Rachael Rettner
Rachael has been with Live Science since 2010. She has a masters degree in journalism from New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and a Master of Science in biology from the University of California, San Diego.

Articles by: Rachael Rettner

A nurse administers COVID-19 swab tests at a testing site in Brentwood, New York, on Nov. 18, 2020.

New coronavirus variant in NYC has vaccine-evading mutation

By Rachael Rettner

It has a mutation that may help the coronavirus partially evade COVID-19 vaccines.

An illustration of a coronavirus particle.

Why COVID-19 spreads more easily than SARS

By Rachael Rettner

The study researchers focused on the spike protein, the structure that allows coronaviruses to bind to and enter human cells.

flu shot

Flu shot facts & side effects

By Rachael Rettner

The seasonal flu shot is a yearly vaccine administered to protect against the flu, or influenza. In the United States, flu shots are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

A newborn puppy named Skipper was born with six legs.

Puppy born with 6 legs, 2 tails called a 'miracle'

By Rachael Rettner

Despite her rare conditions, Skipper appears healthy and strong.

Health care workers prone a COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit overflow area at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, on Feb. 5, 2021.

'Homegrown' California coronavirus variant is more contagious and possibly deadlier

By Rachael Rettner

Lab studies found that the variant was 40% better at infecting human cells compared with earlier strains.

3D image of coronavirus particles attacking the lungs.

Woman contracts COVID-19 from lung transplant in a first

By Rachael Rettner

A lifesaving operation turned tragic when a Michigan woman contracted COVID-19 from her double lung transplant last year and died soon after.

A teacher wearing a mask while cleaning a classroom.

Teachers may play a central role in spreading COVID-19 in schools, CDC says

By Rachael Rettner

The findings highlight "the importance of preventing infections among educators in particular," the authors said.

A woman sitting on a bed looking tired.

30% of people with COVID-19 experience symptoms up to 9 months later

By Rachael Rettner

Most participants in the study initially had mild cases of COVID-19.

Elizabeth Ann is the first cloned black-footed ferret and first-ever cloned U.S. endangered species. Above, Elizabeth Ann at 68 days old.

Endangered black-footed ferret cloned for the first time

By Rachael Rettner

The adorable clone, named Elizabeth Ann, was created using cells that were frozen more than three decades ago.

Graves in a new area of El Palmar cemetery reserved for COVID-19 victims in Acapulco, Mexico, on January 21, 2021.

At least 20 million years of life have been lost to COVID-19, study suggests

By Rachael Rettner

On average, each COVID-19 death resulted in 16 years of life lost.

Stock photo of MRI scan showing brain and eyes.

Severe COVID-19 may damage the eyes, small study hints

By Rachael Rettner

The researchers saw "nodules" at the back of patients' eyes, which can be signs of inflammation or direct damage to the eye.

A hair brush with a hair ball.

Giant hair ball tears through teen's stomach, requiring surgery

By Rachael Rettner

The hair ball was more than a foot long and completely filled her stomach.

A student works at a desk in a fifth grade classroom in Princeton, Illinois, on Sept. 1, 2020.

CDC issues new guidelines for safely reopening schools

By Rachael Rettner

The recommendations provide a "long-needed road map" for reopening schools, officials said.

Beautiful woman holding her arms in the air, Black Mountains, Powys, Snowdonia, Wales, UK.

Diabetes drug led to dramatic weight loss in large trial

By Rachael Rettner

Participants lost 15% of their body weight.

A COVID-19 vaccination site at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on February 11, 2021.

California coronavirus variant is spreading rapidly. Should we worry?

By Rachael Rettner

Known as CAL.20C, the variant now accounts for nearly half of COVID-19 cases in Southern California.

A woman wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask in Arlington, Virginia, on February 8, 2021.

CDC says double-masking improves protection from COVID-19

By Rachael Rettner

The study tested several methods for improving mask fit.

Illustration of sperm and egg cell.

COVID-19 may lower sperm counts, small study finds

By Rachael Rettner

In a study of 43 men who had recovered from COVID-19, nearly 20% had azoospermia, or the total absence of sperm in semen.

An illustration of SARS-CoV-2.

The sneaky way the coronavirus mutates to escape the immune system

By Rachael Rettner

The mutations 'disguise' the virus from antibodies.

Syringes and heroin

Horse tranquilizer emerges as new and deadly street drug in US

By Rachael Rettner

Called xylazine, the drug is a sedative used in veterinary medicine, and is not approved for use in humans.

A man walks past a Covid-19 testing center in Southport, United Kingdom, on Feb. 2, 2021.

UK coronavirus variant develops vaccine-evading mutation

By Rachael Rettner

This mutation has also been seen in a novel coronavirus variant in South Africa.

Illustration of coronavirus with a strand of DNA.

South African coronavirus variant: All your questions answered

By Rachael Rettner

Experts are particularly alarmed by this variant because of its potential to "escape" protection from current vaccines.

An illustration of the human brain.

Ultrasound treatment 'jump-started' the brains of 2 people in coma-like state

By Rachael Rettner

The two patients who received the treatment showed significant progress over just days.

A doctor holding a lung X-ray.

A woman seemed recovered from COVID-19. Then both her lungs collapsed.

By Rachael Rettner

The case is unusual because the woman had not been previously hospitalized with COVID-19 or put on a ventilator.

Person walking their dog while wearing a mask.

Why cats and dogs may need their own COVID-19 vaccines

By Rachael Rettner

Animal "reservoirs" may pose a risk to humans down the road.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a COVID-19 press conference on Jan. 22, 2021, where he announced there is some evidence that the new U.K. variant is more deadly.

UK coronavirus variant may be more deadly, early evidence suggests

By Rachael Rettner

COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to work against the new variant.