What's the difference between pandemic, epidemic and outbreak?

Mar 10, 2020 05:49 am UTC| Health

The coronavirus is on everyones minds. As an epidemiologist, I find it interesting to hear people using technical terms like quarantine or super spreader or reproductive number that my colleagues and I use in our work...

Should you listen to music when you work?

Mar 10, 2020 05:47 am UTC| Health

Do you like to listen to music when you work? Pose this question at a party, and youll probably get some polarizing responses. Some will say they love it, claiming that it improves their performance; others will say...

Coronavirus: it's time to debunk claims that vitamin C could cure it

Mar 10, 2020 05:41 am UTC| Health

Vitamin C is a common remedy that some people believe will cure the common cold and flu. Although it helps us maintain good immune function, theres little evidence that it can prevent or substantially reduce either of...

Italy's 'darkest hour': how coronavirus became a very political problem

Mar 10, 2020 05:40 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics Health

The Italian governments decision to expand its lockdown from two small areas of the north to encompass the entire region of Lombardy and 14 provinces in neighbouring regions (which has meant shutting down both Milan and...

Social isolation linked to higher levels of inflammation – new study

Mar 06, 2020 09:20 am UTC| Health

Being lonely or socially isolated can negatively affect your wellbeing. There is even research showing that it increase the risk of illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, dementia and depression. Some researchers...

Americans still trust doctors and scientists during a public health crisis

Mar 06, 2020 08:57 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

The coronavirus epidemic is a health crisis that threatens Americans quality of life. Who do Americans trust to lead them through it? The public opinion firm YouGov has reported that public trust of scientists fell from...

Coronavirus and handwashing: research shows proper hand drying is also vital

Mar 06, 2020 08:55 am UTC| Health

With the number of people infected with coronavirus increasing around the world on a daily basis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised everyone to regularly and thoroughly clean their hands. This can be either...