Science

"The two most replicated, robust factors linked to suicide are economic change — downturn — and social disconnection," says Dr. Roger McIntyre, professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto. And both factors, he notes, are major hallmarks of th

Act Now To Get Ahead Of A Mental Health Crisis, Specialists Advise U.S.

6:00am May 13, 2020

by Yuki Noguchi

Suicide rates typically drop during natural disasters and other crises but then spike in the months or years after. So mental health specialists are looking to build psychological resilience now.

Coronavirus Update: Public Health Experts Testify Before Senate

4:59pm May 12, 2020

Public health experts have testified before a Senate health committee on Tuesday. House Democrats are proposing a plan for the next coronavirus relief bill.

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Engineers work on a potential vaccine for the coronavirus at a Beijing lab.

When Can We Expect A Coronavirus Vaccine?

2:34pm May 12, 2020

by Joe Palca

The race is on. What will it take to develop, test and distribute a safe and effective vaccine?

Listener Questions On How To Take Care Of Mental Health During The Pandemic, Answered

7:23am May 12, 2020

by Patti Neighmond

NPR's science correspondent answers listener questions about maintaining mental well-being during the coronavirus pandemic.

Right: "Mask Up," a submission to Amplifier, an arts group. Left: "Grandmother's Affection — For Global Health," a submission to the United Nations.

Artists Paint A Portrait Of A Pandemic

4:47pm May 11, 2020

by Pranav Baskar

The United Nations and Amplifier, an arts group, called on artists to create inspiring and informative posters, graphics and animations around the coronavirus. Here's a selection of submissions.

In Oregon Town, Volunteers Are Going Door-To-Door To Pin Down Coronavirus Infections

1:02pm May 11, 2020

by Joe Palca

In Corvallis, Ore, university volunteers are going into neighborhoods and offering residents a free self-test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in hopes of getting a more accurate snapshot of infections.

President Trump has not approved FEMA funding for legal help for Americans affected by the coronavirus. Disaster Legal Services are usually available to survivors of disasters.

Science

COVID-19 Has Created A Legal Aid Crisis. FEMA's Usual Response Is Missing

11:16am May 11, 2020

by Rebecca Hersher

The agency usually provides funding for legal aid hotlines after disasters. But the White House has not approved such funding for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

After testing positive for COVID-19, Diana Berrent established Survivor Corps, a grassroots clearinghouse for COVID-19 survivors interested in donating blood plasma to organizations developing therapies that might combat the disease.

Market For Blood Plasma From COVID-19 Survivors Heats Up

5:00am May 11, 2020

by JoNel Aleccia

As many firms and academic researchers vie for blood donations from survivors in hopes of isolating components for new treatments, one project is turning for help from 10,000 Orthodox Jewish women.

Birth control pills in 1976 in New York. The birth control pill was approved by the FDA 60 years ago this week.

How The Approval Of The Birth Control Pill 60 Years Ago Helped Change Lives

9:45am May 09, 2020

by Sarah McCammon

Before the pill was approved by the FDA on May 9, 1960, there were few contraceptive options available to young women. It revolutionized family planning and the sex lives of millions of Americans.

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Science

These Scientists Are On A Quest To Understand How Prevalent Coronavirus Is

7:59am May 09, 2020

by Joe Palca

A team of scientists at Oregon State University are trying to measure the true prevalence of the coronavirus in Corvallis, Ore., by taking a random sample of the population.

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