As viral infections skyrocket, masks are still a tried-and-true way to help keep yourself and others safe

Decades of research show that respiratory illnesses are dramatically reduced when people wear face masks.

Marisa Eisenberg, Associate Professor of Complex Systems, Epidemiology and Mathematics, University of Michigan • conversation
Dec. 14, 2022 • ~9 min

Should you wear a mask on a plane, bus or train when there's no mandate? 4 essential reads to help you decide

Despite the halt to the federal mask mandate for mass transit, people may still choose to protect themselves. For those who do, the type of mask and how well it fits matter.

Daniel Merino, Assistant Science Editor and Co-Host of The Conversation Weekly Podcast • conversation
April 20, 2022 • ~8 min

Surprise – your kids may be nervous about ditching the mask

As mask mandates fall and the CDC issues new mask guidance, kids may experience anxiety around removing their masks. Clear communication from grown-ups can help children navigate the uncertainty.

Katharine Covino-Poutasse, Associate Professor of English Studies, Fitchburg State University • conversation
March 3, 2022 • ~9 min

Does scaring people work when it comes to health messaging? A communication researcher explains how it's gone wrong during the COVID-19 pandemic

Whether about a comet hitting the Earth or a virus infecting the world, fear-based messages often do not succeed at changing people’s behaviors.

James Dillard, Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 16, 2022 • ~9 min

What is the best mask for COVID-19? A mechanical engineer explains the science after 2 years of testing masks in his lab

The CDC’s updated mask guidelines say that cloth masks offer the least protection from COVID-19. Differences in the materials masks are made from and the ways they fit are the reason.

Christian L'Orange, Assistant Research Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University • conversation
Jan. 25, 2022 • ~8 min

COVID: how the disease moves through the air

Masks definitely catch some of the virus laden aerosols and droplets - and that will reduce transmission between people and the number of cases of COVID-19.

Chris Iddon, Research associate, Built environment, University of Nottingham • conversation
Dec. 17, 2021 • ~7 min

Sold-out supplies, serving a public need and other adventures of doing science during a pandemic – 4 researchers share their experiences

Supply chain issues, emergency science, social distancing requirements and a lot more free time offered both challenges and opportunities for research scientists.

Tony Schmitz, Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
Dec. 17, 2021 • ~10 min

COVID litter: we mapped discarded masks and gloves in 11 countries with the help of citizen science

Masks are back in wider use in the UK and elsewhere. Our research highlights the need to dispose of them correctly.

Simon Kolstoe, Reader in Bioethics and University Ethics Advisor, University of Portsmouth • conversation
Dec. 9, 2021 • ~7 min

Evidence shows that, yes, masks prevent COVID-19 – and surgical masks are the way to go

Since the coronaviurs first began spreading around the globe, people have debated how effective masks are at preventing COVID-19. A year and a half in, what does the evidence show?

Laura (Layla) H. Kwong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley • conversation
Sept. 22, 2021 • ~8 min

Forceful vaccine messages backfire with holdouts – how can it be done better?

Subtly shifting the crafting and delivery of public health messaging on COVID-19 vaccines could go a long way toward persuading many of the unvaccinated to get the shot.

S. Shyam Sundar, James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Effects & Co-Director, Media Effects Research Laboratory, Penn State • conversation
Sept. 14, 2021 • ~9 min

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