Racial discrimination during COVID led to rise in depression

Those who experienced discrimination early in the pandemic had increased odds of moderate to severe depression and suicidal ideation, compared to those who reported no discrimination.

Randy Young • harvard
Aug. 29, 2022 ~4 min

Misinformation is a common thread between the COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics – with deadly consequences

The spread of misinformation in many pandemics, including the smallpox and 1918 influenza outbreaks, have undermined efforts to contain infections and prevent deaths.

Cristian Apetrei, Professor of Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences • conversation
Aug. 24, 2022 ~9 min


At last, COVID-19 shots for little kids – 5 essential reads

The FDA’s authorization of COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 4 years will bring relief for millions of parents. Pending CDC endorsement, shots for this group will be available within days.

Amanda Mascarelli, Senior Health and Medicine Editor • conversation
June 17, 2022 ~9 min

How does the immune system mobilize in response to a COVID-19 infection or a vaccine? 5 essential reads

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought immunology terms that are typically relegated to textbooks into our everyday vernacular. These stories helped us make sense of the ever-evolving science.

Amanda Mascarelli, Senior Health and Medicine Editor • conversation
March 17, 2022 ~9 min

Why daylight saving time is unhealthy – a neurologist explains

By altering the body’s internal clock, ‘springing forward’ may contribute to an increase in heart attacks and strokes.

Beth Ann Malow, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University • conversation
March 10, 2022 ~9 min

Surprise – your kids may be nervous about ditching the mask

As mask mandates fall and the CDC issues new mask guidance, kids may experience anxiety around removing their masks. Clear communication from grown-ups can help children navigate the uncertainty.

Katharine Covino-Poutasse, Associate Professor of English Studies, Fitchburg State University • conversation
March 3, 2022 ~9 min

Despite its disastrous effects, COVID-19 offers some gifts to medicine – an immunology expert explains what it can teach us about autoimmune disease

COVID-19 has taken away so much. An immunology researcher describes the good it may leave behind.

Dario Ghersi, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics, University of Nebraska Omaha • conversation
Feb. 16, 2022 ~8 min

Trust comes when you admit what you don’t know – lessons from child development research

People often try to seem confident and certain in their message so it will be trusted and acted upon. But when information is in flux, research suggests. you should be open about what you don’t know.

Mark Sabbagh, Professor of Psychology, Queen's University, Ontario • conversation
Feb. 15, 2022 ~10 min


In research studies and in real life, placebos have a powerful healing effect on the body and mind

Drug manufacturers often shun the use of placebos in clinical trials. But research suggests that placebos could play an important role in the treatment of depression, pain and other maladies.

Hans Schroder, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 11, 2022 ~11 min

Heading into the third year of the pandemic, the US blood supply is at a 10-year low

Life-saving blood is needed for everything from treating cancers and chronic conditions to helping trauma victims. But blood donations have dropped to crisis levels during the pandemic.

Anna Nagurney, Professor and Chair in Integrative Studies, UMass Amherst • conversation
Feb. 3, 2022 ~9 min

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