The Conversation

Where coronavirus variants emerge, surges follow – new research suggests how genomic surveillance can be an early warning system

Written by Bart C. Weimer, Professor of Population Health & Reproduction, University of California, Davis

Sequencing the whole genome of patient virus samples lets scientists watch for new variants.Sergei Malgavko/TASS via Getty Images

Genomic surveillance programs have let scientists track the coronavirus over the course of the pandemic. By testing patient samples, researchers are able to diagnose COVID-19. But they’re also able to use genetic...

MDMA may help treat PTSD – but beware of claims that Ecstasy is a magic bullet

Written by Arash Javanbakht, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Wayne State University

PTSD is typically treated with therapy and sometimes medications, under the care of a psychiatrist. SDI Productions/Getty Images

Recent clinical trials, including one soon to be published in Nature Medicine, have suggested that MDMA combined with psychotherapy may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The news generated considerable...

How 'socialism' stopped being a dirty word for some voters – and started winning elections across America

Written by Joshua Kluever, Ph.D. Candidate of 20th Century American History, Binghamton University, State University of New York

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders are both members of the Democratic Socialists of America.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The leftist Democratic Socialists of America, which helped congressional star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez get elected in 2018, looks to be a big political player again in New York City’s 2021 municipal...

Georgia voter suppression efforts may not change election results much

Written by Bernard Tamas, Associate Professor of Political Science, Valdosta State University

In 2020, Georgia voters lined up for long waits to cast early ballots.AP Photo/Ron Harris

There has been understandable outrage and widespread criticism of the new voting laws in Georgia – and of similar efforts in other states. These laws would likely make voting more difficult, including by reducing options for voting and making it harder...

Bishops' move to press Biden not to take Communion reflects power struggle in split Catholic Church

Written by Steven P. Millies, Associate Professor of Public Theology and Director of The Bernardin Center, Catholic Theological Union

President Joe Biden's progressive values jar with the conservatism of some Catholic bishops.AP Photo/Evan Vucci

President Joe Biden is the highest-profile and most powerful lay Catholic in American life today – but he also holds policy views that diverge from many Catholic bishops. And that is causing some problems.

The dilemma looks like...

Are graphene-coated face masks a COVID-19 miracle – or another health risk?

Written by C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

Officials in Quebec, Canada recently removed graphene-coated face masks from schools and daycare centers.Ridofranz/iStock via Getty Images

As a COVID-19 and medical device researcher, I understand the importance of face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. So I am intrigued that some mask manufacturers have begun adding graphene coatings...

Indians are forced to change rituals for their dead as COVID-19 rages through cities and villages

Written by Natasha Mikles, Lecturer in Philosophy, Texas State University

Mass cremations in the city of Bengaluru, India, due to the large number of COVID-19 deaths.Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images)

In the past several weeks, the world has looked on in horror as the coronavirus rages across India. With hospitals running out of beds, oxygen and medicines, the official daily death toll has averaged around 3,000. Many claim...

Two classes of trans kids are emerging – those who have access to puberty blockers, and those who don't

Written by Travers, Professor of Sociology, Simon Fraser University

Transitioning is possible after going through puberty, but it's much more difficult for trans people to look the way they want to look.Elena Medvedeva/Getty Images

For people who have never thought about it before, it might sound reasonable to require trans kids to wait until they’re adults before they can receive certain forms of care known...

How cleaning up coolants can cool the climate – why HFCs are getting phased out from refrigerators and air conditioners

Written by Scott Denning, Professor of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University

HFCs keep refrigerators cool, but their leaks are warming the planet.Jed Share/Kaoru Share via Getty Images

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving to eliminate a class of chemicals widely used as coolants in refrigerators, air conditioners and heat pumps.

If that feels like déjà vu, it should.

These chemicals, called...

Biden's infrastructure plan targets lead pipes that threaten public health across the US

Written by Gabriel Filippelli, Professor of Earth Sciences and Director of the Center for Urban Health, IUPUI

A lead pipe (left) seen through a hole in the kitchen ceiling in the home of Desmond Odom, in Newark, New Jersey.AP Photo/Julio Cortez

President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan includes a proposal to upgrade the U.S. drinking water distribution system by removing and replacing dangerous lead pipes. As a geochemist and environmental health...