The Most Pressing Science & Faith Question tournament has reached the final round; scroll down or click here to vote between now and midnight EDT on Sunday (April 11). We're going to take a break from answering these questions while I line up other folks to offer their perspectives. This week, I'd like to address some omissions from the bracket. Arguably, the most pressing science & faith questions of the moment have to do with religiously motivated COVID-19 vaccine refusal. I left out pandemic topics in part because I … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Immunization is a Team Sport
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Science Corner: So Long, 2020
'Tis the season for year-end reflection. I imagine many of us are just as happy to put 2020 in our rear view mirror without further adieu. If that's you, feel free to carry on your way with my blessing. For the rest of us, I have a couple thoughts on what has transpired from the past 365 days and what we might fruitfully carry forward. I've covered a variety of topics this year, in part to give us all something to think and talk about besides the pandemic, but at the end of the day/year I'm a public health scientist … [Read more...] about Science Corner: So Long, 2020
Science Corner: Giving Thanks for Science
Last week I made you do math, or at least watch me do math. So we'll keep things simple this week, especially in light of the holiday. Here are a few of the things from the domain of science that I am thankful for. I'd be glad to hear any items you might wish to add. And I hope that those of you observing Thanksgiving in the United States are able to celebrate in a joyful and healthy context. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Giving Thanks for Science
Science Corner: Winter is Coming – We Need Encouragement
I was reminded recently that just about two years ago, I wrote about the centenary of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. While it had no definitive start or end date that can be commemorated the way we mark the end of World War I by observing Veterans' Day or Armistice Day, it seemed no less significant or worthy of remembering. Now, two years later, we are in the midst of another global pandemic of a respiratory virus. I think maybe this time we might benefit from a look forward instead. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Winter is Coming – We Need Encouragement
Science Corner: A Shot in the Priority Order
One topic at the intersection of COVID-19 updates and concern for racial justice is the distribution of vaccines. Assuming we eventually identify one or more safe and effective immunizations to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is unlikely we will be able to nearly instantaneously manufacture the two to three hundred million doses we'd need just to cover the US population. In theory, we could just stockpile doses until there's enough for everyone, but then we miss out on some of the benefit as more people get infected … [Read more...] about Science Corner: A Shot in the Priority Order