Summer wave of Covid in England: how worried should I be?
With evidence that infections are on the rise, we look at the so-called FLiRT variants, and assess the risks
May 2024
Scientists have discovered a 50,000-year-old herpes virus – and perhaps how modern humans came to rule the world
Jonathan Kennedy
Revolutionary ancient DNA evidence indicates that Homo sapiens finished off Neanderthals through deadly infectious diseases, says academic Jonathan Kennedy
Another pandemic is ‘absolutely inevitable’, says Patrick Vallance
Former UK chief scientific adviser warns ‘we are not ready yet’ and urges next government to prepare
Rise of drug-resistant superbugs could make Covid pandemic look ‘minor’, expert warns
‘The issue is when to pull the trigger’: how prepared are we for human bird flu?
Five babies in England reported dead after developing whooping cough
April 2024
Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn
Influenza is still the biggest threat to global health as WHO raises fears about the spread of avian strain
March 2024
Kuru: unravelling the mystery disease that left entire Papua New Guinean villages without women
New genetic analysis sheds light on the epidemic caused by the practice of mortuary feasting in the Eastern Highlands of PNG mid last century
Fair Access
Cholera now threatens 1bn people. It’s time to finish what we began in the 19th century
Hakainde Hichilema and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
With the disease raging in 23 countries and no vaccine stocks, Zambia and the WHO propose a way to stop the deaths
Dismay as UK government halts cash for world-renowned Covid programme
Despite its trials saving thousands during the pandemic, funding is being stopped for the groundbreaking UK Recovery programme
November 2023
Health and climate
At risk: 10 ways the changing climate is creating a health emergency
Epidemic of congenital syphilis in US needs ‘concerted action’, says CDC
September 2023
Bats and brain worms: how humanity’s environmental impact is giving rise to new infections
As humans encroach further on the natural world, researchers warn that 75% of novel diseases are transmitted from wildlife
July 2023
London at risk of major measles outbreak, UK Health Security Agency warns
Fevered Planet: How Diseases Emerge When We Harm Nature by John Vidal review – a frightening diagnosis
May 2023
Oldest evidence of plague in Britain found in 4,000-year-old human remains
Observer book of the week
Foreign Bodies by Simon Schama review – pandemics and prejudice
Simon Schama on the broken relationship between humans and nature: ‘The joke’s on us. Things are amiss’
Is Covid really over? WHO’s announcement sounds more like surrender than victory
April 2023
UK develops genetic early warning system for future pandemics
Project aims to roll out cheap, easy-to-use technology across the globe to spot emergence of new health threats
