Nipah virus: could it cause the next pandemic?

Virologists are beginning to assess which other viruses could have pandemic potential

Ian Jones, Professor of Virology, University of Reading • conversation
Oct. 28, 2021 • ~7 min

Viruses are both the villains and heroes of life as we know it

Viruses have gotten a bad rap for the many illnesses and pandemics they’ve caused. But viruses are also genetic innovators – and possibly the pioneers of using DNA as the genetic blueprint of life.

Ivan Erill, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Oct. 19, 2021 • ~8 min

Reporting all biosafety errors could improve labs worldwide – and increase public trust in biological research

A centralized reporting system for laboratory incidents involving dangerous pathogens in biological research does not exist in the US or internationally.

Rebecca Moritz, Biosafety Director and Responsible Official, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 12, 2021 • ~8 min

Why spending more time in nature could reduce 'germaphobia'

A fear of microbes, like germs, could be harming human health.

Jake M Robinson, Ecologist and Researcher, Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield • conversation
July 13, 2021 • ~7 min

Delta variant makes it even more important to get a COVID-19 vaccine, even if you've already had the coronavirus

COVID-19 vaccination produces a more consistent immune response than a past infection. With the delta variant, the difference in protection may be even greater.

Jennifer T. Grier, Clinical Assistant Professor of Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
July 13, 2021 • ~8 min

Millions are rejecting one of humanity's best weapons for saving lives: Vaccines

Vaccines have successfully curtailed viral diseases for decades. But as COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy shows, mistrust and misinformation continue to put lives at risk.

Ronald Hershow, Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago • conversation
June 17, 2021 • ~9 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

How virus detectives trace the origins of an outbreak – and why it's so tricky

Bat hosts, lab leaks – tracing SARS-CoV-2 to its origins involves more than just tracking down patient zero.

Marilyn J. Roossinck, Professor of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, Penn State • conversation
June 7, 2021 • ~11 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

The 17th-century cloth merchant who discovered the vast realm of tiny microbes – an appreciation of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Leeuwenhoek, who discovered bacteria, is one of the most important figures in the history of medicine, laying the groundwork for today's understanding of infectious disease.

Richard Gunderman, Chancellor's Professor of Medicine, Liberal Arts, and Philanthropy, Indiana University • conversation
April 6, 2021 • ~7 min

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