Medicine
Why Kids Beat Back COVID Better Than Adults
Innate immunity might be the key to why children have fared better with the virus. But the Delta variant poses fresh unknowns
"The Coronavirus Outbreak"
Vaccines
An mRNA Pioneer Discusses How Her Work Led to the COVID Vaccines
Biochemist Katalin Karikó and her colleague Drew Weissman were recently awarded a $3-million Breakthrough Prize for their work
Public Health
COVID, Quickly, Episode 14: Best Masks, Explaining Mask Anger, Biden’s New Plan
Today we bring you a new episode in our podcast series COVID, Quickly. Every two weeks, Scientific American ’s senior health editors Tanya Lewis and Josh Fischman catch you up on the essential developments in the pandemic: from vaccines to new variants and everything in between.You can listen to all past episodes here...
Medicine
Rogue Antibodies Involved in Nearly One Fifth of COVID Deaths
Self-targeting antibodies attack part of the immune system that plays a key role in fighting infection
Public Health
The Pandemic’s Hidden Toll Is Revealed in Excess Death Counts
Many of the unexpected deaths in rural U.S. counties last year were not recorded as caused by COVID
Sociology
The Pandemic Caused a Baby Bust, Not a Boom
Birth rates in many high-income countries declined in the months following the first wave, possibly because of economic uncertainty
Behavior
Lessons from Life Choices Made during the Pandemic
For a couple working in health care, the decision to get married and have a baby was complicated
Public Health
COVID, Quickly, Episode 13: Vaccine Approval, Breakthrough Infections, Boosters
Today we bring you a new episode in our podcast series COVID, Quickly. Every two weeks, Scientific American ’s senior health editors Tanya Lewis and Josh Fischman catch you up on the essential developments in the pandemic: from vaccines to new variants and everything in between.You can listen to all past episodes here...
Epidemiology
Humanitarians Push to Vaccinate in Conflict Zones
Pandemic ceasefires offer an opportunity to expand vaccination efforts, experts say. But negotiation is tricky
Public Health
How COVID, Inequality and Politics Make a Vicious Syndemic
Overlapping diseases and social conditions in the U.S. continue to dictate who is hurt most badly by the novel coronavirus
Public Health
Unraveling the Mystery of Why Children Are Better Protected from COVID Than Adults
Their immune system is more primed to fight off the novel coronavirus
Vaccines
COVID Vaccines Show No Signs of Harming Fertility or Sexual Function
The novel coronavirus, in contrast, can disrupt both things in unvaccinated men and women
Vaccines
Should You Get a Booster Shot? Here’s What We Know
Experts weigh in on common questions about whether and when additional doses of coronavirus vaccines may be needed
Health Care
Years Before COVID, Zombies Helped Prepare One Hospital System for the Real Pandemic
An educational experiment used escape rooms and the undead to set the stage for a terrible situation that would become all too real
Vaccines
A New Resource for Fighting Vaccine Misinformation
The #ScienceUpFirst initiative was created to provide, support and amplify accurate scientific information to help people make informed health decisions
Epidemiology
Masks Are a Must-Have to Go Back to School during the Delta Variant Surge
Face coverings are essential to protecting children, keeping schools open and slowing the highly contagious coronavirus variant, experts say
Public Health
England’s Rush to Reopen Is a Cautionary Tale for the U.S.
Stripping back nearly all public health restrictions comes as the virus still poses a threat
Vaccines
Vaccine Mandates Are Lawful, Effective and Based on Rock-Solid Science
Clear legal pathways exist to move the U.S. closer to herd immunity
Vaccines
Governor Makes Personal Plea to Reluctant Arkansans to Get Vaccinated
The Republican went to Blytheville, Texarkana and other municipalities in the state to allay people’s fears
Public Health
‘Breakthrough’ Infections Do Not Mean COVID Vaccines Are Failing
Getting flu again postinoculation is more common than a return case after a COVID shot
