Coronavirus origins: the debate flares up, but the evidence remains weak

A recent preprint suggesting SARS-CoV-2 came from a lab has reignited the fierce debate over the origins of the virus.

Francois Balloux, Chair Professor, Computational Biology, UCL • conversation
Oct. 28, 2022 ~8 min

Study details better outcomes for Omicron BA.2 patients

A team led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital has determined that Omicron BA.2 is weaker than both Delta and the original Omicron variant.

Tracy Hampton • harvard
Oct. 26, 2022 ~3 min


Long COVID: How researchers are zeroing in on the self-targeted immune attacks that may lurk behind it

A new study finds that misdirected immune responses can persist for months in those who are suffering from long COVID-19.

Matthew Woodruff, Instructor of Human Immunology, Emory University • conversation
Aug. 31, 2022 ~9 min

Surgical procedures haven’t recovered from COVID

Reductions in surgical procedures precipitated by SARS-CoV-2 have not fully returned to their pre-pandemic levels, resulting in severe backlogs and deferred surgeries.

Tracy Hampton • harvard
Aug. 23, 2022 ~5 min

Biden tests positive for COVID-19: An infectious disease doctor explains the risks and treatments available for the 79-year-old president

According to a letter from Biden’s doctor, the president has a runny nose, mild fatigue and a slight cough. The letter also noted that Biden began taking an antiviral drug the morning he tested positive.

Patrick Jackson, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia • conversation
July 21, 2022 ~7 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 important is the COVID-19 booster shot for 5-to-11-year-olds? 5 questions answered

The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be effective against severe illness leading to hospitalization and death in all age groups, including children ages 5 to 11.

Debbie-Ann Shirley, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia • conversation
May 26, 2022 ~7 min

Don’t let latest COVID surge overshadow progress, says Harvard epidemiologist

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Professor William Hanage explains how to stay on guard against subvariants, noting role of protective measures in transition to new pandemic phase.

Alvin Powell • harvard
May 21, 2022 ~9 min


Just how accurate are rapid antigen tests? Two testing experts explain the latest data

With the relaxation of mask-wearing mandates, there’s even more need to know how much over-the-counter tests help.

Apurv Soni, Assistant Professor in Clinical Informatics and Director of Program in Digital Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
May 16, 2022 ~8 min

COVID-19 official counts can miss mild cases – here's how serosurveys that analyze blood for signs of past infection can help

Your blood can hold a record of past illnesses. That information can reveal how many people have had a certain infection – like 58% of Americans having had COVID-19 by the end of February 2022.

Isobel Routledge, Postdoctoral Scholar in Medicine, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
May 6, 2022 ~9 min

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