Science

A recovered coronavirus patient takes a selfie before being discharged from a hospital in Sri Lanka. Researchers are trying to determine if having a case of COVID-19 will give you immunity.

Do You Get Immunity After Recovering From A Case Of Coronavirus?

6:25pm March 20, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The hope is that a person who's recovered from COVID-19 would have some protection against re-infection in the future. Here's what researchers do — and don't — know.

A jogger runs past the Eiffel Tower on Wednesday in Paris.

Coronavirus FAQs: Can I Go Running? Is Food Shopping Too Risky? What's Herd Immunity?

4:51pm March 20, 2020

Each week we're answering pressing questions about the coronavirus pandemic. This week the topics range from outdoor exercise to ibuprofen.

The Latest Developments Around Federal Coronavirus Response

4:29pm March 20, 2020

NPR economics, politics and science correspondents relay the latest federal developments in the coronavirus pandemic.

Queue Listen Now

Former Federal Health, Science And Economic Officials On Government Epidemic Response

4:29pm March 20, 2020

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Douglas Holtz-Eakin and Tara O'Toole — three former government officials — about the federal government's response to the coronavirus.

Adam Alter: How Do We Take Back Control Of Our Attention?

9:40am March 20, 2020

by NPR/TED Staff

Within the last decade, we've opted to replace time spent on hobbies, exercise, and conversation with screen time. Social psychologist Adam Alter describes ways we can reclaim our attention.

Queue Listen Now

The vernal equinox falls on March 19 nationwide this year. It's the earliest start to spring since 1896. This photo shows the Earth shortly before the moment of the equinox on March 20, 2019.

Science

Spring Starts Today All Over America, Which Is Weird

7:17pm March 19, 2020

by Rebecca Hersher

Spring begins at 11:50 p.m. ET on March 19 this year. It is the earliest nationwide vernal equinox since 1896. Why, you ask? Get ready for orbital mechanics and a lot of information about calendars.

Queue Listen Now

A handful of untraceable cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in the Netherlands alerted public health researchers that the virus may be spread by people with mild symptoms early in the progression of the illness.

People With Mild Symptoms Can Spread Coronavirus, European Researchers Warn

6:47pm March 19, 2020

by Geoff Brumfiel

In Europe, with cases on the rise, researchers are learning more about the spread of the disease. For one, people experiencing mild symptoms appear to be able to spread the virus easily.

How Genetic Mapping Is Allowing Scientists To Track The Spread Of Coronavirus

4:51pm March 19, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

Scientists are using genetic sequences of the coronavirus to learn where and how it is spreading. The approach relies on technology that didn't exist just a few years ago.

Queue Listen Now

Roundup: The Latest On Coronavirus In The United States

4:35pm March 19, 2020

A panel of NPR correspondents discusses the latest developments around the coronavirus epidemic, including updates about drugs, testing, medical supplies, economic impact and unemployment relief.

Queue Listen Now

Tony Vassiliadis, the head nighttime custodian at Wellesley High School in Wellesley, Mass., demonstrates an electrostatic sprayer. During an actual cleaning, he would he would wear gloves and an N95 mask.

There May Not Be Enough Well-Trained Workers To Clean Up Where Coronavirus Has Been

11:22am March 19, 2020

by Callum Borchers

Industry experts are asking whether there are enough trained workers in the cleaning business who can help stop the coronavirus from spreading.