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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

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically.

Coronavirus outbreak: Live updates

By Yasemin Saplakoglu, Rachael Rettner, Jeanna Bryner

Among the top coronavirus news out today are: Florida issued a state-wide stay-at-home order and Italy cases started to peak.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.

California: Latest updates on coronavirus

By Rachael Rettner

Here's information on the number of coronavirus cases in California and the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak.

The skyline in Anchorage, Alaska.

Alaska: Latest updates on coronavirus

By Rachael Rettner

Here's information on the number of coronavirus cases in Alaska and the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, Arizona.

Arizona: Latest updates on coronavirus

By Rachael Rettner

Here's information on the number of coronavirus cases in Arizona and the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak.

The skyline in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Arkansas: Latest updates on coronavirus

By Rachael Rettner

Here's information on the number of coronavirus cases in Arkansas and the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak.

Residents wearing face masks wait outside a store in Codogno, southeast of Milan, Italy, on March 11, 2020, just a day after Italy imposed unprecedented national restrictions on its 60 million residents to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Up to 25% of people with COVID-19 may not show symptoms

By Rachael Rettner

A significant portion of COVID-19 patients may never show symptoms at all, according to a top U.S. health official.

A patient in a hospital.

More than 100,000 Americans may die from COVID-19, US officials say.

By Rachael Rettner, Yasemin Saplakoglu

The next couple of weeks will be "very, very painful" and "rough," Trump said today during a White House briefing today.

A person holding their stomach.

Diarrhea is first sign of illness for some COVID-19 patients

By Rachael Rettner

Some patients with COVID-19 experience gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhea, as the first sign of illness.

The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery.

Alabama: Latest updates on coronavirus

By Rachael Rettner

Alabama now has 952 confirmed cases and 13 deaths from COVID-19, the illness the virus causes, as of Tuesday (March 31).

A person opening a blister pack of pills.

Study will test if hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19

By Rachael Rettner

Researchers in New York and Washington state plan to enroll 2,000 participants

Telluride, in the Rocky Mountains, is a popular ski resort. The town plans to test all of its residents for COVID-19.

Colorado ski town will test everyone for coronavirus

By Rachael Rettner

The town appears to be the first in the country to perform coronavirus testing on such a wide scale.

People stroll across the Piazza del Duomo, in front of the Duomo, in central Milan, Italy, wearing protective masks amidst the coronavirus outbreak, on Feb. 23, 2020.

Why are deaths from coronavirus so high in Italy?

By Rachael Rettner

Deaths from the new coronavirus in Italy have soared in recent days, with a death rate of 10%. Here's why that rate is so high.

A newborn baby in a hospital bed.

3 babies in China may have been infected with coronavirus in the womb

By Rachael Rettner

Three babies in China may have contracted the new coronavirus in the womb shortly before birth, two new studies suggest.

The U.S. is now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.

US is new epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic

By Rachael Rettner

The U.S. coronavirus cases just surpassed those of China, becoming the new epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A person alone in a room.

Ending Wuhan's social distancing too soon may spur 'second wave' of COVID-19 in midsummer

By Rachael Rettner

The findings suggest that if these measures — including school and workplace closures — are lifted too soon, a second wave of cases may occur in midsummer.

The coronavirus particle has a crown of spikes on its surface.

How does the new coronavirus compare with the flu?

By Rachael Rettner

How does the new coronavirus compare with the seasonal flu, and which should you most worry about?

Donated blood.

Blood from recovered patients being tested as COVID-19 treatment

By Rachael Rettner

Doctors in New York will soon test whether blood from people who recover from COVID-19 can help treat the disease in others.

Boxes of takeout food.

Can you catch COVID-19 from food?

By Rachael Rettner

The risk of catching COVID-19 from food appears very low, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk further.

Lab with blood tests.

US scientists develop crucial blood test for coronavirus antibodies

By Rachael Rettner

U.S. researchers developed a simple antibody test for the new coronavirus.

A child in a hospital bed.

Not all children are spared from coronavirus

By Rachael Rettner

A small percentage of kids develop serious illness from COVID-19.

The national military corps stand outside Schiavonia hospitals that were being quarantined in the city of Vo Euganeo in Italy on Feb. 22, 2020.

How one small Italian town cut coronavirus cases to zero in just a few weeks

By Rachael Rettner

The town appears to have drastically reduced coronavirus infections, reaching zero cases last week.

A busy pedestrian street crossing.

COVID-19 spread is fueled by 'stealth transmission'

By Rachael Rettner

Cases of COVID-19 that fly under the radar — without being diagnosed — appear to fuel the rapid spread of the disease.

President Donald Trump declared a 'national emergency' over COVID-19 at a news conference in the White House Rose garden on March 13.

Trump declares 'national emergency' over COVID-19 in US

By Yasemin Saplakoglu, Rachael Rettner

The declaration will "open up access" to federal funds — some $50 billion — to fight COVID-19, he said.

passengers at LAX wear masks in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus outbreak officially declared a pandemic, WHO says

By Rachael Rettner

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared a pandemic over COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, after it spread to more than 100 countries.

An illustration of a virus.

UK man becomes second person cured of HIV after 30 months virus-free

By Rachael Rettner

A man in London appears to be the second person ever cured of HIV, his doctors say.