Public Health

Scientists find how to reduce cytokine storm, the most common cause of COVID-19 death

In a new study, researchers found that a long-ignored white blood cell may be central to the immune system overreaction that is the most...

COVID-19 strongly harms mental, physical health in people with this health problem

In a new study, researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a big impact on people with obesity as they struggle to manage...

How COVID-19 has changed sleep in the U.S. and Europe

In two new studies, researchers found that stay-at-home orders and "lockdowns" related to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a major impact on the daily...

COVID-19 loneliness linked to more mental problems in older people

Although social distancing is crucial in thwarting the spread of COVID-19, isolation and the ensuing loneliness may be severely detrimental for older adults. In a...

Widespread face mask use could prevent a second COVID-19 wave

In a new study, researchers found that population-wide use of face masks keeps the coronavirus 'reproduction number' under 1.0, and prevents further waves of...

Why some non-smokers get lung disease COPD and some heavy smokers do not

In a new study, researchers found that people with small airways relative to the size of their lungs may have a lower breathing capacity...

4 ways to be a savvy news consumer in COVID-19 pandemic

Sometimes it feels like trying to drink from a firehose. All those news headlines making new claims about coronavirus and COVID-19. All those social media...

COVID-19 care is (mostly) free to patients. Should other vital care be too?

Rapid shifts removed out-of-pocket costs that could keep people from getting coronavirus care. That trend may continue. Imagine a pack of elephants doing graceful spins,...

More evidence that malaria drug cannot save COVID-19 patients

In a new study, researchers found that malaria drug hydroxychloroquine—with or without azithromycin—did not reduce the risk of ventilation or death and was linked...

How COVID-19 may harm kidney health

In a new study, researchers found that COVID-19 virus associated acute kidney injury is not uncommon. Many hospitalized COVID-19 patients—as many as 80% of critically...