'Instant Coffee' COVID-19 Tests Could Be the Answer to Reopening the U.S.

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August 21, 2020

Dear Reader, When it comes to rapid testing for the virus, physician Carolyn Barber argues in our lead story that the "instant coffee" approach—quick, easy and cheap—could be the key to opening our society. Next up, a story on peak Atlantic hurricane season, which began yesterday. So far, there have already been nearly as many storms as an entire hurricane season would typically produce. We also have a piece that explains how these storms get named and why some names are retired. And lastly, a study suggests that in nature, light levels, rather than circadian rhythms, dictate mosquitoes' activity. The finding also illustrates how a laser-based system has potential to detect the insects' movements and assess malaria risk.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Public Health 'Instant Coffee' COVID-19 Tests Could Be the Answer to Reopening the U.S. Cheap and quick, they could move us toward normalcy before a vaccine is widely available By Carolyn Barber

Natural Disasters Recipe for a Busy Hurricane Season: Warmer Water, Cleaner Air The peak of the season just started, but already there have been as many storms as in an entire average season By Chelsea Harvey,E&E News

Physics Lidar Advances Show Mosquito Rush Hours New research shows how a laser-based system can help detect mosquito movements By Susan Cosier

Conservation Mauritians Launch Rescue to Save Wildlife from Oil Spill In addition to trapping oil with booms, residents of Mauritius have evacuated endangered plants and animals By Khalil A. Cassimally

Natural Disasters Why Hurricane Names Are Retired Deaths or excessive damage put Katrina, Maria, Harvey and other monikers out of circulation By Mark Fischetti,Will Chase

Behavior & Society The Surprising Advantages of Virtual Conferences Among other things, they're easier on the environment and more inclusive than in-person meetings By Grace Liu

Public Health Coronavirus News Roundup, August 15-August 21 Pandemic highlights for the week By Robin Lloyd

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FROM THE ARCHIVE How an Article about the H-Bomb Landed Scientific American in the Middle of the Red Scare At one time this magazine tangled with the FBI, the Atomic Energy Commission and Joseph McCarthy By Alfred W. McCoy | September 2020

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