After Decades of Delays, RSV Vaccines Show Promise in Early Data
After Decades of Delays, RSV Vaccines Show Promise in Early Data
Both Pfizer and GSK have shared preliminary data suggesting that their experimental vaccines can protect older adults and newborn infants from the virus.
Both Pfizer and GSK have shared preliminary data suggesting that their experimental vaccines can protect older adults and newborn infants from the virus.
respiratory disease
Does Science Support Lifting School Mask Mandates?
Rachael Moeller Gorman | Feb 28, 2022 | 10+ min read
The CDC has given the OK to lift indoor mask mandates in much of the US, and a growing number of states no longer require face coverings in schools. But most experts agree that masks slow school spread of SARS-CoV-2, and whether now is the right time to allow teachers and students to unmask is a matter of debate.
Q&A: Health of 9/11 First Responders 20 Years Later
Amanda Heidt | Sep 7, 2021 | 5 min read
The Scientist spoke with Rachel Zeig-Owens, the director of epidemiology for the World Trade Center Health Program, about what scientists have learned after two decades of studying illness and disease among survivors.
Mammals Can Use Their Intestines to Breathe
Abby Olena, PhD | May 14, 2021 | 4 min read
Researchers show that both mice and pigs are capable of oxygenating their blood via the colon—a capacity that, if shared by humans, could be leveraged in the clinic to minimize the need for mechanical ventilation.
The Scientist Speaks Ep. 15 - The Epigenetic Origins of Allergy and Asthma
The Scientist | Feb 26, 2021 | 1 min read
Epigenetic marks acquired from environmental exposures throughout life influence human health and may even transcend generations.
Q&A: Pollution Linked to 15 Percent Increase in COVID-19 Deaths
Lisa Winter | Nov 10, 2020 | 3 min read
Jos Lelieveld of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry explains how fine particulate might contribute to deaths from COVID-19.
First Responders: SARS-CoV-2 and the Immune System
The Scientist | Oct 29, 2020 | 1 min read
Angela Rasmussen and Ya-Chi Ho explore the positive and negative aspects of the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and discuss how this knowledge influences therapeutic benefits.
Scientists’ Advice for Ways to Ward Off the Coronavirus
Shawna Williams | Oct 9, 2020 | 5 min read
We asked experts for measures people can take that may help boost defenses against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Coronavirus Closeup, 1964
Ashley Yeager | Sep 1, 2020 | 3 min read
Electron microscopy revealed that a deadly disease of birds was not a form of flu, but a different type of virus entirely.
Disturbed Microbes Contribute to Lung Damage from Oxygen Treatment
Ruth Williams | Aug 12, 2020 | 3 min read
In humans, higher oxygen levels during ventilation are tied to an altered bacterial composition in the lungs, and mouse experiments show a causative link.
A Brief History of Human Coronaviruses
Shawna Williams | Jun 2, 2020 | 5 min read
Milder, cold-causing members of this pathogenic viral family long remained under the radar, although they aren’t entirely harmless.
Image of the Day: Defective Cilia
Amy Schleunes | Apr 7, 2020 | 1 min read
Super-resolution imaging identifies abnormalities in the hair-like protrusions on a cell’s surface and may help facilitate earlier detection of primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Coronavirus Test Kits May Yield Inconclusive Results
Amy Schleunes | Feb 13, 2020 | 2 min read
Some US states are waiting for the CDC to send replacement enzymes necessary for carrying out SARS-CoV-2 assays.
Scientists Study Vaping’s Harm as Second Death Reported
Nicoletta Lanese | Sep 5, 2019 | 5 min read
In light of recent reports of electronic-cigarette–related illness and death, UNC Chapel Hill professor Robert Tarran discusses the dangerous effects of e-liquids on the lungs.
Global Air Quality Crisis
Bob Grant | Mar 26, 2014 | 2 min read
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 7 million people died in 2012 due to air pollution, making it the number-one environmental risk on the planet.