Buildings have their own microbiomes – we're striving to make them healthy places

We spend 90% of our lives indoors, and every building has its own indoor microbiome. Can we learn to manage them in ways that support helpful microbes and suppress harmful ones?

Mark Fretz, Research Assistant Professor of Architecture, University of Oregon • conversation
April 17, 2020 ~10 min

Checking blood for coronavirus antibodies – 3 questions answered about serological tests and immunity

After your body fights off an infection, antibodies remain in your blood. Two researchers explain how tests identify these antibodies and what the data can be used for.

Daniel Stadlbauer, Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai • conversation
April 16, 2020 ~9 min


Wildfire smoke worsens coronavirus risk, putting firefighters in extra danger

Wildfire smoke makes it harder for firefighters' bodies to fight off viral invaders. But firefighting conditions make the usual protective measures nearly impossible.

Luke Montrose, Assistant Professor of Community and Environmental Health, Boise State University • conversation
April 15, 2020 ~7 min

US pharmacists can now test for coronavirus. They could do more if government allowed it

As the health care system tries to solve the crisis in care around the coronavirus, pharmacists stand ready to help.

Steven W. Chen, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, University of Southern California • conversation
April 13, 2020 ~6 min

Why coronavirus death rates can't be summed up in one simple number

A lot of numbers are being tossed around about COVID-19 and what to expect in the future. They're being used to make critical public health decisions, but they aren't as simple as they appear.

Jonathan Fuller, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
April 10, 2020 ~8 min

Older Americans are risking coronavirus exposure to get their medications

As coronavirus continues to spread, older adults face a challenge: how to get the medications they need without putting themselves at risk. A new national survey shows they aren't prepared.

Brian J. Zikmund-Fisher, Associate Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education, Associate Director of the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan • conversation
April 10, 2020 ~7 min

Here's how Americans coped during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

A survey of 500 adults in the US provides a snapshot of the ways people are dealing with life during a pandemic and how well they think they're doing.

Melissa Liu, Ph.D. Student in Psychology, IUPUI • conversation
April 9, 2020 ~7 min

For asthma patients, the novel coronavirus can be scary. Here's what you need to know

Asthma rescue inhalers are in short supply, and asthma sufferers are worried about the risks they face from COVID-19. A doctor answers six key questions.

S. Cindy Xi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Southern California • conversation
April 9, 2020 ~8 min


Stuck at home with your partner? Look to retirees for how to make it work

Cooped up with a partner and nowhere to go to break it up? Coronavirus social distancing... or another day in retirement? Research on older couples holds tips for everyone else on how to deal.

Anne Fishel, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School • conversation
April 6, 2020 ~7 min

Social media fuels wave of coronavirus misinformation as users focus on popularity, not accuracy

Social media analysts are seeing some alarming trends on Twitter, Facebook and other platforms as the new coronavirus spreads.

Jon-Patrick Allem, Assistant Professor of Research, University of Southern California • conversation
April 6, 2020 ~7 min

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