Charting changes in a pathogen's genome yields clues about its past and hints about its future

After a nose swab tests positive for a virus or bacteria, scientists can use the sample’s genetic sequence to figure out where and when the pathogen emerged and how fast it’s changing.

Sarah Nadeau, PhD Student in Computational Evolution, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich • conversation
Dec. 1, 2021 ~10 min

Working with dangerous viruses sounds like trouble – but here's what scientists learn from studying pathogens in secure labs

Scientists get up close and personal with deadly pathogens to give doctors the tools they need to treat people sickened by germs. The key is keeping the researchers – and everyone around them – safe.

Jerry Malayer, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and Professor of Physiological Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University • conversation
June 10, 2021 ~10 min


Ultraviolet light can make indoor spaces safer during the pandemic – if it's used the right way

UV disinfection is a proven means of killing pathogens like the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but it's not risk-free.

Karl Linden, Professor of Environmental Engineering and the Mortenson Professor in Sustainable Development, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Sept. 9, 2020 ~9 min

A potential new weapon in the fight against COVID-19: Food coloring

Aerosols of some FDA-approved food coloring could deactivate airborne viruses.

Yuhyun Ji, Doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
Aug. 20, 2020 ~4 min

What the archaeological record reveals about epidemics throughout history – and the human response to them

People have lived with infectious disease throughout the millennia, with culture and biology influencing each other. Archaeologists decode the stories told by bones and what accompanies them.

Michael Westaway, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Archaeology, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland • conversation
June 15, 2020 ~11 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

How people react to the threat of disease could mean COVID-19 is reshaping personalities

Human psychology has evolved to avoid situations that could lead to infection. Behavioral choices now could have long-term effects on how people interact with others and the world.

Vivian Zayas, Associate Professor of Psychology, Cornell University • conversation
May 4, 2020 ~10 min

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