A mix-and-match approach to COVID-19 vaccines could provide logistical and immunological benefits

Various companies use different ingredients and different delivery systems in their COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers are investigating whether it's better for individuals to mix what's available.

Maureen Ferran, Associate Professor of Biology, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
June 17, 2021 • ~9 min

The next pandemic is already happening – targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it

A more coordinated effort by scientists, stakeholders and community members will be required to stop the next deadly virus that's already circulating in our midst.

Maureen Miller, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Columbia University • conversation
June 1, 2021 • ~10 min

Think like a virus to understand why the pandemic isn't over yet – and what the US needs to do to help other countries

Viruses want to pass on their genetic material. Recognizing this about SARS-CoV-2 provides insight into how the world is still vulnerable to COVID-19.

Karen Levy, Associate Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
May 26, 2021 • ~10 min

Can people vaccinated against COVID-19 still spread the coronavirus?

The COVID-19 vaccines are a smash success. But that doesn't mean they keep every vaccinated person completely free of the coronavirus.

Sanjay Mishra, Project Coordinator & Staff Scientist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University • conversation
May 25, 2021 • ~11 min

Where coronavirus variants emerge, surges follow – new research suggests how genomic surveillance can be an early warning system

By merging genomics with classical epidemiology, researchers are able to predict new disease outbreaks based on which viral variants are on the rise.

Darwin Bandoy, Ph.D. Student in Integrative Pathobiology, University of California, Davis • conversation
May 5, 2021 • ~8 min

Environmental DNA – how a tool used to detect endangered wildlife ended up helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic

Technology that can identify stray bits of genetic material in the environment can help scientists monitor human and animal health.

Liam Whitmore, PhD Candidate, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick • conversation
April 21, 2021 • ~8 min

Genomic surveillance: What it is and why we need more of it to track coronavirus variants and help end the COVID-19 pandemic

The US lags in testing coronavirus samples from COVID-19 patients, which can help track the spread of the virus and the emergence of new variants. But labs are ramping up this crucial surveillance.

Vaughn Cooper, EvolvingSTEM Founder and Executive Director; Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 31, 2021 • ~10 min

Genomic surveillance: What it is and why we need more of it to track the coronavirus and help end the COVID-19 pandemic

The US lags in testing coronavirus samples from COVID-19 patients, which can help track the spread of the virus and the emergence of new variants. But labs are ramping up this crucial surveillance.

Vaughn Cooper, EvolvingSTEM Founder and Executive Director; Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 31, 2021 • ~10 min

'Frugal design' brings medical innovations to communities that lack resources during the pandemic

Engineering students in Malawi and Tanzania have used the materials and tools available to them to build ventilators, personal protective equipment and UV disinfection systems.

Theresa Mkandawire, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Malawi • conversation
March 29, 2021 • ~11 min

Why you should get a COVID-19 vaccine – even if you've already had the coronavirus

If you've already had the coronavirus and recovered, you might be tempted to give the vaccine a pass. A scientist explains why the shot offers the best protection against future infection.

Jennifer T. Grier, Clinical Assistant Professor of Immunology,, University of South Carolina • conversation
March 25, 2021 • ~7 min

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