Older people like President Trump are at more risk from COVID-19 because of how the immune system ages

Older coronavirus patients face grimmer outlooks. A virologist explains the aging-related changes in how immune systems work that are to blame.

Brian Geiss, Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 2, 2020 • ~7 min

How and when will we know that a COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective?

Several vaccines are in Phase 3 trials. So when will we know whether any of these will protect against COVID-19?

William Petri, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia • conversation
Sept. 22, 2020 • ~10 min

Declining antibodies and immunity to COVID-19 – why the worry?

If antibody levels drop dramatically after an infection, what does that mean for immunity? An expert explains how B and T cells contribute to immunity and why antibodies don't tell the full story.

Alexander (Sasha) Poltorak, Professor of Immunology, Tufts University • conversation
Aug. 26, 2020 • ~7 min

'Normal' human body temperature is a range around 98.6 F – a physiologist explains why

'Normal' body temperature varies from person to person by age, time of day, where it's measured, and even menstrual cycle. External conditions also influence your thermometer reading.

JohnEric Smith, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Mississippi State University • conversation
June 16, 2020 • ~9 min

Am I immune to COVID-19 if I have antibodies?

If you have had COVID-19 already, are you protected from another bout of the illness? And is the presence of antibodies in your blood a guarantee of immunity?

William Petri, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia • conversation
June 12, 2020 • ~6 min

COVID-19's deadliness for men is revealing why researchers should have been studying immune system sex differences years ago

Why does COVID-19 hit men harder than women? Is the disparity in mortality rates due male hormones or an underlying difference in the male versus female immune system?

Adam Moeser, Matilda R. Wilson Endowed Chair, Associate Professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University • conversation
June 9, 2020 • ~8 min

Blocking the deadly cytokine storm is a vital weapon for treating COVID-19

We blame the coronavirus for the thousands of deaths, but it is actually a hyperactive immune reaction that is the cause of death. An immunologist explains.

Alexander (Sasha) Poltorak, Professor of Immunology, Tufts University • conversation
May 20, 2020 • ~7 min

What needs to go right to get a coronavirus vaccine in 12-18 months

Vaccine development is usually a long process. The coronavirus pandemic is forcing researchers to innovate and test potential vaccines faster than ever before.

Marcos E. García-Ojeda, Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced • conversation
May 8, 2020 • ~10 min

Coronavirus linked to greater risk of life-threatening infection in people with obesity

Over-active immune response might be behind higher rates of life-threatening COVID-19 infections in patients with obesity.

Noel Caplice, University College Cork • conversation
May 6, 2020 • ~6 min

Coronavirus 'cytokine storm': this over-active immune response could be behind some fatal cases of COVID-19

Cytokines ensure our immune system responds effectively to pathogens in our bodies. But in some cases, cytokines can cause the immune system to over-react.

Robbie Baldock, Lecturer in Biochemistry, Solent University • conversation
April 28, 2020 • ~6 min

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