Research News

Science writer Robin Marantz Henig has written about dangerous emerging pathogens for 30 years. But none of what she learned could shed light on her own confusing encounter with the coronavirus.

I Felt Fine, But Tested Positive For The Coronavirus. What's That Really Mean?

12:24pm December 18, 2020

by Robin Marantz Henig

Science writer Robin Marantz Henig has written about dangerous emerging pathogens for 30 years. But none of what she learned could shed light on her own confusing encounter with this virus.

A health care worker prepares COVID-19 vaccine doses at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Wednesday in Portland, Ore. Hospitals across the U.S. began getting their first doses of Pfizer's vaccine this week.

Without Resources, Vaccine Rollout Could 'Fall At The Last Hurdle,' Journalist Warns

2:09pm December 17, 2020

by Terry Gross

Atlantic writer Ed Yong says the COVID-19 vaccination program will be the most complicated the U.S. has ever attempted: "It's going to be a slow process, and there are a lot of possible roadblocks."

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These sunflowers in San Diego National Wildlife Refuge are wild relatives of sunflowers that farmers around the world grow to produce oil.

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Distant Cousins Of Food Crops Deserve Respect And Protection

7:26am December 16, 2020

by Dan Charles

Scientists are calling for efforts to protect hundreds of wild plants in the United States that are related to native foods such as cranberries and chili peppers.

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What Impact Can Having An Older Sister Have On A Child's Development?

5:38am December 16, 2020

by Nurith Aizenman

A new study suggests kids in poor countries benefit hugely from having older sisters — who are more likely than brothers or even mothers — to engage in stimulating play.

Victoria Gray (second from left) with children Jamarius Wash, Jadasia Wash and Jaden Wash. Now that the gene-editing treatment has eased Gray's pain, she has been able be more active in her kids' lives and looks forward to the future. "This is really a li

1st Patients To Get CRISPR Gene-Editing Treatment Continue To Thrive

12:39pm December 15, 2020

by Rob Stein

As the first patient to receive an experimental treatment that relied on the gene-editing technique CRISPR continues to do well 17 months later, more patients seem to be benefiting, too.

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Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine has been tested for safety and efficacy in more than 44,000 people. Still, stopping viral spread will take more than immunizations, says the CDC. The agency is calling for those who are vaccinated to continue wearing mas

What You Need To Know As The First COVID-19 Vaccine Heads Your Way

5:29pm December 12, 2020

by Joanne Silberner

Within hours, U.S. states are expected have in hand their first shipments of Pfizer's newly FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. It marks a new phase in the pandemic, but what's that mean for you?

Root extracts from the African shrub iboga have long been used in traditional healing rituals and more recently as an experimental treatment for depression and to reduce drug cravings in addiction. Scientists now are working on a version of the extract th

Progress Toward A Safer Psychedelic Drug To Treat Depression And Addiction

5:19pm December 09, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

A synthetic version of the psychedelic drug ibogaine appears to relieve depression and addiction without producing hallucinations or other dangerous side effects — at least in rodents.

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Researchers On Why Dogs Learn Only A Limited Number Of Words

4:17pm December 09, 2020

Dogs are good at learning new words. But researchers say dogs don't understand small sound differences in words such as "dog" or "dig." It may explain why most don't learn a large number of words.

What Is Your Time Worth?

11:08am December 08, 2020

by Greg Rosalsky

A new study did experiments on millions of Lyft riders to figure out how much they value time. Researchers found time is worth more money than previously thought.

News of a good immune response in animals bodes well for testing future COVID-19 vaccines.

Immune Response In Animals Good News For COVID-19 Vaccine Development

11:59am December 04, 2020

by Joe Palca

Researchers found that a class of antibodies in a monkey's blood provides protection from COVID-19. If that hold true for humans, a blood test may predict whether a vaccine candidate is working.