Science

How lab animals have fared in the coronavirus crisis

The current pandemic has impacted lab animals, with US research labs culling thousands of mice. Germany has coped somewhat better, but the situation has once more highlighted the contentious practice of animal testing.  

Coronavirus

Why do more men die from COVID-19?

Men, women and children all become infected with the new coronavirus equally often. But men tend to suffer more severe cases of COVID-19 and are more likely to die of it. DW looks at possible explanations.  

Chinese study warns new swine flu virus has 'pandemic' potential

A new virus discovered during a study on Chinese pig farms could become a potential "pandemic virus," according to researchers. Antibody tests also revealed that over 10% of pig farmers had already been infected by it.  

World Drug Day

Untold health crisis: Coronavirus didn't stop illicit drug use

Public health bodies have warned that illicit drug users are at high risk due to the pandemic lockdown. But whether the reason is boredom or anxiety, home-cooked drugs or more users injecting, the data is slow to come.  

Coronavirus

Germany: Scientists test artemisia plant against coronavirus

A derivative of the Artemisia annua plant, also known as sweet wormwood, has long been used in the treatment of malaria. Scientists are currently testing the plant’s potential against the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2.  

Coronavirus trend: The pandemic is far from over

While the first countries are easing their lockdowns, others report more and more new cases every day. Data for the global picture shows: The pandemic is far from over. DW has the latest statistics.  

Psychology

Reading your partner's emotions well: A boon or a bane?

Empathy is important. Being able to read a partner's emotions accurately can benefit relationships. A new study shows, however, that it is sometimes even harmful to recognize correctly what your partner is feeling.  

Mathematics

Murderer solves ancient math problem and finds his mission

A convicted murderer in a US prison has taught himself the basics of higher mathematics, enabling him to solve a complicated arithmetic problem. And he has been passing on his math passion to his fellow inmates.  

Coronavirus

What does blood type have to do with COVID-19?

A case of COVID-19 can take mild to severe courses: Sometimes there are no symptoms, and sometimes people die. New research suggests that blood types could play a rather important role by affecting the immune response.  

Germany's CureVac to launch human trial of experimental coronavirus vaccine

German vaccine regulators have confirmed that biotech firm CureVac will begin trialing a coronavirus vaccine on humans. The vaccine could be on the market by mid-2021.  

Is dexamethasone the game changer in COVID-19 treatment?

A drug shown to lower mortality rates among seriously ill COVID-19 patients in Britain is being hailed as a "breakthrough" by the World Health Organization. However, further research must be done.  

Will mutations soon make the coronavirus less harmful?

The new wave of infections in China seems to be associated with a mutation of the coronavirus — but there's no need to panic. SARS-CoV-2 might mutate so it causes a form of rhinitis — often known as the sniffles.  

Coronavirus

Lockdowns prevented the worst, researchers say

Two studies show that anti-COVID-19 measures taken by many governments were sensible and effective. Without restrictions on the freedom of movement of their citizens, hundreds of millions more would have fallen ill.  

German COVID-19 warning app wins on user privacy

While some countries have had apps to record contacts between people and make infection chains traceable for a while now, Germany has taken its time. But for good reason: Its app is very good at protecting private data.  

Will coronavirus pandemic change Big Pharma's long-term focus?

Many leading pharmaceutical companies have focused on developing cancer medication. A fresh study by EY looks at whether some may find virus research an even more lucrative business model in the future.