Ideas

6 Important Truths about COVID-19 Vaccines

Many experts estimate that between 70% and 90% of the population must be vaccinated to block the spread of the virus and reach herd immunity.

Ideas

How Many People Get 'Long COVID'—and Who Is Most at Risk?

Numerous studies over the past few months have shown that about 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 will have symptoms that last longer than the typical two weeks.

Ideas

COVID-19 Has Made Americans Lonelier than Ever – Here’s How AI Can Help

Millions of isolated people have found comfort by chatting with an AI bot.

Digital Government

Snug and Doubled-Up Masks Can Help Stop Covid Spread, CDC Finds

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new research looking at the effectiveness of wearing two masks at once, or tighter fitting face coverings.

Ideas

No Internet, No Vaccine: How Lack of Internet Access Has Limited Vaccine Availability for Racial and Ethnic Minorities

It appears that internet access is emerging as a new and troublesome determinant of health.

Ideas

We May Owe Tom Hanks for a Bit of COVID Awareness

According to the study, the people who had heard the news reported Hanks’ diagnosis “highlighted the reality of COVID-19” and their susceptibility to the illness.

Digital Government

Civilian and Military Personnel Will Be Deploying to First Federally Run Vaccine Sites in Coming Days

Biden administration launches pilot program for "mega-sites" staffed primarily by federal workers to assist state and local governments.

Ideas

COVID Fear Opens You Up to Misinformation

“Fear makes you a closed-minded judge,” a researcher said.

Digital Government

Dozens of Democrats Back Bill to Secure Pandemic-Centered Health Data

Their recently re-introduced legislation is meant to help boost public trust in tech-based apps.

Ideas

COVID-19 Misinformation on Chinese Social Media – Lessons for Countering Conspiracy Theories

The popular conspiracies on Weibo about the origins of COVID-19 differ substantially from those in the U.S.

Ideas

Can Robots and Drones Help to Fight COVID-19?

Using drones to help make our living and working spaces a little safer is not too much of a stretch. 

Policy

Biden Asks OSHA to Consider COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules

A national order from OSHA would bring all states under the same rules, since even states with independent agencies must meet or exceed the federal standard.

Ideas

How to Stay Safe with a Fast-Spreading New Coronavirus Variant on the Loose

There is still a lot that scientists and doctors don’t know about the coronavirus and its mutations, but there are some clear strategies people can use to protect themselves.

Ideas

Americans Have Unrealistic Expectations for a COVID-19 Vaccine

Americans are most likely to intend to vaccinate when a vaccine is made in the U.S., administered in a single dose, over 90% effective and carrying a less than 1 in 100 chance of experiencing minor side effects.

Ideas

How to Set Good New Year's Resolutions for 2021

What proves most satisfying are goals that involve giving to others.

Emerging Tech

How Supercomputing and Advanced X-Rays Helped the Government Fight COVID-19

Years of basic research and speedy, strategic coordination helped to catalyze new and needed treatments.

Ideas

How to Outsmart Your COVID-19 Fears and Boost Your Mood in 2021

Releasing negative emotions is the first step in preventing stress overload.

Ideas

Seat Belts and Smoking Rates Show People Eventually Adopt Healthy Behaviors—But It Can Take Time We Don't Have During a Pandemic

It generally takes years of dragging people, kicking and screaming, to finally achieve new and improved societal norms.

Ideas

To Beat the Winter Blues, Think Like a Norwegian

They see it as an opportunity for lots of things they loved: outdoor activities like cross-country skiing but also special, cozy time indoors.