diseases

Thinking about the next pandemic keeps lots of researchers busy.

9 diseases that keep epidemiologists up at night

7:31am January 29, 2023

by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred

Thinking about the next pandemic is job number one for many researchers around the world. Here's a look at the World Health Organization's current list of pathogens with pandemic potential.

Researchers say they've found a way to let queen bees pass on immunity to a devastating disease called American foulbrood. The infectious disease is so deadly, many states and beekeeping groups recommend burning any hive that's been infected. Here, a fram

World's First Insect Vaccine Could Help Bees Fight Off Deadly Disease

3:48pm December 07, 2018

by Bill Chappell

American foulbrood is an infectious disease that devastates honeybee hives. Scientists say they've created a vaccine for it, despite a big hurdle: Bees don't have antibodies.

Engraving from a series of images titled "The Great Yellow Fever Scourge — Incidents Of Its Horrors In The Most Fatal District Of The Southern States."

How Yellow Fever Turned New Orleans Into The 'City Of The Dead'

5:35pm October 31, 2018

by Leah Donnella

Some years the virus would wipe out a tenth of the population, earning New Orleans the nickname "Necropolis." The gruesome disease killed thousands, scapegoated immigrants and upheld white supremacy.

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A girl is vaccinated against yellow fever in Rio de Janeiro.

Yellow Fever Encroaches Megacities, Straining Global Vaccine Supply

4:34pm April 12, 2018

by Jason Beaubien

Brazil has launched a massive vaccination campaign to protect against a disease that has killed hundreds of people. But it's facing huge challenges, including a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine.

China is one of the countries where childhood mortality is dropping. Above, students practice martial arts.

Why You Shouldn't Be Totally Depressed By A Report On Child Mortality

2:08pm January 28, 2016

by Emily Sohn

Statistics on health problems and death are sobering. But an author of the report finds reasons to be hopeful as well.

The Indian fruit bat known as the flying fox can harbor diseases that other animals — and humans — can contract.

Worrisome Bat-Disease Map Shouldn't Make People Fear Bats

4:54pm January 08, 2016

by Emily Sohn

A new map shows where the risk is highest for humans catching diseases from bats. But the researchers urge humans to remember: Bats do a lot of good, too!