Find out if you can board a flight to the United States

Answer a few questions to find out what is required to board a flight to the United States.

Operational Considerations for the Identification of Healthcare Workers and Inpatients with Suspected COVID-19 in non-US Healthcare Settings

Guidance for the Identification of Healthcare Workers and Inpatients with Suspected COVID-19 in non-US Healthcare Settings

Talking with the Patient - A Case Investigator's Guide to COVID-19

This document focuses on communication strategies for case interviews and provides suggested language for case investigators as they cover each topic area during an interview.

Coronavirus Self-Checker

Coronavirus Self-Checker is a tool to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and appropriate medical care.

Steps for Determining Close Contact and Quarantine in K-12 Schools

Infographic for identifying COVID-19 close contacts in K-12 school settings and public health recommendations for close contacts.

Notification of Exposure: A Contact Tracer's Guide for COVID-19

A Contact Tracer's Guide for COVID-19 focuses on communication strategies for contact interviews and provides suggested language for each topic area covered in an interview.

Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education

Explore CDC's considerations for institutes of higher education regarding COVID-19.

Overview of COVID-19 Isolation for K-12 Schools

Information about isolating for COVID-19 in K-12 Schools

COVID-19 Testing Overview

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure.

Care for Breastfeeding Women

Find information on managing breastfeeding patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

Contact Tracing for COVID-19

This section provides steps and consideration that jurisdictions can use to develop a protocol for the tracing of close contacts.

Toolkit for Responding to COVID-19 Cases

Toolkit for K-12 school administrators with resources for responding to COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 Contact Tracing

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Training Guidance and Resources

Test for Current Infection (Viral Test)

Provides information on testing for coronavirus infection, including how to decide about testing, how to get a test, and what to do after a viral test.

Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2

Interim Guidance for Case Investigation and Contact Tracing in K-12 Schools

Learn what administrators of public and private K-12 schools should know about COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing.

Duration of Isolation and Precautions for Adults with COVID-19

This guidance outlines key considerations for states and healthcare systems to consider strategies for transferring patients, staff, and supplies between health facilities to optimize patient care, balance resources, and minimize use of crisis care standards. One option is the identification of relief healthcare facilities and establishing or coordinating with existing federal, state, or regional Medical Operation Coordination Cells (MOCC). The implementation of the elements highlighted in this guidance can be found in the Federal MOCC Toolkit reference throughout.

Contact Tracing

Contact tracing is used by health departments to prevent the spread of infectious diseased. In general, contact tracing involves identifying people who have an infectious disease (cases) and people who they came in contact with (contacts) and working with them to interrupt disease spread. For COVID-19, this includes asking people with cases to isolate and their contacts to quarantine at home voluntarily.

Testing Strategies for SARS-CoV-2

This guidance describes and compares different types of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) testing strategies, including their intended use and applications, regulatory requirements, and reporting requirements.

Information About Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine

J&J's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that requires only 1 shot. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot

People who have had 2 shots of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines may need to start receiving a COVID-19 booster shot 8 months after their second dose.

Information for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Resources for Healthcare Professionals Caring for COVID-19 Patients

Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Guidance to assist with assessment of risk, monitoring, and work restriction decisions for Healthcare Providers with potential exposure to COVID-19.

Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages

This guidance is to assist healthcare facilities in mitigating healthcare personnel staffing shortages that might occur because of COVID-19.

Interactive Ventilation Tool

Use this interactive tool to see how particle levels change as you adjust ventilation settings.

Publications about COVID-19 for Laboratories

Publications from CDC lab professionals during the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak.

Domestic Travel During COVID-19

There are several things to consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel in the United States. This includes the following: is COVID-19 spreading where you're going, will you be in close contact with others, are you at higher risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19, do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition, and is COVID-19 spreading where you live?

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

Answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine cost, availability, and types.

Health Equity in Action

Health Equity in Action

Potential Rapid Increase of Omicron Variant Infections in the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the potential for a rapid increase in infections of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the Omicron variant, in the United States.

Air Travel Toolkit for Airline Partners

Communication Toolkit for Airlines to inform Travelers and Crew

Reporting COVID-19 Vaccination Demographic Data

CDC's COVID Data Tracker provides COVID-19 vaccination data in the United States, including Demographic Characteristics of People Receiving COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States.

Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People

Pregnant people need to take steps to protect themselves and stay healthy during the COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccines Work

COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. are working well based on studies that have looked at how vaccines work in real-world conditions.

What You Should Know About the Possibility of COVID-19 Illness After Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. However, some people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus that causes it.

Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers

Noncitizen nonimmigrants must be fully vaccinated to travel by air to the US. Some categories of noncitizen nonimmigrants are excepted from the requirement but will need to fulfill other requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 for School Administrators

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for school administrators based on CDC's guidance for K-12 schools

What You Should Know About COVID-19 Testing in Schools

What you should know about COVID-19 testing in schools.

Parents and Caregivers - What Is Your School Doing to Protect Your Child from COVID-19?

A set of questions parents can ask their school to learn more about their COVID-19 precautions. This page also includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) CDC is hearing from parents and caregivers.

Science Brief: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 schools

COVID-19 transmission in schools is associated with community transmission. Transmission spread within schools can be limited with strict implementation of layered mitigation strategies.

COVID-19 Vaccines that Require 2 Shots

If you receive a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you will need 2 shots to get the most protection.

Science Briefs

CDC is learning more about how COVID-19 spreads and affects people and communities. Learn more by viewing scientific briefs and agendas.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Specific Groups of People

Although the vaccine supply is currently limited, CDC is working toward making vaccines widely available for everyone at no cost. Learn more about your state's plan.

Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. Learn about possible side effects and some helpful tips to relieve side effects.

Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines will undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Adverse events described on this page have been reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Reporting County-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Data

CDC's COVID Data Tracker provides county-level COVID-19 vaccination data in the United States. This site provides an integrated, county view of key data for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. It allows users to explore standardized data

Getting Your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card

Information about how to get a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card, what to do if you have documentation from vaccination in another country, and how to recognize vaccine card fraud.

COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Allergies

If you've had an allergic to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you shouldn't get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

Kids 12 years of age and older can get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Get a vaccine for your child as soon as you can.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults

The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, which is why the CDC recommends older adults receive COVID-19 vaccines.

People with Certain Medical Conditions

People of Any Age with Underlying Medical Conditions

What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19

Because COVID-19 is a new disease with new vaccines, you may have questions about what happens before, during, and after your appointment to get vaccinated. These tips will help you know what to expect when you get vaccinated, what information your provider will give you, and resources you can use to monitor your health after you are vaccinated.

Health Equity

Systemic health and social inequities have put people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk from COVID-19. Take steps to reduce health disparities.

Different COVID-19 Vaccines

Overview of what you should know about the different COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine types and how they work to provide protection against COVID-19, which vaccines have been authorized and recommended in the United States, and which are in Phase 3 clinical trials.

Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that requires 2 shots, 28 days apart. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

COVID-19 Vaccination for Essential Workers

The CDC recommends essential workers be included among those offered the first supply of COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Underlying Medical Conditions

If you have an underlying medical condition, this can help you make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing

This CDC webpage provides guidance on the regulatory requirements for SARS-CoV-2 POC testing, using POC tests safely, and information on reporting POC test results.

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Until more information becomes available, precautions should be taken in handling specimens that are suspected or confirmed for SARS-CoV-2.

What You Need to Know About Variants

Since November 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) has reported a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in London and southeast England. This rapid increase in cases has been linked to a different version-or variant-of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).

Communication Resources for COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines communciation resources including print resources, graphics, social media, web widgets, and other communication tools.

COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Disabilities

This webpage provides information for people with disabilities or conditions that may increase their risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, and for their care providers.

Travel

This page includes information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for travelers and travel-related industries.

Schools and Childcare Programs

Schools & Childcare: Guidance for School Settings

Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

List of public service announcements related to coronavirus.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot

People who have had 2 shots of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines may need to start receiving a COVID-19 booster shot 8 months after their second dose.

Quarantine and Isolation

Quarantine after possible exposure to COVID-19 and stay home to monitor your health. Isolate when you have been infected with the virus and stay separated from others in your household.

What to Do if a Child Becomes Sick Or Receives A New COVID-19 Diagnosis At Your Child Care Program

This flowchart outlines what to do if a child becomes sick or receives a new COVID-19 diagnosis at your child care facility

Cases & Deaths by County

Find national and local rates for COVID cases and deaths in the United States.

Caring for Someone Sick at Home

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home. Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People

CDC recommends that moderately or severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Providing Spiritual and Psychosocial Support to People with COVID-19 at Home (Non-US Settings)

Help protect faith and community volunteers stay safe in the context of COVID-19, when providing spiritual and psychosocial support.

What To Do if You Are Sick

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick

Travel and Vaccination Campaign: Social MediaToolkit for Partners

CDC created this digital communication toolkit to provide sample posts for anyone who's audiences might benefit from messages and materials on travel and vaccination.

Viral Testing Tool

Viral Testing tool, testing , results

Global COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global health threat and CDC is committed to stopping the global spread. CDC has a long history of improving public health capacity throughout the world to contain outbreaks at their source and minimize their impact.

Testing Strategies for SARS-CoV-2

This guidance describes and compares different types of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) testing strategies, including their intended use and applications, regulatory requirements, and reporting requirements.

COVID-19 Overview and Infection Prevention and Control Priorities in Non-US Healthcare Settings

Infection prevention and control information for non-US healthcare settings and non-US national government officials working on COVID-19 response.

Microfluidics show promise as safer, simpler treatment option for severe neonatal jaundice

New research has led to a promising potential therapy for neonatal jaundice that's more safe, simple and convenient than the blood transfusions currently given to babies suffering from the most dangerous forms of the condition.

Scientists find first in human evidence of how memories form

In a discovery that could one day benefit people suffering from traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, researchers have identified the characteristics of more than 100 memory-sensitive neurons that play a central role in how memories are recalled in the brain.

COVID-19 Testing Overview

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure.

Chemoimmunotherapy dramatically improved survival of high-risk neuroblastoma patients

A recent phase II clinical trial results suggest that the monoclonal antibody hu14.18K322A could help change treatment of children with high-risk neuroblastoma.

Self-Testing

Learn more about how at-home testing and collection allow you to collect a specimen at home and either send it to a testing facility or perform the test at home.

COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby

This page uses medical data and research to provide information to males and females who would like to have a baby while getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Science Brief: Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2

CDC recommends community use of masks, specifically non-valved, multi-layer cloth masks, to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Healthcare personnel who are pregnant or breastfeeding may get vaccinated for COVID-19, but there are many considerations that go into that decision.

Researchers crack the synthetic code of rare molecules sought after in drug development

A research team has succeeded in producing two molecules that are otherwise only formed by microorganisms from extremely contaminated wastewater in an abandoned mine in South Korea. The method, which took four years to develop, could pave the way for new types of drugs.

Long-range four-stranded DNA structures found to play a role in rare aging disease

A special form of four-stranded DNA, recently seen in human cells, has been found to interact with a gene that causes Cockayne Syndrome when faulty.

SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions

Variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have been reported in many countries around the world. Learn more about the current variants of concern.

Minimal effort required: A ten-minute run can boost brain processing

Researchers found that as little as ten minutes of moderate-intensity running could benefit mental health. In study participants, both mood and cognitive functions improved, and the activation of bilateral prefrontal subregions associated with cognitive function and mood also increased. These results demonstrate the potential advantages of exercise prescriptions for various conditions including mental health treatment.

The sunshine vitamin that ‘D’elivers on cardio health

Free from the sun, vitamin D delivers a natural source for one of the hormones essential to our bodies, especially the bones. But when you're down on this essential nutrient, it's not only your bones that could suffer, but also your cardio health, according to new research.

Spaceflight wreaks havoc on liver metabolism

Researchers have demonstrated that microgravity and other environmental factors in space play different roles in inducing oxidative stress, which, in turn, alters the metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds in the liver of mice. The study highlighted steps that can be taken, such as boosting antioxidant capacity with dietary supplements, to safeguard astronaut health.

Glucose control is a key factor for reduced cancer risk in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Good glucose control is important for reduction of cancer risk in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Large durable weight loss, as such, appears to afford protection against cancer, but with good glucose control the number of cancer cases also drops radically, a new study shows.

Cataract surgery linked with lessened dementia risk

Based on the longitudinal data of over 3,000 study participants, researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia from any cause compared with those who did not. This lowered risk persisted for at least a decade after surgery. Cataract surgery was also associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically.

Discovering new drugs with help from Darwinian principles

Our body must constantly defend itself against bacteria and viruses. It generates millions of different antibodies, which are selected to recognise the enemy and trigger the best possible immune response. Scientists use these antibodies to for therapeutic purposes to target proteins and disrupt their harmful. However, identifying the small molecules that will form the basis of the drug is a long and tedious process. Chemists have now developed a technique inspired by the theory of Darwinian evolution: amplifying the best combinations and generating diversity allows biology to find solutions to new problems.

X-ray laser reveals how radiation damage arises

An international research team has used the X-ray laser European XFEL to gain new insights into how radiation damage occurs in biological tissue. The study reveals in detail how water molecules are broken apart by high-energy radiation, creating potentially hazardous radicals and electrically charged ions, which can go on to trigger harmful reactions in the organism.

Breastfeeding and Caring for Newborns if You Have COVID-19

Breastfeeding and Caring for Newborns if You Have COVID-19

Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know

Learn what you should know about the Omicron variant and how to protect yourself and others.

Nasal problem plagued long-nosed crocodile relatives

Research finds that humans have more in common with endangered crocodiles than we think -- namely, a deviated septum.

Probiotics improve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Researchers found that probiotics significantly improve the symptoms of pregnancy-related nausea, vomiting and constipation. Nausea and vomiting affect about 85% of pregnancies and can significantly impact quality of life, particularly during early pregnancy.

How you speak up at work can affect whether you’re picked for a team

Business leaders and management experts often encourage people to speak up in the workplace. Suggesting a creative idea or a more efficient way to work can help companies overcome challenges and meet goals. But new research shows another, more subtle and often overlooked form of speaking up has a big effect on the way work gets done and how teams come together.

Understanding mouthfeel of food using physics

Our understanding of how microscopic structure and changes in the shape of food affect food texture remains underdeveloped, so researchers from Denmark and Germany conducted a series of experiments relating food microstructure and rheology to texture. They used coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy to relate the molecular makeup of the fat in foods with the rheological and mechanical properties of the food. The foods in question: foie gras and pâté.

Printing technique creates effective skin equivalent, heals wounds

Researchers have developed an approach to print skin equivalents, which may play a future role in facilitating the healing of chronic wounds. They used suspended layer additive manufacturing, creating a gel-like material to support the skin equivalent that can then support a second phase of gel injection. During printing, the skin layers are deposited within the support gel. After printing, the team washed away the support material, leaving behind the layered skin equivalent.

ALS therapy should target brain, not just spine

The brain is indeed a target for treating ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), scientists have discovered. This flips a long-standing belief the disease starts in the spinal motor neurons and any therapy would need to target the spine as the key focus. The new study shows the brain degenerates early in ALS, sends warning signals and shows defects very early in the disease. Degeneration of brain motor neurons is not merely a byproduct of the spinal motor neuron degeneration, as had been previously thought.

Gene discoveries give new hope to people who stutter

Researchers describe a 'genetic architecture' for developmental stuttering and report the discovery of new genetic variations associated with the condition.

Predicting protein-protein interactions

Scientists have collaborated to build a structurally-motivated deep learning method built from recent advances in neural language modeling. The team's deep-learning model, called D-SCRIPT, was able to predict protein-protein interactions (PPIs) from primary amino acid sequences.

Where did western honey bees come from? New research finds the sweet spot

For decades, scientists have hotly debated the origin of the western honey bee. Now, new research has discovered these popular honey-producing bees most likely originated in Asia.

Brain drain: Scientists explain why neurons consume so much fuel even when at rest

Pound for pound, the brain consumes vastly more energy than other organs, and, puzzlingly, it remains a fuel-guzzler even when its neurons are not firing signals called neurotransmitters to each other. Now researchers have found that the process of packaging neurotransmitters may be responsible for this energy drain.

Immune system-stimulating nanoparticle could lead to more powerful vaccines

Researchers designed a new nanoparticle adjuvant that may be more potent than others now in use. Studies in mice showed it significantly improved antibody production following vaccination against HIV, diphtheria and influenza.

Overview of COVID-19 Isolation for K-12 Schools

Information about isolating for COVID-19 in K-12 Schools

COVID-19 Vaccines that Require 2 Shots

If you receive a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you will need 2 shots to get the most protection.

Daytime meals may reduce health risks linked to night shift work

A small clinical trial has found that eating during the nighttime -- like many shift workers do -- can increase glucose levels, while eating only during the daytime might prevent the higher glucose levels now linked with a nocturnal work life.

Getting Your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card

Information about how to get a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card, what to do if you have documentation from vaccination in another country, and how to recognize vaccine card fraud.

Can seven questions determine how wise you are?

Researchers report that an abbreviated, seven-item scale can help determine with high validity a person's level of wisdom, a potentially modifiable personality trait that has been shown to have a strong association to well-being.

Whether people inform themselves or remain ignorant is due to three factors

People choose whether to seek or avoid information about their health, finances and personal traits based on how they think it will make them feel, how useful it is, and if it relates to things they think about often, finds a new study.

COVID-19 Published Science and Research

CDC is learning more about how COVID-19 spreads and affects people and communities. Read more about what we're finding out in our CDC publications, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Science Briefs

CDC is learning more about how COVID-19 spreads and affects people and communities. Learn more by viewing scientific briefs and agendas.

Elevated heart rate linked to increased risk of dementia

Having an elevated resting heart rate in old age may be an independent risk factor of dementia, according to a new study. Since resting heart rate is easy to measure and can be lowered through exercise or medical treatment, the researchers believe that it may help to identify people with higher dementia risk for early intervention.

Genes associated with hearing loss visualized in new study

Researchers have been able to document and visualize hearing loss-associated genes in the human inner ear, in a unique collaboration study between otosurgeons and geneticists. The findings illustrate that discrete subcellular structures in the human organ of hearing, the cochlea, are involved in the variation of risk of age-related hearing loss in the population.

Unlocking the cause of UTI-induced delirium

Researchers have found that blocking the action of a protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6), part of the immune system, could resolve the delirium that often accompanies urinary tract infection (UTI) in elderly patients. Their study could pave the way for clinical trials of IL-6 inhibitors as a treatment for UTI-associated delirium in humans.

Building a human body through gastrulation

Researchers offer a phylogenetic and ontogenetic overview of the primitive streak and its role in mediating amniote (vertebrate animals that develop on land) gastrulation, and discuss the implications of embryonic stem cell-based models of early mammalian embryogenesis on the function of this structure.

Adding single type of bacteria to gut microbiome boosted anti-tumor immunity in mice

Bacterium common in the mouse gut microbiome can charge up the immune system to fight cancer cells in the colon.

How CDC Determines the Level of a Country's COVID-19 Travel Health Notice

CDC notifies travelers and other audiences about health threats in destinations around the world through Travel Health Notices (THN). During the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC has also provided an interactive world map specifically showing COVID-19 travel recommendations by country.

Laws and Regulations

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help our country cope during the pandemic, CDC has occasionally issued legally binding orders and regulations. They are listed here.

International Travel

Travel requirements have changed for all passengers traveling to the United States by air. Know what you need to do to board a flight to the United States.

Damaged telomeres in the elderly may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2

DNA damage signaling induced by aging telomeres increases the expression of ACE2, the human SARS-CoV-2 cell receptor, scientists report.

Tracking the neurons that make us social

Human beings, like most mammals, need social interactions to live and develop. The processes that drive them towards each other require decision making whose brain machinery is largely misunderstood. To decipher this phenomenon, a team has studied the neurobiological mechanisms at stake when two mice come into contact through learning a task. They observed that the motivation to invest in a social interaction is closely linked to the reward system, via the activation of dopaminergic neurons.

Science Brief: Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant

Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant

How statistics can aid in the fight against misinformation

Mathematicians created a statistical model that can be used to detect misinformation in social posts.

Researchers attacking menacing ‘superbug’

Scientists around the world have been working in earnest to improve understanding of an increasingly virulent superbug, Clostridium difficile. The highly contagious hospital-acquired pathogen, designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the five most urgent threats to the U.S. healthcare system, causes more than 500,000 infections and 29,000 deaths each year at a total societal cost exceeding $5 billion.

Shining new light on elusive flying bats

How can we understand the activity of wild bats? Mostly soundless, flying in the dark, bats feed at night and evade our senses. Now, an international research team has developed a new non-invasive method 'bat point counts' by combining modern sensing technologies -- thermal, ultrasonic and near-infrared -- to detect, identify and count all bats flying around in a certain range.

Harnessing the organization of the cell surface

Scientists have developed a new method to determine how proteins are organized on the surface of cells. Insights gained with the technology could lead to the development of novel drugs to fight cancer.

Stroke may be triggered by anger, emotional upset and heavy physical exertion

A global study into causes of stroke has found that one in 11 survivors experienced a period of anger or upset in the one hour leading up to it. One in 20 patients had engaged in heavy physical exertion. The suspected triggers have been identified as part of the global INTERSTROKE study, which analyzed 13,462 cases of acute stroke, involving patients with a range of ethnic backgrounds in 32 countries.

Parent-teacher relationship vital to home schooling

A research survey of primary school teachers in England has emphasized the importance of the relationship between parents and primary schools during lockdown school closures. 84% of teachers said they felt some pupils were disadvantaged by their home circumstances.

Novel immune cell population may trigger inflammation in multiple sclerosis and other brain disorders

A group of immune cells that normally protect against inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract may have the opposite effect in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other brain inflammation-related conditions, according to a new study. The results suggest that countering the activity of these cells could be a new therapeutic approach for such conditions.

Researchers develop model for treating HIV/AIDS, depression

With a shortage of mental health professionals, an international team trained nurses to treat clinically depressed HIV-positive people in South Africa -- the HIV/AIDS capital of the world.

Eye imaging technology breaks through skin by crossing beams

Biomedical engineers have demonstrated a method for increasing the depth at which optical coherence tomography (OCT) can image structures beneath skin. The new 'dual-axis' approach opens new possibilities for OCT to be used in applications such as spotting skin cancer, assessing burn damage and healing progress, and guiding surgical procedures.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and artificial intelligence (AI) can detect early signs of tumor cell death after novel therapy

A recent study demonstrates that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to detect early signs of tumor cell death in response to a novel virus-based cancer therapy.

Distortion: Researchers discover new strategy for antibodies to disable viruses

It is widely understood that antibodies neutralize viruses by latching onto their surfaces and blocking them from infecting host cells. But new research reveals that this barrier method isn't the only way that antibodies disable viruses. An international team of researchers has discovered that antibodies also distort viruses, thereby preventing them from properly attaching to and entering cells.

Compound shows promise for minimizing erratic movements in Parkinson’s patients

A new study has identified a promising drug candidate to minimize uncontrolled, erratic muscle movements, called dyskinesia, associated with Parkinson's disease.

Testing Data in the U.S.

Testing in the U.S.

New way of identifying early risk of cardiovascular disease

The risk of developing cardiovascular disease is strongly associated with 'bad' LDL cholesterol. A large study now shows that two proteins that transport cholesterol particles in the blood provide early and reliable risk information. The researchers now advocate introducing new guidelines for detecting cardiac risk and say the results may pave the way for early treatment, which could help lower morbidity and fatality rates.

Targeting the brain’s immune cells may help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease

A gene mutation linked to Alzheimer's disease alters a signaling pathway in certain immune cells of individuals with the disease, according to a new study. The team also found that blocking the pathway -- with a drug that's currently being tested in cancer clinical trials -- protects against many features of the condition in a preclinical model. The results could lead to new strategies to block the development of Alzheimer's disease or slow its progression.

Effectiveness of ointment that kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria shown

New research shows that use of a topical drug, called AB569, a combination of acidified nitrite and EDTA (or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) promotes killing of antibiotic-resistant bacteria while enhancing the healing of wounds in a variety of burn injuries.

Research reveals new evidence that sugary beverage tax impacts are sustainable, effective

Two new studies based in Seattle provide evidence that public policies to reduce consumption of added sugars through taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages are effective and sustainable.

Within an Antarctic sea squirt, scientists discover a bacterial species with promising anti-melanoma properties

Biologists have successfully traced a naturally-produced melanoma-fighting compound called 'palmerolide A' to its source: a microbe that resides within Synoicum adareanum, a species of ascidian common to the waters of Antarctica's Anvers Island archipelago.

SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions

Variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have been reported in many countries around the world. Learn more about the current variants of concern.

Researchers identify key RNA 'gatekeeper' in gene expression, pointing to possible new drug targets

Researchers have identified the first non-coding RNA that controls formation of chromosome loops, which govern gene expression. Jpx RNA was previously thought to be involved only in X chromosome inactivation, a necessary step in development of female embryos. This discovery could create new targets for drug developers.

High-speed holography of cells spots physical beacons of disease

Biomedical engineers have engineered a holographic system capable of imaging and analyzing tens of thousands of cells per minute to both discover and recognize signs of disease.

Discovery of a Stem-like T cell in type 1 diabetes holds potential for improving cancer immunotherapy

As an autoimmune disease, Type 1 diabetes raises important questions about immune cell activity that have broad implications for immunotherapy.

Biosensor barcodes identify, detail ‘chatting’ among cancer cells

Ever since the first barcode appeared on a pack of chewing gum in 1974, the now-ubiquitous system has enabled manufacturers, retailers and consumers to quickly and effectively identify, characterize, locate and track products and materials. Scientists now demonstrate how they can do the same thing at the molecular level, studying the ways cancer cells 'talk' with one another.

Unorthodox 'exercise in a pill' could offer simple solution for at-risk patients

Unique molecular signals in the body sent to our brain and potentially our eyes immediately after we exercise could be key to helping scientists 'bottle up' the benefits of exercise in a pill for at-risk patients.

Parental stress is a contributing factor linking maternal depression to child anxiety and depressive symptoms

A secondary analysis of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (Fragile Families) found a bi-directional relationship where a mother's mental health symptoms impacted the child's mental health symptoms and vice versa, according to researchers.

Footprints from site a at Laetoli, Tanzania, are from early humans, not bears

The oldest unequivocal evidence of upright walking in the human lineage are footprints discovered at Laetoli, Tanzania in 1978, by paleontologist Mary Leakey and her team. The bipedal trackways date to 3.7 million years ago. Another set of mysterious footprints was partially excavated at nearby Site A in 1976 but dismissed as possibly being made by a bear. A recent re-excavation of the Site A footprints at Laetoli and a detailed comparative analysis reveal that the footprints were made by an early human -- a bipedal hominin.

3D printing of blood plasma may speed up wound healing

New research suggests that effective wound healing may be aided by replicating a crucial component of our blood.

Successful treatment in mice for severe childhood cancer

In mice with high-risk neuroblastoma, tumors disappeared in response to a new combination treatment with precision medicines, a recent study shows. This is a vital step toward a potentially curative treatment for a form of cancer affecting young children that is currently difficult to treat.

'Transformational' approach to machine learning could accelerate search for new disease treatments

Researchers have developed a new approach to machine learning that 'learns how to learn' and out-performs current machine learning methods for drug design, which in turn could accelerate the search for new disease treatments.

How obesity damages the skeletal muscle metabolism

A decline in metabolism and endurance of skeletal muscle is commonly observed in obese patients, but the underlying mechanism is not well-understood. A research team uncovers a new mechanism to explain how obesity jeopardizes the functions of skeletal muscle and provides a potential treatment against the disease.

Getting the most therapeutic potential out of cells

A simple change in the way donor cells are processed can maximize a single cell's production of extracellular vesicles, which are small nanoparticles naturally secreted by cells, according to new research.

Scientists discover potential cause of Alzheimer’s Disease

In people with brain buildups, a key but difficult-to-detect difference in the form of tau protein allows scientists to distinguish people showing no outward signs of dementia from those who do.

Study reveals a protein’s key contribution to heterogeneity of neurons

Tomosyn's tight regulation of neurotransmitter release distinguishes functions of two neuron classes at the fly neuromuscular junction, incluiding their ability to engage in a form of plasticity

Method to reveal undesired biological effects of chemicals

How do pollutants and other chemicals that we are exposed to affect our health? Researchers have applied a method to identify the proteins in the body affected by chemicals. The method can be used to discover at an early stage whether a substance has biological effects in an organism.

This is how the superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa reacts to antibiotics

The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is resistant to all antibiotics on the market. Therefore, there is a great need for new therapeutic approaches. In order to find them, it helps to understand how the germ reacts to active substances.

Study links increasing air pollution to the rise of a type of lung cancer

An international team of scientists has linked increased air pollution to an uptick in cases of lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) worldwide. The same study also concluded an overall lower consumption of tobacco worldwide is statistically linked to less people contracting lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).

Statin use affects prostate cancer screening results

Prostate cancer screening results differ in men taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs compared with non-users, a study finds. In statin users, screening did not increase the incidence of prostate cancer as it did in other men.

Breakthrough in understanding motor neuron disease

Researchers have made a major discovery in understanding motor neuron disease (MND). The research team has found that MND has 4 distinct patterns of changes in electrical signals that can be identified using EEG (electroencephalography).

First study of its kind to investigate a high priority but little known pathogen found in Irish hospitals

By understanding the epidemiology and population biology of a significant and high-priority pathogen, Enteroccocus faecium (E. faecium) in Irish hospitals, researchers are providing the evidence base for more effective surveillance, and infection and prevention control strategies aimed at minimizing the spread of the antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Role of disordered protein interactions in gene expression

Researchers reveal a novel mechanism that coordinates the assembly of components inside cells that control gene expression.

Antibodies mimicking the virus may explain long haul COVID-19, rare vaccine side effects, study suggests

A new article suggests that secondary antibodies known as 'anti-idiotype antibodies' could be responsible for some of the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines and the symptoms of long-haul COVID.

Study finds brain lesions on MRI linked to years of playing football

Certain markers of injury to the brain's white matter, called white matter hyperintensities, can be seen on brain scans. A new study finds that brain scans taken during the lifetimes of athletes in contact sports, compared to changes in their brains at autopsy, showed that white matter hyperintensities were associated with neuropathological changes.

Artificial intelligence that understands object relationships

Researchers developed a machine learning model that understands the underlying relationships between objects in a scene and can generate accurate images of scenes from text descriptions.

Scientists produce new antibiotics by gene editing

Scientists have discovered a new route to produce complex antibiotics exploiting gene editing to re-program pathways to future medicines urgently required to combat antimicrobial resistance, treat neglected diseases and prevent future pandemics.

New findings on bacteria that increase risk of pancreatic cancer

Bacteria from the digestive system seem to have the potential to cause damage to pancreatic cells, increasing the risk of malignant tumors. Now for the first time, live bacteria from cystic pancreatic lesions that are precursors to pancreatic cancer, have been analyzed by researchers. The study can lead to prophylactic interventions using local antibiotics.

Global HIV viral suppression rates too low among children and adolescents

An analysis in the lead up to World AIDS Day reveals that HIV is 'virally suppressed' in only 59 per cent of children and adolescents on treatment.

Synthetic tissue can repair hearts, muscles, and vocal cords

Combining knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering, scientists from McGill University develop a biomaterial tough enough to repair the heart, muscles, and vocal cords, representing a major advance in regenerative medicine.

Researchers find new link between a disrupted body clock and inflammatory diseases

New research has demonstrated the significant role that an irregular body clock plays in driving inflammation in the body's immune cells, with implications for the most serious and prevalent diseases in humans.

Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

Learn the key things you need to know about the new COVID-19 vaccines.

Experimental compound counters diabetic complications

An experimental compound reduced complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in mice -- not by lowering blood sugar -- but by countering its consequences, a new study finds.

Those that game together, stay together

Play is important for the development of complex social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. Play provides young individuals with a safe space to practice new behaviors without grave repercussions. While most animals engage in play, only humans engage in rule-based games. Which kinds of games people play -- competitive or cooperative -- may depend on their cultural background. In a new study, researchers screened historical data to answer the question whether cultures play games that correspond to how cooperative they are.

Study looks at brain flow, and how people achieve it

Flow is said to be good for our well-being -- and there is evidence that it can ward off depression, prevent burnout and make us more resilient. We seek it out, but we don't understand how the brain enables flow very well.

Scientists find SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses in Cambodian bats from 2010

Scientists have identified coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 from two bats sampled in Cambodia more than a decade ago.

Research sheds new light on effects of dietary restriction

New research in the tiny nematode worm, C. elegans, has revealed that muscle may be a protected tissue under conditions of dietary restriction.

Neurobiologists reveal how value decisions are coded into our brains

A new study is showing how value choices are recorded in our brains. Researchers found that persistency allows value signals to be most effectively represented, or 'coded,' across different areas of the brain, especially in a critical area within the cerebrum known as the retrosplenial cortex.

New method gives rapid, objective insight into how cells are changed by disease

A new 'image analysis pipeline' is giving scientists rapid new insight into how disease or injury have changed the body, down to the individual cell. It's called TDAExplore, which takes the detailed imaging provided by microscopy, pairs it with a hot area of mathematics called topology, which provides insight on how things are arranged, and the analytical power of artificial intelligence to give, for example, a new perspective on changes in a cell resulting from ALS and where in the cell they happen, according to a cell biologist involved with the study.

New details behind how the Shigella pathogen delivers bacterial proteins into our cells

Scientists have advanced knowledge about how two proteins fit together to form a pore that Shigella uses to invade intestinal cells. Targeting these proteins could hamper infection by this bacterial pathogen.

Is the relationship between diet, intestinal bacteria and cells key to preventing systemic inflammation?

Mice fed a diet high in fat, cholesterol and calories, akin to the Western diet, had higher measures of blood lipids associated with elevated levels of inflammation, a new study finds.

Severe COVID-19 patients suffer alterations on their tissue microcirculation, study finds

Researchers report that severe COVID-19 patients have alterations in their microcirculation associated with the degree of severity of the disease. The results suggest that there is significant endothelial impairment.

Two-meter COVID-19 rule is 'arbitrary measurement' of safety

A new study has shown that the airborne transmission of COVID-19 is highly random and suggests that the two-metre rule was a number chosen from a risk 'continuum', rather than any concrete measurement of safety.

Hepatitis drug increases antibiotic potency, limits antibiotic resistance, study finds

A cellular study of telaprevir shows that the antiviral blocks the function of essential proteins in bacteria, revealing opportunity to repurpose drug to use alongside antibiotics.

Athletes need thorough tests after long COVID, study finds

Athletes returning to training following long COVID should undergo a series of tests and seek regular advice from a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to ensure they are fit to resume exercise, according to a new study.

Social stress key to population's rate of COVID-19 infection, study finds

Mathematicians have analysed global COVID-19 data to identify two constants which can drastically change a country's rate of infection.

Reboot and recall: New brain hub for memory restoration identified

Researchers now show that stimulation of the anterior thalamus increases memory-related brain activity and restores memory function in rats with mammillothalamic tract (MTT) lesions. Their findings suggest that therapies involving targeted stimulation of the anterior thalamus could help with memory restoration in patients with brain injury.

Drivers pick, rub and scratch their faces nearly 30 times an hour, study finds

New research has found that drivers touch their face 26 times an hour on average, potentially spreading germs and infection, if handwashing is inadequate.

Virtual reality tool to be used in the fight against disease

Science has the technology to measure the activity of every gene within a single individual cell, and just one experiment can generate thousands of cells worth of data. Researchers have now revolutionized the way this data is analyzed -- by using 3D video gaming technology.

Parallels in human, dog oral tumors could speed new therapies

Recent research compared the genetic expression profiles of a nonlethal canine tumor and the rare, devastating human oral tumor it resembles, laying the groundwork for potential translational medicine down the road.

Potential new therapeutic pathway to clear chronic viral infections

A recent study in mice has uncovered that during chronic viral infection, a protein called BMI-1 gets turned on too early in B cells and messes up the delicate balance of gene expression, resulting in antibodies that are unsuccessful in their endeavor to clear the virus from the body.

Farmers spread Transeurasian languages

New research provides interdisciplinary support for the 'Farming Hypothesis' of language dispersal, tracing Transeurasian languages back to the first farmers moving across Northeast Asia beginning in the Early Neolithic -- roughly between 8-10 thousand years ago.

Find out if you can board a flight to the United States

Answer a few questions to find out what is required to board a flight to the United States.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults

The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, which is why the CDC recommends older adults receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Spicy breast milk?

In part of a recent human study led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), it was found that after eating a curry dish containing pepper, piperine - an alkaloid responsible for the pungency of pepper - was present in the milk of breastfeeding women. The findings help decipher mechanisms that shape our food preferences from infancy.

How can our brain still perceive familiar objects even when they become indistinct?

Researchers have explored the brain neuronal mechanism that allows the perception of familiar images even if they are indistinct. They found that the number of neurons responding to low-contrast rather than high-contrast visual stimuli increased in rats performing a visual orientation discrimination task after repeated experiences. These neurons showed stronger activities in correct-choice than incorrect-choice trials. These neurons efficiently represented low-contrast stimulations. Thus, the low-contrast preference in V1 activity may contribute to improved low-contrast visual. discrimination.

SARS-CoV-2 infection hijacks key cellular process, autophagy researchers discover

Novel autophagy research traces new mammalian pathways and reveals unexpected impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COVID-19 testing kits also can measure oral microbiome in saliva

COVID-19 saliva testing kits that include a novel preservative can also be used measure microscopic organisms in the mouth, a new study has found. This enables study of the relationship between mouth and lung microbes and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that may allow for the development of new treatments.

COVID-19 Vaccination for Essential Workers

The CDC recommends essential workers be included among those offered the first supply of COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Underlying Medical Conditions

If you have an underlying medical condition, this can help you make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

International Travel During COVID-19

There are several things to consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel in the United States. This includes the following: is COVID-19 spreading where you're going, will you be in close contact with others, are you at higher risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19, do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition, and is COVID-19 spreading where you live?

Health Equity in Action

Health Equity in Action

Researchers shrink camera to the size of a salt grain

Researchers have developed an ultracompact camera the size of a coarse grain of salt. The new system can produce crisp, full-color images on par with a conventional compound camera lens 500,000 times larger in volume.

COVID-19 became much more lethal in late 2020, UK study suggests

A new statistical analysis supports beliefs that COVID-19 became more lethal in the U.K. in late 2020, while also suggesting that multiple factors -- not just the alpha variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 -- were to blame.

Researchers study extent of healthcare avoidance during COVID-19

One in five individuals avoided healthcare during lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic, often for potentially urgent symptoms, according to a new study.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Specific Groups of People

Although the vaccine supply is currently limited, CDC is working toward making vaccines widely available for everyone at no cost. Learn more about your state's plan.

About COVID-19 Vaccine Delivered and Administration Data

CDC is using both new and existing information technology (IT) systems to rapidly collect reliable data about how many doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered (distribution) and how many people have been vaccinated with those doses (administration)

Travel

This page includes information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for travelers and travel-related industries.

COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby

This page uses medical data and research to provide information to males and females who would like to have a baby while getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

We might not know half of what’s in our cells, new AI technique reveals

Artificial intelligence-based technique reveals previously unknown cell components that may provide new clues to human development and disease.

Optoelectrode changes reduce injuries to brain tissue, improve nerve research

Researchers have developed a technique for assembling optoelectrodes that looks to offer the best of silicon-based electrodes and polymer-based electrodes. The scientists demonstrated it is possible to efficiently create a semiflexible light-emitting electrode by removing the stiff silicon material from underneath the tip of the probe. The resulting device can study deep brain tissues with high resolution to record signals from individual nerve cells and stimulate small groups of neurons with state-of-the-art techniques such as optical waveguides.

Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. Learn about possible side effects and some helpful tips to relieve side effects.

How to Protect Yourself & Others

The best way to prevent COVID-19 infection is to avoid exposure to this virus and follow these everyday preventative actions.

Tracing mechanisms of large exon splicing during vertebrate evolution

In vertebrates, large exons often skip splicing events and are evolutionarily conserved. Scientists from Nagoya University, Japan, have recently identified the mechanism behind regulated splicing of large constitutive exons which are rich in disordered regions, and their potential involvement in the assembly of transcription factors. They also explained how dual-regulation by two distinct groups of splicing factors ensures phase-separation of large exon-containing transcription factors.

A stealthy way to combat tumors

Researchers uncovered a new way to indirectly activate T cells that can target tumors, by recruiting a population of helper immune cells called dendritic cells.

New link between diet, intestinal stem cells and disease discovered

Obesity, diabetes and gastrointestinal cancer are frequently linked to an unhealthy diet. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this are not fully understood. Researchers have gained some new insights that help to better understand this connection. These findings provide an important basis for the development of non-invasive therapies.

Only alcohol -- not caffeine, diet or lack of sleep -- might trigger heart rhythm condition

New research that tested possible triggers of a common heart condition, including caffeine, sleep deprivation and sleeping on the left side, found that only alcohol use was consistently associated with more episodes of the heart arrhythmia.

Morning exposure to deep red light improves declining eyesight

Just three minutes of exposure to deep red light once a week, when delivered in the morning, can significantly improve declining eyesight, finds a pioneering new study.

Repurposed ALS drug shows promise in mouse model of rare childhood genetic disorder

Riluzole, a drug approved to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease affecting nerve cells controlling movement, could slow the gradual loss of a particular brain cell that occurs in Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), a rare genetic disorder affecting children and adolescents, suggests a study in mice.

Breaking down cancer’s defenses

Researchers have developed a new probiotic bacteria designed to break down solid cancer cell walls and make other therapies more effective.

Urbanization not always bad for food and land use diversity

Widely accepted myths that urbanization negatively impacts food and land use biodiversity are incorrect, according to a team of researchers who developed a framework for evaluating this intersection.

Phages kill dystentery-causing bacteria and reduce virulence in surviving bacteria

Phages are viruses that infect bacteria and can also be used to treat human infections. However, as with antibiotics, bacteria can readily evolve resistance to phage attack, highlighting a key limitation to the use of phages as therapeutics. Now, researchers have shown that the naturally occurring phage A1-1 kills Shigella flexneri, a major cause of dysentery in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia and selects for phage-resistant mutants with reduced virulence.

Suffering from psoriasis? Blame this trio of proteins

About 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that shows up as patches of red, inflamed skin and painful, scaly rashes. Although there are effective treatments for psoriasis, not everyone responds to these therapies -- and for many, the relief is temporary. Scientists have discovered how a key protein called TWEAK damages skin cells in psoriasis patients. Their findings, in mice and with human skin cells, suggest targeting TWEAK may help control the disease.

Cystic fibrosis faithfully modeled in a human Lung Airway Chip

Despite advances in patient screenings and breakthrough therapies that allow CF patients now to live into their mid- to late 30s or 40s, sometimes even longer, all patients are plagued by bacteria settling in their mucus, which causes inflammation in their lungs, and eventually causes their respiratory systems to fail. A major barrier to developing new and urgently needed treatments is the lack of human in vitro models that recapitulate the CF disease's pathology.

How eating less in early life could help with reproduction later on

New research shows how switching from a restricted diet to eating as much as you like could be beneficial for reproduction in later life. Researchers studied the eating and mating habits of the small fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. They found that those that switched from a restricted diet to unlimited food, started mating and reproducing more.

How people understand other people

To successfully cooperate or compete with other people in everyday life, it is important to know what the other person thinks, feels, or wants. Researchers have explored which strategies people use to understand other people.

Delta-like SARS-CoV-2 variants are most likely to increase pandemic severity

Mathematical model indicates SARS-CoV-2 variants that combine enhanced transmissibility with the ability to escape immunity cause more infections than variants with either trait alone. Understanding which type of variants are most likely to increase infections and pandemic severity could help researchers and public health officials interpret the significance of novel and existing variants and design tailored public health responses for various scenarios based on a variant's characteristics. In the case of Delta-like variants, vaccination is predicted to be highly beneficial because vaccinations would prevent a greater number of cases that a more transmissible virus would potentially cause, and because the milder nature of breakthrough infections should substantially reduce overall mortality.

Unborn babies could contract COVID-19, says study, but it would be uncommon

An unborn baby could become infected with COVID-19 if their gut is exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, finds a new study.

Plant-derived antiviral is effective in blocking highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, say scientists

A plant-based antiviral has been found to be just as effective at treating all variants of the virus SARS-CoV-2, even the highly infectious Delta variant.

Latte lovers rejoice! Study reveals drinking coffee could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Good news for those of us who can't face the day without their morning flat white: a long-term study has revealed drinking higher amounts of coffee may make you less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

Prehistoric mums may have cared for kids better than we thought

A new study has revealed the death rate of babies in ancient societies is not a reflection of poor healthcare, disease and other factors, but instead is an indication of the number of babies born in that era.

Can we perceive gender from children's voices?

Researchers report developing a database of speech samples from children ages 5 to 18 to explore two questions: What types of changes occur in children's voices as they become adults, and how do listeners adjust to the enormous variability in acoustic patterns across speakers? When they presented listeners with both syllables and sentences from different speakers, gender identification improved for sentences. They said this supports the stylistic elements of speech that highlight gender differences and come across better in sentences.

Age, sex and waning COVID-19 antibodies

Antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination peaked higher for women and younger people than men and individuals over the age of 65, respectively, but levels dropped by half within six months for everyone in a study group.

COVID-19 vaccine elicits weak antibody response in people taking immunosuppressant

People taking TNF inhibitors, a kind of immunosuppressive drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, produced a weaker and shorter-lived antibody response after two doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, according to a new study. A third vaccine dose drove antibody levels back up, indicating that this additional dose may provide protection as the virus's delta variant continues to spread.

Different COVID-19 Vaccines

Overview of what you should know about the different COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine types and how they work to provide protection against COVID-19, which vaccines have been authorized and recommended in the United States, and which are in Phase 3 clinical trials.

Interactive Ventilation Tool

Use this interactive tool to see how particle levels change as you adjust ventilation settings.

Improving Ventilation in Your Home

If a visitor needs to be in your home, improving ventilation (air flow) can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air in your home. Good ventilation, along with other preventive actions, like staying 6 feet apart and wearing masks, can help prevent you from getting and spreading Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

How moles change into melanoma

Melanoma researchers published a study that gives a new explanation of what causes moles to change into melanoma. These findings pave the way for more research into how to reduce the risk of melanoma, delay development, and detect melanoma early.

Aspirin is linked with increased risk of heart failure in some

Aspirin use is associated with a 26% raised risk of heart failure in people with at least one predisposing factor for the condition.

Taking it easy as you get older? Wrong

A team of evolutionary biologists and biomedical researchers lay out evolutionary and biomedical evidence showing that humans, who evolved to live many decades after they stopped reproducing, also evolved to be relatively active in their later years. The researchers say that physical activity later in life shifts energy away from processes that can compromise health and toward mechanisms in the body that extend it. They hypothesize that humans evolved to remain physically active as they age -- and in doing so to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow the body's gradual deterioration over the years. This guards against chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers.

Monkeys, guinea pigs and native English speakers have very similar brain responses to speech sounds, study finds

Speech sounds elicit comparable neural responses and stimulate the same region in the brain of humans, macaques and guinea pigs, researchers report. The finding could help pave the way for better understanding and diagnosis of auditory processing deficits.

Justinianic Plague was nothing like flu and may have struck England before it reached Constantinople, new study suggests

'Plague sceptics' are wrong to underestimate the devastating impact that bubonic plague had in the 6th to 8th centuries CE, argues a new study based on ancient texts and recent genetic discoveries. The same study suggests that bubonic plague may have reached England before its first recorded case in the Mediterranean via a currently unknown route, possibly involving the Baltic and Scandinavia.

Ultrashort-pulse lasers kill bacterial superbugs, spores

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that multidrug-resistant bacteria and bacterial spores can be killed by ultrashort-pulse lasers. The findings could lead to new ways to sterilize wounds and blood products without damaging human cells.

Chemotherapy may affect muscle cells at lower doses than previously thought

Previous research has found that chemotherapy can trigger muscle loss in people living with cancer, but a new study out of found it may also affect the way the body builds new muscle -- and at lower doses than previously known, having potential implications for treatments and rehab programs.

A stunning 3D map of blood vessels and cells in a mouse skull could help scientists make new bones

Scientists have used glowing chemicals and other techniques to create a 3D map of the blood vessels and self-renewing 'stem' cells that line and penetrate a mouse skull. The map provides precise locations of blood vessels and stem cells that scientists could eventually use to repair wounds and generate new bone and tissue in the skull.

Reporting COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States

Information on COVID-19 vaccination data reported in CDC's COVID Data Tracker.

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

Answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine cost, availability, and types.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Severe Allergic Reactions

Learn about the types of allergic reactions you should watch out for, like anaphylaxis, and what to do if you experience one after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Strategy to overcome tumors’ resistance to immunotherapy generates promising clinical trial results

Immune checkpoint inhibitors strengthen the immune response against cancer cells, but the medications are ineffective against certain tumors. Results from a new clinical trial indicate that adding radiation may overcome this resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Revolution in imaging with neutrons: FRM II research group develops new processing method for image data

An international research team has developed a new imaging technology. In the future this technology could not only improve the resolution of neutron measurements by many times but could also reduce radiation exposure during x-ray imaging.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People

CDC recommends that moderately or severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Reporting COVID-19 Vaccination Demographic Data

CDC's COVID Data Tracker provides COVID-19 vaccination data in the United States, including Demographic Characteristics of People Receiving COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States.

Scientists may need to rethink how genomics impacts risk for OCD

Both rare and commonly observed differences in the DNA letters strung along a person's chromosomes can explain about a third of the risk for being diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to a new study.

Digital teaching: Opportunity or challenge?

Researchers explain why digital teaching cannot replace face-to-face teaching in university education, but can certainly be seen as a complementary tool. The future of teaching and learning may lie in so-called blended learning, a mix of face-to-face and online education.

COVID-19 case severity: How genetic differences leave immune cells at a disadvantage

New research shows how genetic variations linked to severe cases of COVID-19 affect our immune cells. The study is one of the first in-depth look at the connections between COVID-19 severity and gene expression in many types of immune cells. This work could guide the development of new COVID-19 therapies to boost immune cell function.

Long-term blood sugar history predicts risk of severe COVID-19 among diabetics

People with type 2 diabetes who contract COVID-19 are nearly 50 percent more likely to wind up in intensive care if they have poorly managed their blood sugar levels over the long-term than those with better long-term glycemic control, according to a study using anonymized health care data.

Reporting County-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Data

CDC's COVID Data Tracker provides county-level COVID-19 vaccination data in the United States. This site provides an integrated, county view of key data for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. It allows users to explore standardized data

How do we know we're tired?

Why do we need sleep? New research takes a step towards solving this mystery by discovering a mechanism of sleep in zebrafish, with some supporting evidence in mice.

Optimized second-generation mRNA vaccine demonstrated improved protection against COVID-19 in preclinical testing

Researchers conducted a head-to-head test of the second-generation vaccine CV2CoV compared with CVnCoV. The scientists assessed the vaccines' ability to provoke an immune response as well as their protective efficacy against COVID-19 in non-human primates.

Researchers study the link between vitamin D and inflammation

An active metabolite of vitamin D (not the over-the-counter version) is involved in shutting down inflammation, new research shows.

Rodents could be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, study suggests

Some ancestral rodents likely had repeated infections with SARS-like coronaviruses, leading them to acquire tolerance or resistance to the pathogens, according to new research. This raises the possibility that modern rodents may be reservoirs of SARS-like viruses, the researchers say.

Breakthrough in fight on tick-borne CCHF virus is latest use of new strategy against diseases

Using the same approach they recently used to create effective vaccine candidates against COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), scientists are tackling another virus: the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination in Children

This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions concerning children receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

This page was designed to dispel myths relating to children receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death by Age

Risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death by age group

What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19

Because COVID-19 is a new disease with new vaccines, you may have questions about what happens before, during, and after your appointment to get vaccinated. These tips will help you know what to expect when you get vaccinated, what information your provider will give you, and resources you can use to monitor your health after you are vaccinated.

Parental depression is associated with worse childhood mental health, educational attainment, study finds

Children who live with a parent who has depression are more likely to develop depression and to not achieve educational milestones, according to a new study.

After comparing 17.5 million strategies, researchers validate CDC's vaccine rollout recommendation

Researchers evaluated 17.5 million possible strategies the CDC could have recommended as it planned COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. While the researchers generally validate the CDC's plan, they did highlight some improvements, which could inform future vaccination strategies.

COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death by Race/Ethnicity

Risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death by race/ethnicity

Information for Health Departments on Reporting Cases of COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a disease caused by the newly emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. To prevent further spread of SARS-CoV-2 and to collect information to better understand the virus and its impact on health outcomes, CDC has developed a form that provides a standardized approach to reporting COVID-19 cases (individuals with at least one respiratory specimen that tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19). These data are needed to track the impact of the outbreak and inform public health response.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

Kids 12 years of age and older can get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Get a vaccine for your child as soon as you can.

About COVID-19 Vaccines

What you need to know about vaccines, including frequently asked questions and benefits of getting vaccinated.

Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials

Alexander disease is a progressive and rare neurological disorder with no cure or standard course of treatment. But a new study involving a rat model of the disease offers a potential treatment for the typically fatal condition.

Reading the mind of a worm

It sounds like a party trick: scientists can now look at the brain activity of a tiny worm and tell you which chemical the animal smelled a few seconds before. But the findings of a new study are more than just a novelty; they help the scientists better understand how the brain functions and integrates information.

Scientists develop promising vaccine method against recurrent UTI

Researchers are investigating the use of whole-cell vaccines to fight urinary tract infection (UTI), part of an effort to tackle the increasingly serious issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Insulin in the brain influences dopamins levels

In the human brain, the hormone insulin also acts on the most important neurotransmitter for the reward system, dopamine. Insulin lowers the dopamine level in a specific region of the brain (striatum) that regulates reward processes and cognitive functions, among other things. This interaction can be an important driver of the brain's regulation of glucose metabolism and eating behavior.

Venom of cone snail could lead to future diabetes treatments

Researchers have found that variants of this cone snail venom could offer future possibilities for developing new fast-acting drugs to help treat diabetics.

New cell database paints fuller picture of muscle repair

Biologists have struggled to study rare and transient muscle cells involved in the process, but engineers have lifted the curtain on these elusive dynamics with the launch of scMuscle, one of the largest single-cell databases of its kind.

Extreme heat events jeopardize cardiovascular health, experts warn

A consequence of global warming is a greater frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. This extreme heat is associated with a greater risk of adverse cardiovascular incidents, especially for adults with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases.

Scientists key in on brain’s mechanism for singing, learning

New research reveals that specialized cells within neural circuitry that triggers complex learning in songbirds bears a striking resemblance to a type of neural cell associated with the development of fine motor skills in the cortex of the human brain.

Dengue’s dance: Host immunity drives viral evolution

New research provides evidence that host immunity drives evolution of the dengue virus. The research analyzes two decades of genetic variation from Thailand alongside population-level measures of infection and immunity.

Chronic stress and depression boost this brain receptor; a new study maps out how to block it

Eliminating GPR158 activity in stressed mice made them resistant to depression and anxiety. A new study in the journal Science reveals the unusual brain receptor's structure, and possible ways a medication might reduce its sway.

Role of psychotherapists in treatment effectiveness

New research shows that different psychotherapists use common treatment processes to varying benefits for patients.

A genetic change for achieving a long and healthy life?

Researchers presented new insights for improving the health span by just regulating the activity of a protein. A research group has identified a single amino acid change in the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) that dramatically extends healthy periods while maintaining longevity.

Wearable tech confirms wear-and-tear of work commute

Information about worker commutes from smartphones and fitness trackers can predict individual job performance, according to a new study.

Researchers use model of hypothalamus to implicate genes associated with sleep, BMI, puberty

A new study has implicated several genes involved in a variety of bodily functions associated with the hypothalamus, a notoriously difficult-to-study region of the brain. The findings could help clinicians identify potential causes of dysfunction for many important traits regulated by the hypothalamus, such as sleep, stress, and reproduction.

Specific facial features can help distinguish children from adults

Identifying specific facial features that can be used to distinguish a child's face from an adult's may offer a useful tool for determining whether children are depicted in indecent images of children, according to new research.

Scientists capture humor’s earliest emergence

Young children's ability to laugh and make jokes has been mapped by age for the first time using data from a new study involving nearly 700 children from birth to 4 years of age, from around the world. The findings identify the earliest age humor emerges and how it typically builds in the first years of life.

The brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear

Fear is essential for survival, but must be well regulated to avoid harmful behaviors such as panic attacks or exaggerated risk taking. Scientists have now demonstrated in mice that the brain relies on the body's feedback to regulate fear. The brain's insular cortex strongly reacts to stimuli signaling danger. However, when the body freezes in response to fear, the heartbeat slows down leading to attenuated insular cortex activity. Processing these opposing signals helps the insular cortex to keep fear in balance. The body's reactions are thus actively used to regulate emotions and are much more than passive emotional responses.

Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that requires 2 shots, 28 days apart. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Home Page

New cell discovered and shown to regulate heart rate

Researchers discovered a new type of cell in the heart that may help regulate heart rate, and could be an important key in understanding certain types of congenital heart defects and other diseases that involve the heart.

New imaging technology may reduce need for skin biopsies

A new 'virtual histology' technology shows promise by analyzing images of suspicious-looking lesions and quickly producing a detailed, microscopic image of the skin, bypassing several standard steps typically used for diagnosis -- including skin biopsy, tissue fixation, processing, sectioning and histochemical staining.

‘Surgery selfies’ could spot serious infections early

Smartphone pictures of post-surgical wounds taken by patients and then assessed by clinicians can help with the early identification of infections, a study has found.

Study links stress to Crohn’s disease flare-ups

Researchers using mouse models found that stress hormones suppressed the innate immune system that normally protects the gut from invasive Enterobacteriaceae, a group of bacteria including E. coli which has been linked to Crohn's disease.

Food scientists create zinc index for human body

Zinc deficiency is prevalent around the world, and among children, these mineral shortfalls can lead to stunting, embryonic malformations and neurobehavioral abnormalities. Over several decades, science has improved understanding of zinc metabolism, but an accurate, comprehensive assessment tool for its physiological status within a human body has remained elusive. Until now.

COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review

A review of the week's key data from CDC's COVID Data Tracker, narrative interpretations, and visualizations.

Considerations for Inpatient Obstetric Healthcare Settings

These infection prevention and control considerations are for healthcare facilities providing obstetric care for pregnant patients with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or pregnant persons under investigation (PUI) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings including obstetrical triage, labor and delivery, recovery and inpatient postpartum settings.

Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People

Pregnant people need to take steps to protect themselves and stay healthy during the COVID-19.

Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 during Pregnancy

CDC is supporting multiple efforts to better understand the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on both the mother and infant. Data collected as part of these efforts can help direct public health action and inform clinical guidance for the care of affected pregnant women and their infants.

'Deepfaking the mind' could improve brain-computer interfaces for people with disabilities

Researchers are using generative adversarial networks (GANs) -- technology best known for creating deepfake videos and photorealistic human faces -- to improve brain-computer interfaces for people with disabilities. The team successfully taught an AI to generate synthetic brain activity data. The data, specifically neural signals called spike trains, can be fed into machine-learning algorithms to improve the usability of brain-computer interfaces (BCI).

Warning over antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Significant levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been found at locations in and around Cambridge, England. The researchers found potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in over a fifth of samples collected close to the River Cam.

Chemistry breakthrough leads way to more sustainable pharmaceuticals

Chemistry researchers have developed a new method using blue light to create pharmaceuticals in a more sustainable way, significantly reducing the amount of energy needed and the chemical waste created in the manufacture process.

Advanced microscopes help scientists understand how cells break down proteins

Researchers have used advanced electron microscopes to delve deeper into the process of protein degradation. They described the structure of a key enzyme that helps mediate ubiquitination in yeast, part of a cellular process called the N-degron pathway that may be responsible for determining the rate of degradation for up to 80% of equivalent proteins in humans.

COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Healthcare personnel who are pregnant or breastfeeding may get vaccinated for COVID-19, but there are many considerations that go into that decision.

Information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that requires 2 shots, 21 days apart. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

How herpes checks into the nervous system for life

More than half of U.S. adults are carriers of HSV1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) which hibernates in the peripheral nervous system and can never be eradicated. A new study has uncovered herpes' sneaky strategy for infecting the nervous system, opening a door to long-needed vaccine development for both HSV1 and its close sibling HSV2.

Unvaccinated: The kids aren’t alright

Close to 10 million children in lower-income countries have never been vaccinated against any infectious disease. These 'zero-dose' kids hold a lesson for all of us, says a public-health expert.

How grandmothers' brains react to the sight of their grandchildren

Scientists have scanned grandmothers' brains while they're viewing photos of their young grandchildren -- providing a neural snapshot of this special, inter-generational bond.

Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

Interim public health recommendations describing the type of activities people who are fully vaccinated can do once fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 Vaccines that Require 2 Shots

If you receive a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you will need 2 shots to get the most protection.

Commercial Laboratory Seroprevalence Survey Data

Systems that are collecting and reporting COVID data

COVID-19 and Animals

Animals and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Disabilities

This webpage provides information for people with disabilities or conditions that may increase their risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, and for their care providers.

New findings on the link between CRISPR gene-editing and mutated cancer cells

A protein that protects cells from DNA damage, p53, is activated during gene editing using the CRISPR technique. Consequently, cells with mutated p53 have a survival advantage, which can cause cancer. Researchers have found new links between CRISPR, p53 and other cancer genes that could prevent the accumulation of mutated cells without compromising the gene scissors' effectiveness.

Scientist advances prospect of regeneration in humans

In a study that builds on earlier research that identified macrophages as essential to regeneration in the axolotl, a highly regenerative salamander, a scientist has identified the source of these critical white blood cells as the liver. By giving scientists a place to look for pro-regenerative macrophages in humans, the discovery brings science a step closer to the ability to regenerate tissues and organs lost to injury or disease.

In the brain’s cerebellum, a new target for suppressing hunger

Scientists have identified an entirely new way the brain signals fullness after eating. The findings offer a novel target for therapies that could dramatically curb overeating.

New group of antibacterial molecules identified

Researchers have identified a new group of molecules that have an antibacterial effect against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Since the properties of the molecules can easily be altered chemically, the hope is to develop new, effective antibiotics with few side effects.

When older couples are close together, their heart rates synchronize

As couples grow old together, their interdependence heightens. Often, they become each other's primary source of physical and emotional support. Long-term marriages have a profound impact on health and well-being, but benefits depend on relationship quality. A new study examines the dynamics of long-term relationships through spatial proximity. The researchers find that when partners are close to each other, their heart rates synchronize in complex patterns of interaction.

Brief 5:2 diet advice is as effective as traditional GP advice, but people like it better, according to new study

A clinical trial has found people prefer receiving information on the 5:2 diet than standard GP weight management advice despite both interventions achieving similar modest weight loss results.

Researchers reveal structure of itch receptors on cells

Scientists have conducted research showing in precise detail how chemicals bind to mast cells to cause itch, and the scientists figured out the detailed structure of receptor proteins on the surface of these cells when a compound is bound to those proteins.

`Oh, snap!’ A record-breaking motion at our fingertips

Researchers studied the physics of a finger snap and determined how friction plays a critical role. Using an intermediate amount of friction, not too high and not too low, a snap of the finger produces the highest rotational accelerations observed in humans, even faster than the arm of a professional baseball pitcher.

Exercise increases the body’s own ‘cannabis-like' substance which reduces chronic inflammation

Exercise increases the body's own cannabis-like substances, which in turn helps reduce inflammation and could potentially help treat certain conditions such as arthritis, cancer and heart disease.

New approach could overcome fungal resistance to current treatments

Current medications aren't particularly effective against fungi. The situation is becoming more challenging because these organisms are developing resistance to antimicrobial treatments, just as bacteria are. Now, researchers report that they have identified compounds that tackle these infections in a new way -- by interfering with fungal enzymes required for fatty acid synthesis -- potentially opening the door to better therapies.

Artificial intelligence successfully predicts protein interactions

Researchers used artificial intelligence (AI) and evolutionary analysis to produce 3D models of eukaryotic protein interactions. The study identified more than 100 probable protein complexes for the first time and provided structural models for more than 700 previously uncharacterized ones. Insights into the ways pairs or groups of proteins fit together to carry out cellular processes could lead to a wealth of new drug targets.

Precise blood pressure control may aid patient recovery from spinal injury

High or low blood pressure in patients during surgery to repair a spinal cord injury may contribute to poorer outcomes, suggests a study published in eLife.

Medical training takes a mental toll, but less than a decade ago

A 13-year effort to track the mental health of new doctors in their most stressful time of training shows signs that things have gotten better. But those first-year residents, also called interns, still have a sizable risk of developing depression. And many who do still don't seek help.

Can we tell someone’s cultural group from the way they laugh?

Can we infer someone's cultural group from their laugher, even when we do not know what they are laughing at? And what kind of laughter do we find most positive? A new study shows that our laughter gives us away. The study included Dutch and Japanese producers of laughter and listeners. Listeners could detect whether a laughing person is from their own or another cultural group by only hearing a brief laughter segment. Spontaneous laughter was rated as most positive by both groups.

Antibodies and COVID-19

Antibodies and COVID-19

Research in mice shows how diet alters immune system function through a gut microbe

Research in mice demonstrates how diet alters a gut microbe molecule that, in turn, prompts immune cells to downregulate inflammation. The study elucidates molecular mechanism behind long-standing belief that diet, microbiota, and immunity influence one another in myriad ways. If affirmed in larger animals and humans, the findings could inform the design of small-molecule drugs that regulate immune response to treat inflammatory conditions

Why drug used to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients may only benefit males

A new study shows how dexamethasone, the main treatment for severe COVID-19 lung infections, alters how immune cells work, which may help male patients, but has little to no benefit for females.

Outcomes for hospitalized COVID-19 patients taking immunosuppressive medications similar to non-immunosuppressed patients, study finds

A study of more than 200,000 U.S adults hospitalized with COVID-19 finds that, overall, patients taking immunosuppressive drugs do not face increased risk of being put on a ventilator or death.

New screening process could lead to next-generation therapeutics for a broad spectrum of diseases

Researchers have developed a high-throughput screen methodology to identify compounds affect a key G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin (Rh). GPCRs mediate many important physiological functions and are considered to be one of the most effective therapeutic targets for a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from diabetes to immune system disorders.

Common gene variants linked to sepsis and COVID-19 severity in African Americans

Two genetic risk variants that are carried by nearly 40 percent of Black individuals may exacerbate the severity of both sepsis and COVID-19, researchers have found.

Ever been lost in the grocery store? Researchers are closer to knowing why it happens

A new study suggests that the brain differentiates very similar environments -- such as two stores from the same supermarket chain -- as if they were even more different than two places that are nothing alike.

Neuroscientists explore mysterious 'events' in the brain that open new avenues for understanding brain injuries and disorders

Using a new model of brain activity, computational neuroscientists are exploring striking bursts of activity in the human brain that have not been examined before. These bursts may have potential to serve as biomarkers for brain disease and conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, dementia, and ADHD.

Study finds single molecule within a specific plant used by Native Americans can treat both pain and diarrhea

Researchers have revealed a striking pattern following a functional screen of extracts from plants collected in Muir Woods National Monument, in coastal redwood forest land in California. They found plants with a long history of use by Native Americans as topical analgesics, were often also used as gastrointestinal aids.

Coffee and tea drinking may be associated with reduced rates of stroke and dementia

Drinking coffee or tea may be associated with a lower risk of stroke and dementia, according to a new study. Drinking coffee was also associated with a lower risk of post-stroke dementia.

Researchers develop rapid computer software to track pandemics as they happen

Researchers have created lightning-fast computer software that can help nations track and analyze pandemics, like the one caused by COVID-19, before they spread like wildfire around the globe.

Neuroscientists illuminate how brain cells 'navigate' in the light and dark

Researchers have discovered how individual and networks of cells in an area of the brain called the retrosplenial cortex encode this angular head motion in mice to enable navigation both during the day and at night.

Pollutant emissions in major seaports likely to have spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, study finds

Researchers have modeled that pollutant emissions from the shipping sector increased significantly in major international seaports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scientists identify second HIV patient whose body appears to have rid itself of the virus

In 2020, an untreated HIV patient was identified with no intact copies of HIV genomes in more than 1.5 billion blood cells analyzed, suggesting the virus had been cleared from the patient's body. Researchers now report a second untreated person living with HIV who had no evidence of intact HIV genomes in more than 1.5 billion blood and tissue cells analyzed.

A better-fitting molecular ‘belt’ for making new drugs

The most common pharmaceuticals on the market are made by chaining together rings of molecules to create the drugs that treat conditions including pain, depression and leukemia. But creating those rings and forming them in a way that is tailored to each individual disease has always been a cumbersome and expensive process in medicinal chemistry. New research proposes a way to simplify that transformation. The discovery will likely make it easier to produce new drug candidates, the researchers say.

The prostate cancer cell that got away

Researchers have pioneered a new method to track the progression of prostate cancer in mice, from its birth to its spread into other tissues. This approach allows researchers to study the origins of prostate cancer in a more realistic context than traditional methods allow.

Overview of COVID-19 Quarantine for K-12 Schools

Information about COVID-19 quarantine for K-12 schools

Responding to COVID-19 Cases in K-12 Schools: Resources for School Administrators

A guide for school administrators on how to address COVID-19 cases in schools.

Toolkit for Responding to COVID-19 Cases

Toolkit for K-12 school administrators with resources for responding to COVID-19 cases

Steps for Determining Close Contact and Quarantine in K-12 Schools

Infographic for identifying COVID-19 close contacts in K-12 school settings and public health recommendations for close contacts.

Immune cells against COVID-19 stay high in number six months after vaccination, study shows

A recent study provides evidence that CD4+ T lymphocytes -- immune system cells also known as helper T cells -- produced by people who received either of the two available messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for COVID-19 persist six months after vaccination at only slightly reduced levels from two weeks after vaccination and are at significantly higher levels than for those who are unvaccinated.

Microtissue system allows study of deadly lung disease

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and rising air pollution levels, incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is anticipated to rise, urgently increasing the need for strong model systems. Researchers describe a 3D cell culturing platform that allows study of lung fibroblasts and their microenvironment. The platform enables measurement of cell behaviors and microenvironment changes involved in the disease progression of IPF, and the platform's size and simplicity make it suitable for use in high-throughput drug screening protocols.

Malaria parasite genomes provide insights and tools for control and elimination in Lake Victoria, Kenya

Scientists are turning to genomics to better understand the epidemiology of malaria and to inform control and elimination interventions and strategies. In the Lake Victoria region of Kenya, malaria burden remains very high despite more than a decade of intense control activities. A team of researchers generated whole Plasmodium falciparum genome sequences from the lake region. Their analyses revealed that malaria parasites from this region appear distinct from other parasites from East Africa, while frequencies of known drug resistance markers were similar to those in other East African parasite populations.

Air pollution decrease in India during COVID-19 lockdown not as high as originally thought

Observational data shows air pollution in India decreased drastically in the first COVID-19 lockdown when emissions from vehicles naturally declined, but researchers say those numbers only tell part of the story -- blue skies and an absence of visible smog can be deceiving and hide pollutants that could potentially cause health issues.

Diet trumps drugs for anti-aging and good metabolic health

A study comparing the impact of diet versus drugs on the inner workings of our cells has found nutrition has a much stronger impact.

New gene identified that contributes to progression to type 1 diabetes

When the pro-inflammatory pair, a receptor called CCR2 and its ligand CCL-2, get together, it increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, scientists report.

New approach provides potential vaccine and treatment for Alzheimer’s

A promising new approach to potentially treat Alzheimer's disease -- and also vaccinate against it -- has been developed by a team of scientists.

Science Briefs

CDC is learning more about how COVID-19 spreads and affects people and communities. Learn more by viewing scientific briefs and agendas.

Science Brief: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 schools

COVID-19 transmission in schools is associated with community transmission. Transmission spread within schools can be limited with strict implementation of layered mitigation strategies.

Southern Border Toolkit for Partners

CDC created this airline toolkit for airlines that are educating/informing travelers and crew about COVID-19.

As we develop, the brain connects lessons learned differently

A new study of brain activity patterns in people doing a memory task finds that the way we make inferences -- finding hidden connections between different experiences -- changes dramatically as we age. The study's findings might one day lead to personalized learning strategies based on a person's cognitive and brain development. The researchers found that whereas adults build integrated memories with inferences already baked in, children and adolescents create separate memories that they later compare to make inferences on the fly.

Nascent polypeptides stabilize ribosomes for uninterrupted translation

Protein production (translation) is a complex process involving machinery called ribosomes. How do cells counter ribosomal destabilization leading to premature termination of translation? Scientists have uncovered a novel role of nascent protein chains in stabilizing translating ribosomes. They suggest that longer peptide sequences spanning the ribosomal exit tunnel and bulky amino acid residues in the tunnel entry help stabilize the ribosome by bridging its subunits, ensuring uninterrupted translation.

Researchers discover new insights about tau proteins in people living with ALS

Investigators found elevated levels of tau and a phosphorylated form of the tau protein in brain tissue from deceased people who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and carried a mutation in the C9orf72 gene. The team also identified new genetic mutations in the tau gene that may exacerbate ALS onset or progression. Tau in the cerebrospinal fluid may be a viable biomarker for ALS because levels correlate with disease progression.

Researchers train computers to predict the next designer drugs

Researchers have trained computers to predict the next designer drugs before they are even on the market, technology that could save lives. Identifying these so-called 'legal highs' within seized pills or powders can take months, during which time thousands of people may have already used a new designer drug. But new research is already helping law enforcement agencies around the world to cut identification time down from months to days, crucial in the race to identify and regulate new versions of dangerous psychoactive drugs.

How CDC Is Making COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Learn about the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine recommendation process and the goals and principles guiding decisions if there is a limited supply at first.

COVID patients on SSRI antidepressants are less likely to die, study finds

A large analysis of health records from 87 health care centers across the United States found that people taking a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly fluoxetine, were significantly less likely to die of COVID-19 than a matched control group.

Common blood pressure drug does not slow down the progression of more advanced Alzheimer’s, study finds

New research has shown the drug losartan, normally used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), is not effective in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in people with mild-to-moderate disease after 12 months of treatment. However, the drug could still be of benefit if prescribed for longer and if given to people with very early disease.

Researchers target a mouse’s own cells, rather than using antibiotics, to treat pneumonia

Researchers have discovered a therapy that targets host cells rather than bacterial cells in treating bacterial pneumonia in rodents. The method involves white blood cells of the immune system called macrophages that eat bacteria, and a group of compounds that are naturally produced in mice and humans called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids or EETs.

A key brain region responds to faces similarly in infants and adults

In a functional magnetic resonance imaging study of babies ranging in age from two to nine months, researchers have found regions of the infant visual cortex that show strong preferences for either faces, bodies, or scenes, just as they do in adults.

Keeping chocolate milk smooth, stable without carrageenan

Fat-free chocolate milk processed for the first time with high-pressure jet technology exhibits enhanced viscosity, stabilizing cocoa particles in the fluid and eliminating the need for adding a controversial emulsifier. That's the conclusion of a team of researchers, whose study suggests that the new technology can preclude the use of carrageenan in chocolate milk. The widely used food additive -- which helps keep the liquid smooth and well-mixed even after days sitting on a store shelf -- is not desired by many consumers, especially in organic chocolate milk.

Lab mimics molecule found in poppies

An undergraduate leads the discovery of a way to synthesize a rare molecule drawn from poppies. The molecule could become a building block for painkillers and other drugs.

Simple surgical technique associated with significant reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

A simple surgical technique during cardiac surgery was associated with a 56 percent reduction in the incidence of an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation that can lead to stroke, with no added risks or side effects, according to a new study. The findings suggest that the method, called posterior left pericardiotomy, has significant potential for preventing prolonged hospital stays and the need for additional interventions and drugs to reduce the risk of strokes and heart failure associated with atrial fibrillation.

Altered fat metabolism, enzyme, likely plays key role in Lou Gehrig’s disease

A new study using genetically engineered mice and human cell and tissue samples has added to evidence that higher levels of inflammatory chemicals involved in fat metabolism occur in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the neuromuscular disorder, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Using T cells to target malignant brain tumors

Doctors and scientists have successfully tested a neoantigen-specific transgenic immune cell therapy for malignant brain tumors for the first time using an experimental model in mice.

COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting Systems

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Learn about clinical trials and different safety monitoring systems.

CDC Recommends Use of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Resume

A review of all available data at this time shows that the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine's known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

eCR Now: COVID-19 Electronic Case Reporting

Electronic Case Reporting (eCR) is the automated generation and transmission of case reports from the electronic health record (EHR) to public health agencies for review and action. eCR makes disease reporting from healthcare to public health faster and easier. eCR Now allows for rapid adoption and implementation of eCR for COVID-19, enabling real-time tracking.

Dreaming of being an investment shark? Better figure out if you’re an ‘owl’ or a ‘lark,’ study finds

If you're a night owl looking to invest in the next big startup, making that decision first thing in the morning might not be the best idea, according to a new study.

eCR Now: COVID-19 Electronic Case Reporting for Healthcare Providers

Learn about how healthcare providers can report COVID-19 cases.

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

Information about COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

Plain language cleaning and disinfection guidance (for community settings)

Healthcare Facilities That Have Implemented COVID-19 Electronic Case Reporting

Healthcare Facilities That Have Implemented COVID-19 Electronic Case Reporting

Singing, being male, and being an adult tend to produce more respiratory aerosols, study finds

A new study measured respiratory particles produced from people singing or playing instruments. Is singing worse than talking when it comes to how many particles are being emitted? Yes, according to the study. And the louder one talks or sings, the worse the emissions. A person's age and whether they are male or female also affects their respiratory emissions, with males and adults emitting more airborne particles, on average, than females and minors.

Researchers find benefits and drawbacks to two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves'

Patients with mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, a condition sometimes called 'leaky heart valves,' appeared to do better after two years if they had a tricuspid valve repair at the time of mitral valve surgery, according to a new study.

Best way to avoid procrastination

They say procrastination is the thief of time -- actually deadlines are. New research has found that if you want someone to help you out with something, it is best not to set a deadline at all. But if you do set a deadline, make it short.

Breaking down fungal biofilm defenses provides potential path to treating sticky infections

In a new study designed to better understand and combat these structures, scientists identified some of the key proteins in biofilms of the fungus Candida albicans that control both how they resist antifungal drugs and how they become dispersed throughout the body.

Microbiome discovery may open new doors to development of treatments for gastrointestinal diseases

Researchers probing the gut -- 'the inner tube of life' -- have for the first time discovered specific factors in its workings that in the future may help improve treatment for patients facing gut damage or gastrointestinal disease.

Building bacteria to keep us well

Scientists have engineered bacteria that can detect specific molecules in the gut.

Team engineers new way to get medication past blood-brain barrier

A team of researchers has developed a new technique to open the blood-brain barrier temporarily to deliver medication to the brain. Getting medication past the brain's unique and protective blood vessels, known as the blood-brain barrier, is one of the biggest challenges in treating brain and central nervous system diseases, according to researchers. The technique uses light and nanoparticles to pry open temporarily these barriers -- called tight junctions -- to allow medication to reach its target.

Scientists employ digital esophagus to battle Barrett’s

A team has developed a digital tool to better monitor a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which affects more than 3 million people in the United States. Barrett's occurs when the mucosal lining of the lower esophagus deteriorates, altering its cellular structure, and is most common in those with chronic acid reflux.

Malaria: New knowledge about naturally acquired immunity may improve vaccines

When you have become immune to malaria after having contracted the disease, it seems that the body uses a more efficient protection than if you have been vaccinated against the deadly disease. The researchers believe the new findings may be used to improve existing malaria vaccines.

Noninvasive brain biopsy shows improved sensitivity in tumor detection

A team of researchers has developed a noninvasive diagnostic method that may one day replace the biopsy with a simple blood test.

Obesity raises the risk of gum disease by inflating growth of bone-destroying cells

Chronic inflammation caused by obesity may trigger the development of cells that break down bone tissue, including the bone that holds teeth in place, according to new research that sought to improve understanding of the connection between obesity and gum disease. The study, completed in an animal model and published in October in the Journal of Dental Research, found that excessive inflammation resulting from obesity raises the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), a group of immune cells that increase during illness to regulate immune function. MDSCs, which originate in the bone marrow, develop into a range of different cell types, including osteoclasts (a cell that breaks down bone tissue).

Low-cost medicine effective in treating high blood pressure for some

Medical researchers found that chlorthalidone was effective in lowering blood pressure in individuals with advanced kidney disease.

Moderate amounts of caffeine not linked to maternal health risks

Consuming a low amount of caffeine during pregnancy could help to reduce gestational diabetes risk, according to researchers.

What Tribal Communities Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

Facts about COVID-19 vaccines for American Indian and Native Alaskan tribal communities.

Anticoagulant has beneficial side-effects for COVID-19 patients, study finds

Clotting problems and resulting complications are common in COVID-19 patients. Researchers have now shown that a member of the anticoagulant group of drugs not only has a beneficial effect on survival of COVID-19 patients, but also influences the duration of active infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Coronavirus lurks and lingers in nursing home patients’ rooms, study finds

Even though most COVID-19 cases come from exposure to airborne coronavirus, a new study points to the importance of surfaces as a reservoir of risk in nursing homes -- especially certain objects close to the beds of patients who have COVID-19.