Science

Coronavirus

Coronavirus infection despite vaccination? Maybe, but jabs still save lives

Even vaccinated individuals can be infected with COVID-19. But they usually only have mild symptoms, as the vaccines prevent severe or even life-threatening cases of the disease.  

World Tuberculosis Day

Prioritizing COVID set back years of TB progress

About 1.4 million fewer people received care for tuberculosis in 2020 than in 2019, the WHO estimates. The disease kills 1.5 million people every year, even though it's curable, and there is a vaccine for children.  

Prenatal Down syndrome test

'The hardest decision there is'

The biggest issue with a noninvasive test that expectant parents can use to determine whether a fetus has trisomy 21 is not the diagnostic procedure itself, but with what might follow it.  

Scientists create first complete human embryo model in Petri dish

The early stages of human embryo development are difficult to study due to a lack of availability and ethical and legal constraints. Now scientists have created the first ever complete human embryo model in a Petri dish.  

Allergies and the immune system

Can pollen increase COVID-19 infection rates?

A phenomenon that scientists have dubbed the "pollen effect" sees a link between high pollen levels and COVID-19 infection rates. But scientists are quick to point out that many factors can affect COVID infection rates.  

After COVID: Will we ever hug again?

Coronavirus has taught us to keep our distance while still staying "in touch" in other ways. Handshakes and hugs are a distant memory. But we can't do without physical contact forever — as previous pandemics have shown.  

Bypassing censorship with VPNs ― is that safe?

With VPNs, you can still access the free internet through a tunnel. But can you trust the provider?  

German coronavirus vaccine inventor being investigated

Physician Winfried Stöcker developed and produced a coronavirus vaccine in his lab and administered it to volunteers — without getting it approved first. Criminal proceedings against him are now underway.  

Psychological treatment

Pay up or put it off: Europe fails to treat mental health

Long waiting lists, high fees and bureaucratic hoops: In many EU countries, psychological treatment in public health care is inaccessible or inadequate for the people who need it most.  

Coronavirus

Fact check: The risk of catching coronavirus outdoors

Milder temperatures have enticed many people to flock outdoors. Just how great is the danger of contracting the coronavirus in open-air settings? Does it make sense to wear masks? DW spoke to experts to find out.  

Sex and the Body: Time for some real talk!

Why don't we lose our hymens? Why do we fart more when we're on our period? And how similar are the clitoris and penis, really? Here's the truth about our bodies.  

ESA

ISS: Astronaut Cristoforetti readies to return 'home'

In 2022, ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will fly to the International Space Station for a second time. She calls it her "home away from home," but many things there have changed since her first visit.  

Raising my child vegan: Is it possible?

Vegans can often be judged harshly and asked critical questions about their diet — even more so if they decide to raise their children vegan. But is it actually harmful or irresponsible?  

Malaria infections halved in Ivory Coast children

Malaria is a leading cause of death for children and is most prevalent in some of the world's poorest countries. A new lure-and-kill style device trial shows potential for a major drop in malaria-spreading mosquitoes.