This AI Tool Could Predict the Next Coronavirus Variant
The model, which uses machine learning to track the fitness of different viral strains, accurately predicted the rise of Omicron’s BA.2 subvariant and the Alpha variant
Kids’ Vaccines at Last and Challenges in Making New Drugs: COVID, Quickly, Episode 33
On this episode of the COVID, Quickly podcast, we discuss some parents breathing a collective sigh of relief and the paradox of how effective vaccines can make it harder to create new drugs to treat patients who get the coronavirus.
New COVID Drugs Face Delays as Trials Get Harder to Do
The success of vaccines has reduced the pool of people available for studies, among other factors
COVID Vaccines for Kids Younger Than Five Get Green Light from Regulators
An advisory committee voted unanimously to recommend authorizing the Moderna and Pfizer shots for the youngest children
Bad COVID Public Health Messaging Is Blocking Our Path to a ‘New Normal’
But smarter communications from health agencies can improve the road ahead
COVID Death Rates Explained, Dismal Booster Stats and New Vaccines
On this episode of the COVID, Quickly podcast, we clear up some data misconceptions, get to the bottom of the booster uptake issue and talk Novavax.
Better Face Masks Are Possible: Here Are Some Winning Designs
A two-part competition aims to spark innovation and connect the groups trying to redesign high-quality masks that protect against COVID
We Need to Improve Indoor Air Quality: Here’s How and Why
Upgrading buildings’ ventilation, filtration and other factors would not only decrease COVID transmission but also improve health and cognitive performance in general
How to Compare COVID Deaths for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People
The death rate among unvaccinated people is still far higher than that among the vaccinated even though vaccinated people now make up a significant proportion of deaths
‘Where Are Vaccines for Little Kids?’ and the Latest on Long COVID
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.
Long COVID Risk Falls Only Slightly after Vaccination
Results from a large study suggest that vaccines offer less protection against lingering symptoms than expected
Keeping a Business Safe without a Mask Mandate Requires a Nuanced Approach
Government or company-wide mandates give businesses cover for policies perceived as political