Science

Polarstern team warns Arctic may be past tipping point

A research team that set sail for the Arctic has warned that the tipping point for irreversible global warming may have already been triggered.  

What foods help prevent a severe course of COVID?

Throughout the pandemic, a lot of nutrition advice has been handed out. But is there any single food that can help prevent a serious COVID-19 infection?  

COVID: Why experts say herd immunity is still out of reach

Herd immunity is often presented as a simple mathematical calculation, but achieving it is far from easy. Understanding how widespread immunity works is, however, key to returning to normal.  

COVID: Are mix-and-match vaccines the way forward?

A new German study reports that a combination of the AstraZeneca and BioNTech vaccines triggers a remarkably stronger immune response than sticking with one kind of shot.  

COVID scientists fight to avoid burnout

Health care workers and scientists are working overtime to curb the spread of COVID. But are their efforts costing them their own mental health?  

Organ donations: How to make up the shortfall

In 2020, 9,400 people in Germany needed organ transplants. Fewer than half of them got one. Researchers are optimistic that artificial organs will be a fix.  

Aducanumab: Alzheimer's drug coming soon?

The drug aducanumab has been approved by the US. It effectively combats the amyloid beta plaques in the brain that are indicative of Alzheimer's disease. But does it also slow down memory loss?  

Search for aliens

US UFO-report boldly goes where no one has gone before

A task force will share data it collected on unusual flight phenomena with Congress, as UFO enthusiasts rejoice. But a German expert with decades of research under his belt doesn't believe aliens have ever been to Earth.  

COVID-19

Virus variants in Asia threaten the whole world

If the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread worldwide, vaccines could become ineffective and strains could escape immunity. The right vaccines need to go to the places where they are needed.  

COVID-19 vaccines

German scientists may know how to prevent blood clots

Scientists in Germany believe they may have worked out a way to prevent vector-based vaccines from causing rare blood clots.  

COVID-19

How many parents will actually vaccinate their kids?

The early data makes a clear case for vaccinating adolescents. But it's also true that humans have an extremely difficult time making a medical choice on another person's behalf — and sometimes default to doing nothing.  

COVID-19

Researchers find new routes for oxygen

Ventilators are in high demand because of COVID-19. Supply is tight. As an alternative, could we get oxygen through our backsides? It's not as odd as you might think.  

Fact check

Can children receive the same COVID-19 vaccines as adults?

The US and Canada now allow the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine to be administered to teenagers. Germany could follow suit this summer. But how sensible are the coronavirus vaccines for those under 18?