The Coronavirus Outbreak

The self-administered tests are sold over the counter, holding out the promise of safer gatherings. But interpreting results requires savvy

In hindsight, 2020 witnessed a disproportionate mental health burden on women and young people

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.

Sourdough, seeds, shovels and other basic survival needs made a comeback

Studies show the vaccines against the disease not only can be safely given to people who are expecting but can also save lives

The number of pregnant people suffering from severe COVID is preventable tragedy

High-quality respirators such as N95s and KN95s are now widely available and provide the best protection against COVID, according to experts. Why aren’t more people wearing them?

The strain from COVID will mean fewer resources and less attention on reducing carbon footprints

The organizations touting unproved protocols for the antiparasitic drug may be harming vaccination efforts

Studies of bats in China and Laos show southeast Asia is a hotspot for potentially dangerous viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2

Experts explain what this treatment involves, who needs it and how to get it

The new findings, although preliminary, are raising concerns about the potential long-term effects of COVID-19