Pandemic

Sharks have been on the planet for close to 500 million years and, in that time, have developed an extraordinary immune system with immune mechanisms that mammals do not have.  

How Shark Antibodies Could Aid the Fight Against Coronavirus and Prepare for Future Outbreaks

The protein-like immune molecules were found to block SARS-Cov-2 from entering human cells

From amazing firsts on Mars to the impacts of climate change on Earth, these science stories stood out as the most important of 2021

The Ten Most Significant Science Stories of 2021

Thrilling discoveries, hurdles in the fight against Covid and advancements in space exploration defined the past year

The CDC said Thursday that “receiving any vaccine is better than being unvaccinated.”

The CDC Now Recommends Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 Vaccines Over J&J

The decision comes after more evidence linking the Johnson & Johnson shot to a rare blood clotting syndrome

The Food and Drug Administration could authorize the experimental pill within days.

Pfizer Says Covid-19 Pill Is Effective and Likely Works Against Omicron

The drug helps those already infected, but experts say vaccination is the best way to prevent contracting and spreading the virus

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The Ten Best Science Books of 2021

From captivating memoirs by researchers to illuminating narratives by veteran science journalists, these works affected us the most this year

Indian buffets invite a range of eaters—from the timid to the adventurous—to explore and experiment without intimidation.

Searching for Curry and Enlightenment on the Indian Buffet Line

A return to trays of glistening tandoori and hand-rolled naan for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic is a return to normalcy

To reduce the risk of contracting and spreading Omicron, experts offer the same proven advice as they do against all Covid-19 variants: social distancing, masking, and getting vaccinated and boosted.

What Experts Do and Don't Know About the Omicron Covid-19 Variant

Scientists have dubbed Omicron a “variant of concern,” but warn against panic

The skin patch vaccine is administered by a pocket-sized device with 5,000 needle-like projections.

Could Skin Patches Be the Future of Covid Vaccines?

The device might survive longer storage times and pose a better option for people afraid of needles

The Food and Drug Administration And Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are likely to authorize the vaccine for young kids within the next few days.

FDA Panel Recommends Pfizer Vaccine for Children 5 to 11

The lower-dose vaccine was deemed safe and highly effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infections in young children

Since the country’s first booster shot was approved last month, some 11.6 million individuals have received the additional jab.

FDA Backs Moderna and J&J Boosters, Plus Mix-and-Match Strategy

Experts say fully vaccinated Americans are still well protected, but boosters could provide added immunity for millions

Survivors received “fever passes” that certified their immunity, allowing them increased freedom of movement at a time when a substantial portion of the population was being held under strict quarantine.

In 19th-Century Gibraltar, Survivors of a Deadly Virus Used 'Fever Passes' to Prove Their Immunity

Should historic health officials' response to yellow fever outbreaks on the Iberian Peninsula serve as a model for modern pandemic management strategies?

The city’s Health Department informally acknowledged that racism was a public health crisis following the police murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Racism Is Declared a Public Health Crisis in New York City

The new resolution outlines steps toward a 'racially just recovery' from the Covid-19 pandemic for all New Yorkers

The panel recommended authorizing the booster for Americans 18 years or older at least two months after their first dose.

FDA Panel Unanimously Recommends Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Booster Shots

The committee said some J&J recipients might have a stronger immune response by opting to get a Moderna or Pfizer booster instead

The antiviral drug molnupiravir is in Phase 3 trials.

Seven Important Questions About Covid Antivirals Answered

New medicines may stop the virus from replicating so your immune system can fight a few viral soldiers instead of an army

A public art installation commemorating Americans killed by Covid-19 on the National Mall featuring more than 650,000 small plastic flags, some with personal messages to those they’ve lost.

More Than 700,000 Americans Have Now Died of Covid-19

There have been over 100,000 deaths since mid-June despite widespread vaccine availability

A new study reveals life expectancy in many counties fell by more than 6 months from 2019 to 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Western Europe, Covid-19 Caused the Biggest Drop in Life Expectancy Since World War II

The study authors say the pandemic may have an even greater impact on life spans in less developed countries that were not included in the research

The 1918 flu, also known as the Spanish flu, spread worldwide during 1918 and 1919. In the U.S. it was first identified in military personnel in the spring of 1918 and mostly affected younger populations less than five years old, between 20 to 40 years old and those 65 years of age or older.  

Covid-19 Surpasses 1918 Flu to Become Deadliest Pandemic in American History

But national population numbers have tripled since then. Influenza killed one in 150 Americans, while one in 500 people have died from the coronavirus

Scientists analyzed millions of eBird observations to see how bird abundance changed during the early months of the pandemic.

Birds Flocked to Pandemic-Silenced Cities

From ruby-throated hummingbirds to bald eagles, a new study finds our feathered friends thrived in quieter urban habitats

An advisory panel says most fully vaccinated Americans are still well-protected from Covid-19.

FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Covid-19 Booster for Older and High-Risk Americans

The committee says most Americans don’t need a booster shot just yet

Instead of giving the same mRNA shot a third time, the group suggests boosters could be tweaked to better handle new variants as the emerge, similar the annual flu shot.

Some Experts Say Most Vaccinated Americans Don't Need Booster Shot Yet

A new analysis concludes vaccines still offer substantial protection against Covid-19

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