Pooling multiple models during COVID-19 pandemic provided more reliable projections about an uncertain future

Policymakers rely on models during uncertain times to figure out how their choices could affect the future. Over the pandemic, an ensemble of many COVID-19 models outperformed any one alone.

Justin Lessler, Professor of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • conversation
Nov. 20, 2023 ~9 min

The ugly side of beauty: Chemicals in cosmetics threaten college-age women's reproductive health

Finding cosmetics that are free of hormone- disrupting chemicals often means paying more. An epidemiologist explains the risk, particularly for young women.

Leslie Hart, Associate Professor, College of Charleston • conversation
June 7, 2023 ~9 min


What is spillover? Bird flu outbreak underscores need for early detection to prevent the next big pandemic

A biologist who studies how viruses spread from animals to people explains the process of spillover and the risks posed by the new bird flu that has spread across the globe.

Treana Mayer, Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology, Colorado State University • conversation
Feb. 24, 2023 ~7 min

Epigenetic and social factors both predict aging and health – but new research suggests one might be stronger

People don’t all age at the same rate. Untangling the factors that influence health and disease – such as epigenetics, demographics and behavior – could lead to better care for those who need it most.

Jessica Faul, Research Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 20, 2023 ~6 min

Lung cancer rates have decreased for the Marlboro Man, but have risen steeply for nonsmokers and young women – an oncologist explains why

While lung cancer rates have decreased by 43% in men, they have risen by 79% in women. New screening guidelines and recognizing early symptoms can help address the changing face of lung cancer.

Estelamari Rodriguez, Associate Director of Community Outreach in Thoracic Oncology, University of Miami • conversation
Feb. 1, 2023 ~7 min

How does monkeypox spread? An epidemiologist explains why it isn't an STI and what counts as close contact

While the majority of monkeypox cases thus far have been recorded among men who have sex with men, everyone is still at risk of contracting the disease.

Rebecca S.B. Fischer, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Texas A&M University • conversation
Aug. 8, 2022 ~9 min

Why declaring monkeypox a global health emergency is a preventative step -- not a reason for panic

By late July 2022, monkeypox was present in more than 70 countries with significant spread in certain communities. As a result, the World Health Organization began taking steps to fight the virus.

Kathryn H. Jacobsen, William E. Cooper Distinguished University Chair, Professor of Health Studies, University of Richmond • conversation
July 26, 2022 ~7 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


It's impossible to determine your personal COVID-19 risks and frustrating to try – but you can still take action

People want a simple answer. Is this action safe? But despite Anthony Fauci bouncing responsibility for COVID-19 risk assessment to individuals, your risk can’t be boiled down to one probability.

Malia Jones, Scientist in Health Geography, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
May 17, 2022 ~8 min

From delta to omicron, here's how scientists know which coronavirus variants are circulating in the US

A nationwide genomic surveillance system analyzes positive COVID-19 tests to build a picture of which variants are spreading in the population.

Lee Harrison, Professor of Epidemiology, Medicine, and Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences • conversation
Jan. 7, 2022 ~10 min

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