Coronavirus
COVID-19 more likely originated from a lab than animals, bold new study claims
Some scientists are trying to get closer to the truth about how the COVID pandemic started – but others question whether that’s possible.
COVID, 4 years on: 9 most surprising lessons from the pandemic
It’s been exactly four years since the official declaration of the COVID pandemic. What do we know now that we didn’t before?
COVID inquiry: Did lockdown and masks actually work? A professor explains
Social distancing, PPE, self-isolation... how effective was the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Prof Paul Hunter gives his verdict.
A cat coronavirus is now spreading across Europe. Should we be worried?
At least one cat in the UK has been infected with a new strain of coronavirus.
Before we had long COVID, was there long SARS?
A doctor explains the post-viral impact of the respiratory viruses, SARS and COVID-19.
Pirola COVID variant: an expert explains what you need to know about the new coronavirus strain
The latest member of the Omicron family has been labelled a variant of concern. Will it cause more severe disease? Will current vaccines protect us from it? And could it lead to more lockdowns?
COVID autumn booster jabs 2023: Who should have them and how effective are they?
New variants of coronavirus are continuing to emerge.
New AI could unlock viral ‘dark matter’ of next pandemic
The AI could have predicted the emergence of the covid variants.
Wild rats living in New York City sewers are carrying coronavirus
More than 15 per cent of rats captured in wastewater systems tested positive for the virus.
Why snow days are still vital in a post-COVID world
These last few years have been tough on everyone. We should make the most of an opportunity to frolic in the snow (or veg out on the sofa).
How soon after having COVID can you catch it again?
Yes, it's possible to catch COVID after just having it.
Kraken COVID variant | All you need to know about the XBB.1.5 coronavirus strain
Also known as the 'Kraken', the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is predicted to cause a new wave of COVID cases across the globe. But what are its symptoms? And will the vaccine work against it?
Have face masks become less effective at managing COVID?
With some calling for all adults to wear face coverings once more, some scientists argue masks now do little to control case numbers. But how accurate are these claims?
COVID-fighting chemicals identified in sea sponges and marine bacteria
The three compounds discovered are effective against several variants including delta and omicron.
COVID: Cause of long-term smell loss may have been discovered
A similar mechanism could also be responsible for other symptoms of long COVID such as brain fog, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Can you pass on COVID-19 if you’re testing negative?
In a word - yes.
Community garden projects helped reduce loneliness and boost wellbeing during COVID pandemic
Investing more in therapeutic gardening projects could help take some of the strain off the NHS, the researchers say.
Instant Genius Podcast | COVID in waste, with Dave O’Connor and Marc Johnson
How do viruses mutate? Are there rogue forms of coronavirus still out there? How can we track viruses down? We spoke to virologists Dave O’Connor and Marc Johnson to find out.
Eating a balanced diet and avoiding stressful news reports helped protect mental health during COVID pandemic
The protective effect was even stronger than interacting with friends or diving into hobbies, a Spanish study has found.
Blood test could predict the likelihood of developing long COVID, study suggests
The presence of proteins associated with clotting in blood plasma during initial SARS-CoV-2 infection accurately predicts symptoms that persist for the following year.
COVID-19 could put us at a greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke
Analysis of nearly one million Danish health records has found patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were subsequently more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
What is Parosmia?
If you have long COVID, you may be experiencing this.
Instant Genius Podcast | COVID Numbers, with Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter
Statistician Sir David Spiegelhalter joins us on our podcasts, Instant Genius and Instant Genius Extra.
Hepatitis in children: What we know about the surge in liver disease cases
The UK has seen a rise in child hepatitis cases since January 2022. What have scientists learned about the cause and likelihood of liver disease in children?