To minimize the effects of future pandemics, it is not enough that we recognize deficiencies in our responses to COVID-19; we must start to build policies for the next pandemic as soon as possible.
Pandemics often have animal origins, so prevention is often dominated by health and veterinary sciences. However, social sciences’ role in understanding human behaviour is also crucial to prevention.
The historical correlation between economic prosperity and increased life expectancy might suggest that growth is generally a good thing. However, other evidence points to the downside of growth.
In rural Ghana, only 18% of patients believe elephantiasis is a disease. Some others think it is caused by curses or even rain. Only by understanding local beliefs can it be treated effectively.
Policymakers rely on models during uncertain times to figure out how their choices could affect the future. Over the pandemic, an ensemble of many COVID-19 models outperformed any one alone.
A calm voice, a trusted expert, devoted teacher. Epidemiologist Professor Mary-Louise McLaws was passionate about engaging with the mainstream media and communicating what she knew.
Australia is in the middle of its fifth Omicron wave, which has been brewing since February. But it’s been slow and drawn out and the health impacts are very different to earlier waves.
Finding cosmetics that are free of hormone- disrupting chemicals often means paying more. An epidemiologist explains the risk, particularly for young women.
A biologist who studies how viruses spread from animals to people explains the process of spillover and the risks posed by the new bird flu that has spread across the globe.
People don’t all age at the same rate. Untangling the factors that influence health and disease – such as epigenetics, demographics and behavior – could lead to better care for those who need it most.
While lung cancer rates have decreased by 43% in men, they have risen by 79% in women. New screening guidelines and recognizing early symptoms can help address the changing face of lung cancer.
Although chronic pain is recognized by scientists as a disease in its own right, it remains largely under-recognized, under-diagnosed and, above all, associated with numerous prejudices.
Vinita Srivastava, The Conversation and Lygia Navarro, The Conversation
Long COVID impacts one in every five people who’ve had the virus. In the U.S., early research shows people of colour are most likely to develop long COVID. It has been called a mass-disabling event.
Professor of Epidemiology, Population Interventions Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne