Field: Coronavirus
Facebook’s vaccine hunters are helping Americans get vaccinated
COVID-19 shots are here, but making an appointment can be a pain. Vaccine hunters are playing matchmaker on Facebook to get jabs into arms.
US will spend $1 billion studying long COVID
The U.S. is dedicating $1.15 billion to studying long COVID, a condition in which survivors experience long-term effects of COVID-19.
Texas firefighters deliver COVID-19 vaccines to seniors
Firefighters in Corpus Christi are delivering COVID-19 vaccines to homebound seniors.
New test can show if you’ve had COVID-19, even if antibodies fade
The FDA has approved a T cell test for COVID, a first-of-its-kind assay that looks to the immune system’s memory.
Vaccine delivery truck brings COVID-19 shots right to you
Startup AYRO’s all-electric vaccine delivery truck could bring COVID-19 vaccines to people without access to reliable transportation.
Great apes get vaccinated against COVID-19
Great apes, our closest living relatives, are susceptible to COVID-19. The San Diego Zoo has given some an experimental vaccine to protect them.
The pandemic is forcing sign language to evolve
Sign language users are adapting to the limitations of video conferencing platforms, which have become more popular due to the pandemic.
Researchers have discovered how SARS-CoV-2 is mutating
SARS-CoV-2 mutations, which cause new variants of the virus, are eluding the virus’s proofreader. New research shows why.
FDA: One-shot COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective
FDA experts confirm that Johnson and Johnson’s one-shot COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, putting it a step closer to authorization.
World’s first COVID-19 human challenge study is a go
Researchers have gotten the green light to deliberately infect people with the coronavirus as part of the world’s first COVID-19 human challenge study.
The hunt for a universal coronavirus vaccine
A universal coronavirus vaccine that protects against multiple coronaviruses could stop the next potential pandemic from ever starting.
Study: Strong immunity without Pfizer vaccine’s second dose
The Pfizer vaccine's second dose might not be as necessary as thought — and ultra-cold storage of the COVID-19 vaccine might not be necessary at all.
Trees and insects helped create Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine was nearly 90% effective in a U.K. trial — and the ingredients for the promising subunit vaccine came from insects and trees.
Fauci predicts universal COVID-19 vaccine availability by April
Anthony Fauci expects April will be “open season” for COVID-19 vaccines. Here’s why his prediction about COVID-19 vaccine availability appears accurate.
Ask the crowd: When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Volunteers are creating online tools powered by crowdsourced data to help people answer the question: where and when can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
MIT's AI predicts new strains of HIV, coronavirus
As coronavirus mutations pop up around the world, researchers at MIT are using language-recognizing AI to try and predict what could be next.
Johnson and Johnson's coronavirus vaccine is 66% effective
Data from phase 3 trials of Johnson and Johnson's coronavirus vaccine suggests the vaccine is ready to go to the FDA for approval.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster targets mutant strain
Moderna is trialing a COVID-19 vaccine booster designed to increase protection against a South African strain of the coronavirus.
Vaccines and recovery both provide strong COVID-19 immunity
Natural COVID-19 immunity — the kind coronavirus survivors have — is about as robust as the immunity prompted by vaccines.
Moderna is developing an mRNA vaccine for HIV
Moderna is using the same technology behind its COVID-19 vaccine to develop an mRNA vaccine for HIV.
Beyond COVID: mRNA vaccines may treat cancer and more
The technology used to make the COVID-19 vaccine could be used to treat other diseases too.
New mask design from Beats by Dre designer
The designer of the original Beats by Dre headphones is working on a next-generation face mask that combines fashion and functionality.
Should we delay the second doses of COVID-19 vaccines?
As vaccination campaigns begin, researchers are divided over whether the two-dose strategy should be delayed to get more people’s first dose done quicker.
Smart vaccine device could speed up development process
An in-development smart vaccine device uses a microneedle patch to both deliver a vaccine and measure the immune response it generates.
New COVID-19 treatment uses stem cells
Umbilical cord stem cells may provide life-saving care for people with a serious case of coronavirus.
The new coronavirus mutation: What we know & what we need to figure out
A new coronavirus mutation is spreading quickly in the U.K. Here’s what we know about the coronavirus strain and what we need to figure out.
Tobacco-based COVID-19 vaccine moves to human trials
British American Tobacco has FDA approval to begin human trials on a tobacco-based COVID-19 vaccine that could potentially be stored at room temperature.
Your questions about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine answered
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in the U.S., this is your place to find answers.
FDA authorizes first over-the-counter COVID-19 test
The FDA has authorized the first over-the-counter COVID-19 test for home use, but buyers still have to send their samples to a lab for processing.
The quest for a “warm” COVID-19 vaccine
Developers are on the hunt for a warm COVID-19 vaccine, one that could be distributed in places where a reliable cold chain isn’t available.
Congo just used vaccines to beat Ebola. What they learned could stop COVID, too.
Congo’s recent success delivering frigid Ebola vaccines to remote areas may provide invaluable experience for a COVID-19 vaccine cold chain.
The hep C cure may also fight COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 uses a number of key proteins to infect us, including its main protease. New research has found hepatitis C drugs can bind this protein.
When will we have a COVID-19 vaccine?
Several developers have reported incredible coronavirus vaccine progress, so when will we have a COVID-19 vaccine ready for distribution?
Oxford says its COVID-19 vaccine is up to 90% effective
The University of Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine was up to 90% effective in a phase 3 trial and could be easier to distribute than other coronavirus vaccines.
How long will coronavirus immunity last?
Coronavirus immunity might last for years, according to a new study that measured the levels of virus-fighting immune cells in COVID-19 survivors.
New skin cancer vaccine is twice as powerful
By adding two “boosters” to an in-development skin cancer vaccine, scientists may have improved its ability to prevent melanoma recurrence.
FDA authorizes first at-home COVID-19 test
The FDA has authorized an at-home COVID-19 test that delivers results in 30 minutes, but you can’t get it without a prescription.
Trial suggests Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective
Another win for mRNA vaccines: Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective at preventing COVID-19, according to initial trial data.
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine appears 95% effective (updated)
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine appears to be 95% effective at preventing coronavirus infections, according to an early analysis of a Phase 3 trial.
"Autoantibodies" may be causing COVID-19 blood clots
COVID-19 blood clots may be caused by autoantibodies, which attack the body’s own tissues and organs instead of intruders.
What’s going to happen with COVID-19 this winter?
There may be an increase in cases of COVID-19 this winter as people move indoors, but there are actions we can take to prevent it.
German concert experiment suggests large indoor events can be safe
A German concert study has found that hygiene standards, mandatory masks, and ventilation may allow for indoor events.
Cough-analyzing AI detects asymptomatic COVID-19 infections
MIT has developed an AI that can detect asymptomatic COVID-19 infections from the sound of a person’s forced-cough with incredible accuracy.
How to safely celebrate Halloween during COVID-19
People celebrated Halloween during the 1918 flu pandemic and you can still celebrate Halloween during COVID-19 — just maybe not the way you usually do.
Can flu vaccines prevent COVID-19?
Researchers suspect that flu shots could prevent coronavirus infections, giving people yet another reason to get vaccinated.
A pandemic surveillance system for the planet
In partnership with Skoll Foundation
COVID-19 won’t be the last virus to threaten the global population, but new disease surveillance tech could catch the next outbreak before it even starts.
UK to launch first human challenge trial for COVID-19
The U.K. is funding a $44 million human challenge trial for COVID-19 during which healthy volunteers will be deliberately exposed to the coronavirus.
Robot cook could help restaurants recover from COVID-19
Miso Robotics is making Flippy ROAR available for $30,000 in the hopes the robot cook will help the restaurant industry recover from the pandemic.
Patients report sudden hearing loss from COVID-19
Patients are experiencing sudden hearing loss from COVID-19, but if caught early enough, doctors can prevent the problem from becoming permanent.
The coronavirus can survive on surfaces for 28 days
The coronavirus can survive on surfaces, including money, for up to 28 days. But does that change what you need to do to avoid catching COVID-19?
Ghost kitchens are saving restaurants during the pandemic
Ghost kitchens are thriving during the pandemic, as more restaurants rely on online delivery orders for their income.
Post-COVID-19 clinics offer hope to coronavirus survivors
Post-COVID-19 clinics are helping coronavirus survivors cope with lingering symptoms while helping researchers better understand the disease.
Comparing COVID-19 vaccines just got way easier
A newly formed network of labs will make it easier to compare COVID-19 vaccines by testing them all in exactly the same way, using the exact same supplies.
Pain relief from coronavirus may be helping it spread
Rather than feeling sick, some people may be getting pain relief from coronavirus — a discovery that could impact both the pandemic and the opioid epidemic.
Disinfecting drones to spray stadium after NFL games
Are the disinfecting drones set to fly over Mercedes-Benz Stadium after Atlanta Falcons games useful or just another example of hygiene theater?
Coronavirus nasal spray vaccine nears human trials
A nasal spray vaccine for COVID-19 that contains a live coronavirus genetically engineered to replicate more slowly is nearing human trials.
Yale study: asthma and allergies may actually protect children from severe COVID-19
The interplay of asthma, children, and COVID-19 is complex. A new study suggests that kids' asthma immune response may help protect against COVID-19.
U.S. troops test wearables for early detection of COVID-19
The Department of Defense wants to use wearable sensors, Dutch AI, and thousands of personnel to develop markers for early detection of COVID-19.
Dogs that can smell coronavirus screen travelers at airport
Detection dogs that can smell coronavirus in a person’s sweat are now screening travelers for COVID-19 at Helsinki Airport.
Truffle pomme fondue sound tasty? Visit this fine-dining drive-thru.
The Resy Drive-Thru could help the restaurant industry survive the pandemic by serving as a creative new revenue stream for fine-dining chefs.
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine reaches final trial stage
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine isn’t the first to reach the final human trial stage, but it may have several advantages over its predecessors.
“Antibody inhaler” could rapidly treat—and prevent—COVID-19
Scientists have discovered a new antibody therapy that can be inhaled to provide treatment and temporary immunity to the coronavirus.
Antivenom scientists are using horse antibodies for COVID-19
In Costa Rica, horse antibodies for COVID-19 are about to enter human trials.
Scientists are developing a coronavirus breathalyzer test
Fast, accurate, cheap, and easy to use, a coronavirus breathalyzer could be a game changer — and multiple research teams are racing to get them approved.
Researchers found tiny COVID-19 antibodies in an alpaca
Inside an alpaca’s blood, researchers have found tiny antibodies — nanobodies — that may lead to future antiviral medications.
What we know about COVID-19 reinfection so far
Researchers have reported four cases of COVID-19 reinfection, with patients recovering from the coronavirus and later testing positive for another strain.
Robots are running COVID-19 drug development
IBM’s new online platform, RoboRXN, combines artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and robotics to automate the COVID-19 drug development process.
A patient’s sex may affect their COVID-19 immune response
Key differences in the COVID-19 immune response of men and women could potentially explain a disparity in patient outcomes.
The social distancing traffic light
Assessing your COVID-19 risk for everyday activities will be key to some kind of normalcy. Now, researchers want to add nuance to social distancing.
$5 COVID-19 test could be a game changer in the US
Abbott Laboratories’ $5 COVID-19 test has secured an FDA authorization, meaning the U.S. now has access to a fast, accurate antigen test.
Why COVID-19 patients lose their sense of smell
Researchers have identified cells that are most susceptible to the novel coronavirus. They also support neurons associated with the sense of smell.
Can the common cold help battle COVID-19?
The common cold can be caused by a coronavirus. New research suggests the immune response it causes may help protect against COVID-19.
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine first?
The COVID-19 vaccine will likely be rationed. Who will be first on the list to receive it?
Open-source COVID-19 saliva test could be a game changer
SalivaDirect, a COVID-19 saliva test funded by the NBA and NBA players’ union, could be the cheap, accurate testing method the U.S. desperately needs.
Immune proteins show promise as COVID-19 treatment
Immune proteins called interferons appear useful as a COVID-19 treatment if given to patients before an infection becomes severe.
Good news, bad news, and reasons to be optimistic about COVID-19
Much has evolved since the earliest predictions about COVID-19. Here's how the data is updating our view on the coronavirus.
Gates Foundation backs a $3 coronavirus vaccine
The Gates Foundation is spending $150 million to help with the manufacturing and distribution of a $3 coronavirus vaccine in lower-income nations.
Is it safe to fly right now? MIT expert weighs in.
Is it safe to fly right now? An MIT professor calculated the risk of air travel during the pandemic in two different flight scenarios.
Designer antibodies could help treat and prevent COVID-19
A pair of new trials will test the ability of designer antibodies to not only treat COVID-19, but also potentially prevent coronavirus infections.
How thread became critical in a pandemic
In partnership with SAP
Tech giants have teamed up to help innovate the PPE supply chain and lessen the risk of future shortages, starting with the world's leading thread supplier.
Updated coronavirus vaccine list: Where we stand today
A regularly updated coronavirus vaccine list highlighting the candidates closest to receiving approval from regulators.
Immune signals may predict severe cases of COVID-19
Severe cases of COVID-19 involve a runaway immune response called a cytokine storm. Immune system “signatures” may sharpen doctor’s forecasts.
Human-like "organ chips" could eliminate animal studies
To rapidly test for COVID-19 treatments without animal studies, researchers make a model human body out of “organ chips.”
Coronavirus treatment update: Where we stand today
Our latest coronavirus treatment update highlights the options that appear to work, ones that might, and ones that failed to live up to their promise.
Scientists test DIY coronavirus vaccine on themselves
Scientists have developed a DIY coronavirus vaccine they think could provide protection against COVID-19 — and they’re testing it on themselves.
COVID-19 tests that are fast, cheap, and less accurate may be key
Fast, cheap, DIY COVID-19 tests could dramatically increase the amount of testing done. And some experts think the trade off in accuracy would be worth it.
Scientists organize concert to study COVID-19 transmission
To better understand the potential for COVID-19 transmission at live events, scientists are organizing a free concert by pop singer Tim Bendzko.
Inhaled coronavirus drug shows promise in small trial
An inhaled coronavirus drug containing interferon beta decreased patients’ chances of becoming severely ill by 79%, according to its creator.
The case for teaching students outside this fall
Transitioning to outdoor classrooms this fall could help stem the spread of COVID-19 in schools and protect students, according to researchers.
Oxford COVID-19 vaccine triggers strong immune response
An Oxford COVID-19 vaccine triggered the creation of antibodies and T cells in trial participants, according to promising results published in The Lancet.
Doctors debate over using radiation therapy for COVID-19
Citing evidence from the past and recent, small trials, some doctors are calling for low-dose radiation therapy for COVID-19 patients. Controversy has followed.
New NFL mouth shield could protect players from COVID-19
The NFL’s mouth shield is designed to stop respiratory droplets. But player’s reactions have been mixed.
How to explain falling COVID-19 mortality rates
COVID-19 mortality rates are dropping in the U.S. and other nations — a few theories explain why more people are surviving the coronavirus.
"T cells" could provide immunity after antibodies fade
T cells that combat SARS-CoV-2 have been discovered in people who never had COVID-19, potentially putting natural herd immunity within our grasp.
Bats may provide clues for treating COVID-19
Bats have long lives despite playing host to numerous viruses. Three scientists believe bats' immune systems may help develop new ways of treating COVID-19.
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine produces more antibodies than infection
Two shots of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine produces more antibodies than a coronavirus infection, according to Phase 1 preliminary data.
Study: Risk of death from COVID-19 is 45% lower on arthritis drug
The arthritis drug tocilizumab may lower ventilated patients' risk of death from COVID-19 by 45%, according to a retrospective study.
Survivors’ plasma might prevent coronavirus infections
Injections of COVID-19 survivors' blood plasma might prevent coronavirus infections, making them a promising stopgap until a vaccine is ready.
Engineers create reusable N95 mask out of rubber
With face masks still in demand, engineers unveil a new reusable N95 mask made of durable, easy-to-sterilize silicone rubber.
Pandemic spurs search for alternatives to nursing homes
Senior living facilities have accounted for upwards of 40% of COVID-19 deaths in America. Is it time to look for alternatives to nursing homes?