Launched with a $172 million philanthropic donation and funds from the state of Victoria, the Melbourne-based research institute aims to construct drug discovery platforms to speed the introduction of new therapies.

The immunizations are designed to target the latest Omicron subvariants, and are only authorized for people who have already received their primary vaccinations.

The Scientist spoke with Maximilien Chaumon about his database showing how COVID-19 related lockdowns warped more 2,800 people’s perception of time.

The 81-year-old director says that he will step back from his positions this December, but that he will continue working to advance science and public health.

Director Rochelle Walensky said the agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic fell short and outlined plans to reorganize and strengthen its response to future public health threats.

Evidence thus far shows that pregnant people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at higher risk for severe disease and death, as well as complications in their pregnancies.

BA.2.75 is spreading rampantly in India and has so far reached at least 20 other countries, but it doesn’t seem to be outcompeting other Omicron SARS-CoV-2 subvariants.

Studies show that a fourth mRNA vaccine dose offers the elderly and other high-risk groups strong protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19, but experts say benefits for other populations may be more limited.

Parts of Southeast Asia where human and bat population densities are highest could be infection hotspots, a study finds.

Of the pathogens known to have infected humans, more than half may cause more widespread disease as a result of rising temperatures, precipitation changes, or other climate-related factors, a study finds.

The Scientist asks Brigham and Women’s Hospital infectious disease specialist Lindsey Baden about testing for prior infections.

Several mechanisms contribute to the increased transmissibility of this SARS-CoV-2 variant.

Stressed cells can form hollow actin bridges to neighbors to get help, but the virus may hijack these tiny tunnels for its own purposes, a study suggests.