Do Viruses Cheat to Win at Evolution?
How one pair of researchers used game theory to predict the sneaky, underhanded behavior of microbial competitors.
Verbatim: Jonas Salk
Virologist Jonas Salk led the team that developed the breakthrough vaccine for polio. He was also a social critic.
How Scientists Tried to Find a Universal Flu Vaccine
The quest to “conquer” influenza with a shot that could be used every year started out with high hopes, and ended up a hot mess.
AIDS, from the Perspective of “Patient Zero”
We now know a great deal about how the man who's often blamed for the AIDS epidemic saw himself and his community. That's important.
What Bats Can Teach Humans About Coronavirus Immunity
Bats have a unique genetic ability to tolerate many viral infections. Can humans uncover their secrets?
A Science Reader for COVID-19
Covering concepts from spillover to virus mutation, this collection of free-to-access readings provides scientific context around the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Deadly Virus is Lurking in East Coast Mosquitoes
Eastern Equine Encephalitis may be brewing in the bog near you. Should you worry?
Viral Mutation for the Perplexed
We all know viruses mutate. But how does that happen, and what does it mean for how we can treat diseases caused by viruses?
Are Viruses Alive? Define Life.
Scientists have different ideas about whether viruses are living beings. But they have solid advice on how to destroy them: wash up.