How Does the Coronavirus Test Work? 5 Questions Answered

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March 12, 2020

Dear Reader, As researchers race to test an experimental vaccine for COVID-19, they aren't waiting to see how well it prevents infection in animals before trying it in people, breaking from the usual protocol. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is working to contain the spread of the virus. Testing is central to these efforts. In our lead story, molecular biologist Maureen Ferran answers key questions about who should get tested, how the diagnostic kits work–and if there are enough to go around. The coronavirus pandemic has also caused an unexpected dip in global greenhouse gas emissions. Reasons include a temporary blow to industrial activities in China, falling demand for oil and a decline in air travel. Stay well,

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Biology How Does the Coronavirus Test Work? 5 Questions Answered A molecular biologist explains how the kits function, and why the U.S. has faced problems By Maureen Ferran,The Conversation US

Medicine Researchers Rush to Test Coronavirus Vaccine in People In a big break from protocol, scientists are not waiting to see how well it works in animals first By Eric Boodman,STAT

Behavior & Society How to Prevent Loneliness in a Time of Social Distancing Here's advice for preserving your mental health while avoiding physical proximity By Kasley Killam

Space Molten Iron Rain Falls On Scorching-Hot Exoplanet A planet called WASP-76 b may be the most extreme world we know of By Mike Wall,SPACE.com

Environment How the Coronavirus Pandemic Is Affecting CO2 Emissions Curtailed travel could temporarily lower emissions, but increased home energy use might offset that By Chelsea Harvey,E&E News

Cognition Constant Shifts between Mental States Mark a Signature of Consciousness Both of two essential brain networks that switch roles—one is on when the other is off—shut down in unresponsive individuals By Simon Makin

FROM THE STORE The Science Behind the Debates People say that they trust scientists, yet evidence often takes a back seat to emotions. In fact, for issues that cause the loudest public furor - like vaccine safety - there is almost no debate in the scientific community. In this eBook, we examine the science behind today's most contentious debates including gun control, GMOs and evolution, as well as strategies for understanding and coping with denialism. *Editor's Note: This eBook was originally published as a Special Edition The eBook adaptation contains all of the articles, but some of the artwork has been removed to optimize viewing on tablet devices.

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FROM THE ARCHIVE Why You Should Work from Home Ditching the office at least part-time can boost profitability and personal happiness—provided it's done right By Rachel Nuwer | September 2016

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I hope that these kinds of events--where people are actually pausing and they're in their homes and they have a chance to think--we use those moments to communicate some of these bigger issues that are facing us" Jacqueline Klopp, Co-Director of the Center for Sustainable Urban Development, Columbia University

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