Vaccine hesitancy is complicating physicians' obligation to respect patient autonomy during the COVID-19 pandemic

New ethical issues are emerging during COVID-19 as doctors struggle with their obligations to ‘do no harm’ and respect patient autonomy.

Ryan Liu, Family Medicine Resident Physician, Penn State • conversation
March 24, 2022 ~7 min

Study: With masking and distancing in place, NFL stadium openings in 2020 had no impact on local Covid-19 infections

The findings may inform decisions on holding large outdoor gatherings amid future public health crises.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office • mit
March 23, 2022 ~8 min


Why pregnant people should get vaccinated for COVID-19 – a maternal care expert explains

A robust body of research finds that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy is safe and effective – and the best way to protect both mother and child from the risks of COVID-19.

Stacy Potts, Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
March 18, 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 we trust experts – even when they admit they don't know the answer

A look at how we decide which experts are the most trustworthy - and the possible biological basis behind it.

Erik Gustafsson, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Portsmouth • conversation
March 15, 2022 ~8 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

‘Endemic’ is not an exit, says epidemiologist

Harvard’s William Hanage, an epidemiologist and associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, outlines what an endemic SARS-CoV-2 might look like.

Justin Saglio • harvard
March 9, 2022 ~1 min

How a nondescript box has been saving lives during the pandemic – and revealing the power of grassroots innovation

3D printers got a lot of attention when DIYers leapt to action to address equipment shortages early in the pandemic, but some everyday items found in hardware stores played a big role, too.

Douglas Hannah, Assistant Professor of Strategy and Innovation, Boston University • conversation
March 3, 2022 ~12 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

Can churches be protectors of public health?

Responses to COVID-19 health guidelines have been polarized, including in churches. But religious communities have a long history of involvement in public health.

Andrew Gardner, Visiting Faculty Associate of American Religious History, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace • conversation
Feb. 25, 2022 ~9 min

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