Latest
Bee Reports over the Past Century Indicate a Loss of Diversity
Bee Reports over the Past Century Indicate a Loss of Diversity
Asher Jones | Jan 22, 2021
An analysis of museum data and naturalists' observations finds that the number of bee species recorded has been declining since the 1990s. The first global, long-term study of bee trends adds to mounting evidence that the pollinators are in trouble worldwide.
Updated Jan 21
COVID-19 Vaccine Frontrunners
COVID-19 Vaccine Frontrunners
Jef Akst | Apr 7, 2020
Stay up-to-date on the progress of dozens of vaccine candidates that are currently undergoing clinical testing.
New SARS-CoV-2 Variant Could Evade Antibodies
New SARS-CoV-2 Variant Could Evade Antibodies
Lisa Winter | Jan 22, 2021
A preprint casts doubt on vaccine effectiveness in light of certain mutations in the 501Y.V2 variant that emerged from South Africa.
Q&A: Natural History Museums’ Role in Pandemic Surveillance
Q&A: Natural History Museums’ Role in Pandemic Surveillance
Max Kozlov | Jan 21, 2021
Host vouchering, the practice of preserving species known to harbor infectious diseases, can be used to help determine a pathogen’s source, scientists say.
A Tweak to Immune Cells Reverses Aging in Mice
A Tweak to Immune Cells Reverses Aging in Mice
Abby Olena | Jan 20, 2021
Knocking out the receptor for a lipid that causes inflammation rejuvenates macrophage metabolism and restores cognitive function in an Alzheimer’s disease model.
Special Report
COVID-19’s Effects on the Brain
COVID-19’s Effects on the Brain
Katarina Zimmer | Jan 20, 2021
Autopsy studies have yet to find clear evidence of destructive viral invasion into patients’ brains, pushing researchers to consider alternative explanations of how SARS-CoV-2 causes neurological symptoms.
Coronavirus Variant Linked to COVID-19 Outbreaks in California
Coronavirus Variant Linked to COVID-19 Outbreaks in California
Asher Jones | Jan 19, 2021
It’s too early to know whether the L452R version of SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious like the B.1.1.7 UK variant that is also spreading around the US.
Biden Names Geneticist Eric Lander as Top Science Adviser
Biden Names Geneticist Eric Lander as Top Science Adviser
Max Kozlov | Jan 18, 2021
If confirmed, Lander will head the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a position that President Donald Trump left vacant for 18 months at the beginning of his term.
The Promise of Scientific Partnerships with People on the Spectrum
The Promise of Scientific Partnerships with People on the Spectrum
Laura Dattaro | Jan 18, 2021
Five collaborations involving autistic scientists and experts are advancing autism research, from lending support for theories of the condition to shoring up trials of new treatments.
Q&A: Global Insect Declines Due to “Death by a Thousand Cuts”
Q&A: Global Insect Declines Due to “Death by a Thousand Cuts”
Asher Jones | Jan 15, 2021
University of Connecticut entomologist David Wagner speaks with The Scientist about his biggest concerns for global insect populations and recommendations for actions to help save these tiny but important creatures.