Humans

Humans

Here’s where things stand on COVID-19 tests in the U.S.

Government officials are weighing how to loosen social distancing measures across the United States, but that hinges on widespread COVID-19 testing.

Health & Medicine

Why 6 feet may not be enough social distance to avoid COVID-19

Scientists who study airflow warn that virus-laden drops may travel farther than thought.

Health & Medicine

COVID-19 may be most contagious one to two days before symptoms appear

The coronavirus probably spreads the most before symptoms appear, making containing viral transmission harder.

Health & Medicine

Why African-Americans may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19

African-Americans are more likely to die from COVID-19 than white Americans, data show. Experts blame long-standing health disparities.

Health & Medicine

Meet Sophia Upshaw, a volunteer in a coronavirus vaccine trial

In Seattle and Atlanta, scientists have started testing the safety of a potential vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Health & Medicine

Can fabric masks stem the coronavirus’ spread?

It’s unclear whether homemade masks made from fabric will prevent an infected person from spreading the virus to others, experts say.

Paleontology

Two primate lineages crossed the Atlantic millions of years ago

Peruvian primate fossils point to a second ocean crossing by a now-extinct group roughly 35 million to 32 million years ago.

Health & Medicine

Warm weather probably won’t slow COVID-19 transmission much

While some evidence has suggested higher temperatures can affect coronavirus transmission, summer’s arrival probably won’t curb the pandemic much.

Archaeology

This is the oldest known string. It was made by a Neandertal

A cord fragment found clinging to a Neandertal’s stone tool is evidence that our close evolutionary relatives were string makers, too, scientists say.

Health & Medicine

Can plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients treat the sick?

Researchers are racing to set up clinical trials of antibody-rich convalescent plasma from recovered patients to treat or prevent COVID-19.

Health & Medicine

Just breathing or talking may be enough to spread COVID-19 after all

Until now, experts have said that the virus spreads only through large droplets released when people cough or sneeze, but it may spread more easily.

Humans

Southern Africa may have hosted a hominid transition 2 million years ago

Braincases excavated from the Drimolen caves suggest Homo erectus and Paranthropus robustus may have coexisted in southern Africa.