Articles by David Adam

An independent lab fails to replicate results suggesting mammals exposed to pathogens could pass on immunological protections through epigenetic mechanisms.

Lab studies link the oral bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum to cancers from the gut to the head and neck. Could targeting the microbe tackle tumors?

Tracking human cancers in mice shows some unexpected cell changes that could undermine translational research.  

Offspring of animals subjected to a real or simulated pathogen were more able to fend off disease, a study finds.

Warmer temperatures are likely to increase the prevalence of the mosquito-borne disease in many places, but not all.

A study probes how genetic duplications that can swell protein length influence human traits such as height and kidney function.

Prolonged exposure to morphine triggers cells in the spine to release signaling molecules that increase pain sensitivity and dull the relief of the drug. Blocking this activity could improve pain management.

As politicians try to schedule an end to the pandemic, scientists say the virus will stick around as an endemic disease similar to the common cold.

Social distancing measures prevented millions of COVID-19–related deaths around the world, according to a handful of studies, but it’s hard to quantify the effects with certainty.

It can take days for each death to be recorded in official statistics. “Nowcasting” estimates the actual occurrence of deaths, and the true peak of the pandemic.

Social distancing measures are based on limited data. As much of the world remains stuck in lockdown, researchers are trying to measure the benefits.

Disease experts have largely focused on how we got to where we are now with coronavirus infections. Improved data collection and sharing can enhance projections of what’s to come.

Funding cuts provoke concerns about job losses, cancelled research programs, and closed departments.

From travel restrictions and publishing bans to currency collapse, the restoration of US sanctions has left researchers in Iran reeling.

The Jeffrey Epstein scandal has focused attention on funding of higher education institutions by patrons with disgraceful behavior.