings From the CDC Report

• 13,507 clinical Candida auris cases were reported to the CDC between 2022 and 2024.
• Annual cases increased from 2,882 in 2022 to 4,428 in 2023 and 6,197 in 2024.
• The annual growth rate slowed, falling from 53.7% (2022–2023) to 39.9% (2023–2024), even as total cases continued to rise.
• Adults aged 45 years and older accounted for 87.8% of clinical cases, while 61.0% of cases occurred in males.
• The most common specimen types were urine (31.5%) and blood (30.2%).
• The proportion of blood specimens declined over the study period, from 34.4% in 2022 to 30.2% in 2023 and 25.6% in 2024.
• Most clinical cases were identified in acute care hospitals (76.6%), followed by long-term acute care hospitals (17.8%).

The CDC said the continued increase in cases highlights ongoing transmission in healthcare settings and underscores the need for sustained infection prevention and control efforts, supported by federal, state, and local public health partners.

Why Is Candida auris So Difficult to Control?

Unlike many other infections, Candida auris spreads easily through contaminated medical equipment and direct person-to-person contact. It can also survive on surfaces and is resistant to many commonly used disinfectants, making outbreaks difficult to contain once the fungus enters a healthcare facility.

Health officials say the steady increase in cases each year points to ongoing transmission in healthcare settings.

Read More: US Measles Cases Reach 2,371; RFK Jr Takes U-Turn, Urges Families to Vaccinate Kids

Candida auris: Symptoms and Health Risks

• Candida auris can infect the bloodstream, wounds, ears, and other parts of the body.
• Symptoms vary depending on the site and severity of the infection
• Some infected people may have no symptoms (asymptomatic infection)

The fungus is especially dangerous in hospitals and nursing facilities because it can survive for long periods on surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, and bed rails. Its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs makes infections difficult to treat and eliminate.

Candida auris: Who's At High Risk?

A 2025 study published by Cambridge University Press found that Candida auris typically enters the body through devices such as catheters, breathing tubes, feeding tubes, or peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines).

The study, which included 321 patients, found that people with Candida auris generally had significant underlying illnesses, with an average age of 60–64 years.

More than half of the patients required intensive care unit admission, over one-third needed mechanical ventilation, and more than half required blood transfusions.

People with healthy immune systems are generally better able to fight the infection than those who are elderly or have serious underlying illnesses. The CDC has previously estimated that, based on limited patient data, 30%–60% of people with Candida auris infections have died, although many had severe underlying medical conditions.