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.
COVID-19 vaccines: What does 95% efficacy actually mean? By Anna Nowogrodzki You have likely heard that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine efficacy is 95%, Moderna's is 94% and Johnson & Johnson's is 66%. But what do these numbers actually mean?
Is there a limit to how much the coronavirus can mutate? By Yasemin Saplakoglu The number of possible genetic mutations is greater than all the atoms in the visible universe,
Coronavirus may infect key brain cells, causing neurons to die By Nicoletta Lanese A preliminary study hints that the virus may infect astrocytes, triggering downstream effects.
CDC says double-masking improves protection from COVID-19 By Rachael Rettner The study tested several methods for improving mask fit.
Europe's oldest person survives COVID-19 By Yasemin Saplakoglu Sister André has recovered from COVID-19 in time for her 117th birthday this week.
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.
Fast-spreading coronavirus variant is doubling every 10 days in the US By Yasemin Saplakoglu The variant is rapidly spreading in the U.S. as it has in the U.K. and elsewhere around the world.
Is it OK to mix and match COVID-19 vaccines? Oxford researchers begin trial. By Yasemin Saplakoglu Amid a shortage of vaccine supplies and the threat of emerging coronavirus variants, such an approach might provide an answer for both.
The sneaky way the coronavirus mutates to escape the immune system By Rachael Rettner The mutations 'disguise' the virus from antibodies.
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine may cut spread of virus By Yasemin Saplakoglu This is the first time that a coronavirus vaccine has shown it may reduce the spread of the virus.
UK coronavirus variant develops vaccine-evading mutation By Rachael Rettner This mutation has also been seen in a novel coronavirus variant in South Africa.
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.
Can moms pass COVID-19 immunity to their newborns? By Nicoletta Lanese A new study shows that antibodies can cross the placenta and could be protective to the baby.
Johnson and Johnson's vaccine is 66% effective against moderate to severe COVID-19 By Yasemin Saplakoglu The vaccine's efficacy was highest in the U.S. and the lowest in South Africa, where a new variant is infecting people.
Schizophrenia is 2nd highest risk factor for dying of COVID-19, after age By Yasemin Saplakoglu People who have schizophrenia may be two to three times more likely to die from COVID-19, study suggests.
You may need to start wearing better face masks By Nicoletta Lanese You might even consider wearing two masks instead of one.
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.
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.
Allergic reactions to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare, report finds By Yasemin Saplakoglu There's about a 2.5 per 1 million chance of developing a severe allergic reaction to Moderna's coronavirus vaccine.
