Biodiversity loss could be making us sick – here's why

Rich and diverse microbiomes in our local environment are important for keeping us healthy.

Jake M. Robinson, PhD Researcher, Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield • conversation
Aug. 4, 2020 • ~7 min
biodiversity microbiome gut-microbiome disease urban-life germs urban-biodiversity indoor-microbial-ecology

Is bar soap as gross as millennials say? Not really, and we're all covered with microbes anyway

Finally, an answer to a long-bubbling question: What works best – bar or liquid soap?

Michelle Sconce Massaquoi, Doctoral Candidate in Microbiology, University of Oregon • conversation
July 14, 2020 • ~7 min

 bacteria  covid-19  coronavirus  pandemic  microbiome  microbes  germs  soap

New research explores horizontal gene transfer

Cassandra Extavour and Leo Blondel provide the strongest suggestive evidence yet that at least part of a specific gene came from bacterial genomes.

Peter Reuell • harvard
June 2, 2020 • ~9 min
science-technology bacteria genes faculty-of-arts-and-sciences fas harvard peter-reuell cassandra-extavour horizontal-gene-transfer gene blondel extavour gene-transfer germ-cells leo-blondel osk-domain oskar

How people react to the threat of disease could mean COVID-19 is reshaping personalities

Human psychology has evolved to avoid situations that could lead to infection. Behavioral choices now could have long-term effects on how people interact with others and the world.

Vivian Zayas, Associate Professor of Psychology, Cornell University • conversation
May 4, 2020 • ~10 min
infectious-diseases covid-19 coronavirus immune-system psychology sars-cov-2 disease anthony-fauci infection pathogens germs personality diseases disgust pathogen health-behaviors behavior

Do I have to wear a jacket when it's cold outside?

Leaving your coat at home on a cold winter day doesn't automatically mean you're going to get sick. But it could make you more susceptible to germs.

Carolyn Kaloostian, Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, University of Southern California • conversation
Feb. 20, 2020 • ~4 min

 influenza  immune-system  viruses  winter-weather  quick-reads  sick  curious-kids  curious-kids-us  colds  rhinovirus  temperature  germs  cold  cold-weather  sickness

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