Epidemiology

Why a Highly Mutated Coronavirus Variant Has Scientists on Alert

Research is under way to determine whether the mutation-laden lineage BA.2.86 is nothing to worry about — or has the potential to spread globally

Ewen Callaway and Nature magazine

Pollution

How to Protect Yourself from Smoky Wildfire Air

As giant plumes from fires in Canada billow over the U.S., experts explain what smoke does to your health—and how to protect yourself

Lauren J. Young

Public Health

Getting Closer to Eliminating the Wild Poliovirus

Global efforts to eradicate the poliovirus were recently described as unsuccessful—yet Afghanistan and Pakistan are now on the verge of eliminating it

Clare Watson and Nature magazine

Biotech

Hearing Aids May Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

As few as 15 percent of people who would benefit from hearing aids use them

Lydia Denworth

Health Care

Supreme Court Preserves Access to Abortion Pill, pending Appeal

The nation’s highest court paused a lower court’s decision to nullify approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, keeping the medication available while an appeal moves forward...

Tanya Lewis