Health misinformation is rampant on social media – here's what it does, why it spreads and what people can do about it

Studies show that health misinformation on social media has led to fewer people getting vaccinated and more lives lost to COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases.

Monica Wang, Associate Professor of Public Health, Boston University • conversation
Dec. 13, 2023 • ~11 min

Rats are more human than you think – and they certainly like being around us

Rats are well known to cause problems for humans. But we need a new approach to our relationship with them.

Tobias Linné, Assistant Professor in Media and Communication Studies, Lund University • conversation
Dec. 4, 2023 • ~7 min

Gaza's next tragedy: Disease risk spreads amid overcrowded shelters, dirty water and breakdown of basic sanitation

High levels of diarrhea, scabies and respiratory infections have been reported as bombing campaign progresses – and children are the most vulnerable.

Yara M. Asi, Assistant Professor of Global Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida • conversation
Nov. 21, 2023 • ~9 min

Curing America's loneliness epidemic would make us healthier, fitter and less likely to abuse drugs

At least half of surveyed US adults experienced loneliness and social isolation.

Clay Marsh, Chancellor and Executive Dean for Health Sciences, West Virginia University • conversation
July 14, 2023 • ~8 min

Biting flies are attracted to blue traps – we used AI to work out why

New research on what attracts blood-feasting flies to blue objects could help minimise the impacts of those insects on people and animals.

Roger Santer, Lecturer in Zoology, Aberystwyth University • conversation
July 4, 2023 • ~6 min

Three surprising reasons human actions threaten endangered primates

Most of us have heard of the dangers of deforestation but there are other more subtle ways that human beings can endanger monkeys, apes and lemurs.

Sian Waters, Honorary Research Fellow, Durham University • conversation
Feb. 6, 2023 • ~6 min

1 in 8 U.S. deaths from 2020 to 2021 came from COVID-19 – leaving millions of relatives reeling from distinctly difficult grief

COVID-19 deaths tend to be more unexpected and traumatic than other types of deaths. A sociologist explains the mental health burdens facing the millions who’ve lost a relative to the coronavirus.

Shawn Bauldry, Associate Professor of Sociology, Purdue University • conversation
July 11, 2022 • ~5 min

Whether you followed lockdown rules may have been influenced by your genetics – new research

If you found the COVID pandemic affected you differently to your friends, it could be down to your DNA.

Pauline Lanting, PhD-candidate, University of Groningen • conversation
May 20, 2022 • ~5 min

The Catholic saint who dedicated his life to a leprosy colony in Hawaii – and became an inspiration for HIV/AIDS care

Father Damien’s legacy has inspired health providers and humanitarians for over a century.

Mark Lambert, Teaching Fellow, University of Chicago Divinity School • conversation
May 6, 2022 • ~9 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

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