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COVID-19

An aerial view of the "In America: Remember" installation on the National Mall, which commemorates the nearly 700,000 Americans who've lost their lives to Covid-19.

Covid-19

In D.C., 695,000 Flags—and Counting—Memorialize the Americans Who Have Died of Covid-19

Created by artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, the installation covers the National Mall in white pennants featuring handwritten dedications to the dead

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How Science Conquered Diphtheria, the Plague Among Children

It was highly contagious, lethal and mysterious. Then medical experts developed treatments and vaccines, and the affliction disappeared—but not entirely

A new study reveals life expectancy in many counties fell by more than 6 months from 2019 to 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Western Europe, Covid-19 Caused the Biggest Drop in Life Expectancy Since World War II

The study authors say the pandemic may have an even greater impact on life spans in less developed countries that were not included in the research

The 1918 flu, also known as the Spanish flu, spread worldwide during 1918 and 1919. In the U.S. it was first identified in military personnel in the spring of 1918 and mostly affected younger populations less than five years old, between 20 to 40 years old and those 65 years of age or older.  

Covid-19 Surpasses 1918 Flu to Become Deadliest Pandemic in American History

But national population numbers have tripled since then. Influenza killed one in 150 Americans, while one in 500 people have died from the coronavirus

Scientists analyzed millions of eBird observations to see how bird abundance changed during the early months of the pandemic.

Birds Flocked to Pandemic-Silenced Cities

From ruby-throated hummingbirds to bald eagles, a new study finds our feathered friends thrived in quieter urban habitats

Children ages 5 to 11 could be eligible to get the vaccination as early as October, pending FDA authorization.

Pfizer Says Covid-19 Vaccine Safe and Effective for Kids Ages 5 to 11

FDA authorization could come as early as October

An advisory panel says most fully vaccinated Americans are still well-protected from Covid-19.

FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Covid-19 Booster for Older and High-Risk Americans

The committee says most Americans don’t need a booster shot just yet

Instead of giving the same mRNA shot a third time, the group suggests boosters could be tweaked to better handle new variants as the emerge, similar the annual flu shot.

Some Experts Say Most Vaccinated Americans Don’t Need Booster Shot Yet

A new analysis concludes vaccines still offer substantial protection against Covid-19

The microCOVID project was started by a group of friends and housemates who wanted to be more equitable about safety precautions.

Innovation for Good

This Calculator Estimates Your Risk of Getting Covid-19

The online tool draws on recent data to approximate your chances of contracting the virus in different scenarios

Children head back to school in August even as the Covid-19 delta variant makes its rounds. For reasons that aren’t fully understood, kids do not get as sick from Covid-19 as adults do. The role of schools in fostering spread of the virus is also under study.

Covid-19

Why Don’t Kids Tend to Get as Sick From Covid-19?

Some children have been hospitalized and some have died, but at a tiny fraction of the adult rate. Scientists are trying to find out why.

In the televised speech, the president outlined a six-part plan to fight the ongoing pandemic.

Trending Today

Biden Administration Announces Vaccine Mandate That Will Affect More Than 80 Million American Workers

The strict policies have been implemented to combat the resurging Covid-19 pandemic

An Israeli study finds that Covid-19 immunity is significantly improved by a third Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination.

New Research

Israeli Study Finds Third Shot Provides Significant Boost in Covid-19 Immunity

Israeli study finds infection rate drops dramatically with third Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination

Comirnaty was coined with Co- as the prefix, followed with -mirna as a nod to mRNA, and ends in the -ty suffix, representing both the words community and immunity.

Why the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine Is Called Comirnaty

The vaccine is pronounced koe-mir’-na-tee and represents a mash-up of words related to the coronavirus pandemic

Early trials show a second dose of the J&J Covid-19 vaccine after six months later provides a promising antibody response.

Covid-19

Johnson & Johnson Says Extra Shot Gives Promising Immune Boost

Those who got the one-shot Covid-19 vaccine could benefit from a booster after eight months, according to the company

Now that Pfizer’s vaccine was granted full approval, other pharmaceutical companies cannot ask for emergency use authorization because this type of approval is only reserved for drugs and vaccines when there are no other approved options available.

Pfizer’s Covid-19 Vaccine Becomes First to Receive Full FDA Approval

The authorization comes less than four months after the company filed for official licensing and may boost the public’s confidence in the vaccine efficacy

Simone Biles (pictured) and Naomi Osaka, both Black athletes at the top of their sports, have been vocal about their struggles with mental health.

Race in America

The Relationship Between Race and Wellness Has Never Been More Pressing

A new Smithsonian initiative kicks off this week with a virtual summit examining these urgent issues

Fruit flies are social creatures. But when isolated, they begin to act differently—not unlike a human in quarantine.

Just Like Humans, Lonely Fruit Flies Eat More, Sleep Less

The insects are hardwired to consume lots of food and avoid rest as a way of coping with loneliness

A nurse administers the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in Los Angeles, California, in August. More than one million individuals have gotten a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the United States.

Covid-19

Six Important Questions About Booster Shots Answered

Experts weigh in who needs the shot first, when it should happen and how it will help

The one-of-a-kind dolls were designed to represent frontline heroes who worked tirelessly during the pandemic.

New Barbie Dolls Honor Covid-19 Frontline Medical Workers From Around the World

The series of dolls honor six women who developed Covid-19 vaccines, studied the virus, worked in hospitals, and more

As the highly contagious Delta variant surges through the country, experts are expected to recommend that Americans get a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

U.S. Will Soon Recommend Covid-19 Booster Shot 8 Months After 2nd Dose for Most Americans

The decision comes after mounting evidence that coronavirus vaccine efficacy wanes over time

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