Pivotal points in the COVID-19 pandemic – 5 essential reads

With the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview mirror, at least for now, we look back on a handful of stories that provided sharp insights at key moments in the pandemic.

Amanda Mascarelli, Senior Health and Medicine Editor • conversation
May 17, 2023 ~9 min

Is monkeypox a pandemic? An epidemiologist explains why it isn’t likely to become as widespread as COVID-19, but is worth watching

The monkeypox virus, which is commonly found in West and Central Africa, is now causing many infections in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

Kathryn H. Jacobsen, William E. Cooper Distinguished University Chair, Professor of Health Studies, University of Richmond • conversation
July 15, 2022 ~8 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

History tells us trying to stop diseases like COVID-19 at the border is a failed strategy

The US response to the coronavirus was slow and problematic, but it also was rooted in a 19th-century way of viewing public health.

Charles McCoy, Assistant Professor of Sociology, SUNY Plattsburgh • conversation
Aug. 28, 2020 ~8 min

Brewing Mesopotamian beer brings a sip of this vibrant ancient drinking culture back to life

Beer was extremely popular in ancient Mesopotamia. Sipped through straws, it differed from today’s beer and was enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

Tate Paulette, Assistant Professor of History, North Carolina State University • conversation
Aug. 24, 2020 ~8 min

What happens when COVID-19 and influenza collide? Can hospitals handle the strain?

Pandemic policy experts offer 10 recommendations that could reduce the risk that a bad flu season on top of the COVID-19 pandemic will overwhelm hospitals.

Leslie Ruyle, Associate Research Scientist and Assistant Director Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University • conversation
Aug. 20, 2020 ~8 min

Test positivity rate: How this one figure explains that the US isn't doing enough testing yet

Test positivity rates measure the success of a testing program. Even though the US performs a huge number of tests, high test positivity rates across the country show that that it still isn't enough.

Ronald D. Fricker, Jr., Professor of Statistics and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Administration, Virginia Tech • conversation
July 30, 2020 ~7 min

What makes a 'wave' of disease? An epidemiologist explains

There's no scientific definition for a wave of disease – and no evidence that the original onslaught of coronavirus in the US has receded much at all.

Abram L. Wagner, Research Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Michigan • conversation
July 6, 2020 ~8 min


This simple model shows the importance of wearing masks and social distancing

A simple computer model shows that safety measures can significantly impact both the exponential spread of COVID-19 and mortality rates.

Jeyaraj Vadiveloo, Director of the Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Center for Actuarial Research, University of Connecticut • conversation
June 26, 2020 ~5 min

How deforestation helps deadly viruses jump from animals to humans

Yellow fever, malaria and Ebola all spilled over from animals to humans at the edges of tropical forests. The new coronavirus is the latest zoonosis.

Maria Anice Mureb Sallum, Professor of Epidemiology, Universidade de São Paulo • conversation
June 25, 2020 ~11 min

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