How virus detectives trace the origins of an outbreak – and why it's so tricky

Bat hosts, lab leaks – tracing SARS-CoV-2 to its origins involves more than just tracking down patient zero.

Marilyn J. Roossinck, Professor of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, Penn State • conversation
June 7, 2021 ~11 min

Pandemic misery index reveals far-reaching impact of COVID-19 on American lives, especially on Blacks and Latinos

A survey finds that hardship disparities across racial and ethnic groups have persisted throughout the pandemic.

Kyla Thomas, Sociologist, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
June 1, 2021 ~7 min


The next pandemic is already happening – targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it

A more coordinated effort by scientists, stakeholders and community members will be required to stop the next deadly virus that's already circulating in our midst.

Maureen Miller, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Columbia University • conversation
June 1, 2021 ~10 min

Endurance got us through multiple lockdowns, and it'll help us coming out of the pandemic too

Endurance is a surprisingly progressive way of creating a better future.

Felix Ringel, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Durham University • conversation
June 1, 2021 ~7 min

How to 'build back better' health habits after the pandemic year

A doctor offers tips on how to safely get exercise, sleep and drinking habits back into shape as the pandemic wanes.

Claudia Finkelstein, Associate Professor of Medicine, Michigan State University • conversation
May 27, 2021 ~8 min

Going beyond 'back to normal' – 5 research-based tips for emerging from pandemic life

After more than a year of idealizing life without COVID-19, people are starting to reenter 'normal' life. Clinical psychology provides guidance on how to prepare for your post-pandemic reboot.

Bethany Teachman, Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia • conversation
May 27, 2021 ~8 min

Plant pandemics threaten future food supply

Researchers are calling for comprehensive efforts to stop plant pandemics, which could devestate the global food supply.

Shirley Cardenas-McGill • futurity
May 26, 2021 ~6 min

Politicized science drove lunar exploration and Stalinist pseudoscience – but polarized scientific views are worse than ever

Politics always influences what questions scientists ask. Their intertwined relationship becomes a problem when politics dictates what answers science is allowed to find.

Liv Grjebine, Postdoctoral Fellow in History of Science, Harvard University • conversation
May 26, 2021 ~8 min


Think like a virus to understand why the pandemic isn't over yet – and what the US needs to do to help other countries

Viruses want to pass on their genetic material. Recognizing this about SARS-CoV-2 provides insight into how the world is still vulnerable to COVID-19.

Karen Levy, Associate Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
May 26, 2021 ~10 min

Student project on understanding emerging diseases via internet searches

A College senior’s research project has shown a way to more quickly understand the characteristics of emerging diseases, by examining global internet searches for symptoms.

Alvin Powell • harvard
May 24, 2021 ~6 min

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