A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the brain can activate the body's immune defenses in response to merely seeing a sick person. The research, conducted in a virtual reality environment, showed that participants exposed to avatars displaying signs of infection exhibited immune system activation despite no actual exposure to pathogens. This finding highlights a brain-immune axis where visual cues alone may prepare the immune system for potential infection. The study was noted by several sources including Nature, Science News, and experts such as Eric Topol. Additionally, separate research reported by CNNChile highlights that extreme grief can quadruple the risk of death within ten years, and that surrogate mothers face higher risks of mental health issues during and after pregnancy.