Wastewater monitoring took off during the COVID-19 pandemic – and here's how it could help head off future outbreaks

Over 800 sites across the US report coronavirus data from sewage to the CDC. Here’s how this kind of surveillance system works and what it can and can’t tell you.

Carol Wilusz, Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University • conversation
May 4, 2022 • ~10 min

Will new vaccines be better at fighting coronavirus variants? 5 questions answered

Existing coronavirus vaccines are not as effective against newer variants of the virus. Two vaccine experts explain how new vaccines currently in development will likely offer better protection.

Krishna Mallela, Professor of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
May 4, 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

How the 'test to treat' initiative aims to get ahead of the next wave of COVID-19

Earlier detection and treatment of COVID-19 by health care providers in pharmacies could help prevent surges in infection rates and severe illness.

Adrian V. Hernandez, Associate Professor of Comparative Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, University of Connecticut • conversation
April 5, 2022 • ~10 min

COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest children may be inching closer to authorization – a pediatrician explains how they're being tested

Moderna will ask the FDA to allow emergency use for its vaccine in children as young as 6 months, a step many parents have been anticipating.

Debbie-Ann Shirley, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia • conversation
March 30, 2022 • ~9 min

How does the COVID-19 prevention drug Evusheld work and who should receive it? An infectious disease specialist explains

Evusheld is an antibody drug from AstraZeneca intended to help prevent COVID-19 infection for immunocompromised and other vulnerable patients.

Patrick Jackson, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia • conversation
March 29, 2022 • ~10 min

What is the new COVID-19 variant BA.2, and will it cause another wave of infections in the US?

The latest addition to the omicron lineage has been making waves in Europe. Whether it will do the same in the U.S. depends on rates of vaccination and prior infection.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
March 22, 2022 • ~7 min

Why pregnant people should get vaccinated for COVID-19 – a maternal care expert explains

A robust body of research finds that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy is safe and effective – and the best way to protect both mother and child from the risks of COVID-19.

Stacy Potts, Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
March 18, 2022 • ~9 min

How does the immune system mobilize in response to a COVID-19 infection or a vaccine? 5 essential reads

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought immunology terms that are typically relegated to textbooks into our everyday vernacular. These stories helped us make sense of the ever-evolving science.

Amanda Mascarelli, Senior Health and Medicine Editor • conversation
March 17, 2022 • ~9 min

How a nondescript box has been saving lives during the pandemic – and revealing the power of grassroots innovation

3D printers got a lot of attention when DIYers leapt to action to address equipment shortages early in the pandemic, but some everyday items found in hardware stores played a big role, too.

Douglas Hannah, Assistant Professor of Strategy and Innovation, Boston University • conversation
March 3, 2022 • ~12 min

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