We now have not just one but three COVID-19 vaccines shown to work with at least 60% efficacy – enough to make a significant difference to the course of the pandemic once they’re rolled out. But could even more effective vaccines be found?

While each of the three proven vaccine takes a slightly different approach, they all work by targeting the same part of the coronavirus, known as the “spike protein”. But researchers have found that we actually make the most antibodies in response to another part of the virus – the N protein. And new research suggests future vaccines that focus on this different protein might be effective for longer and even help protect against other diseases.

There’s more good news in the form of research showing efforts to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 could actually reduce global warming even in the next 20 years. And we take a look at the evidence for how puberty blocking drugs, the subject of a recent court ruling, are known to affect the body.

Clint Witchalls

Health + Medicine Editor (UK edition)

Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

COVID vaccines focus on the spike protein – but here’s another target

Sarah L Caddy, University of Cambridge

New research shows why the N protein might be a good target.

Mika Baumeister/Unsplash

Paris Agreement: aiming for 1.5°C target could slow global warming within next two decades

Christine McKenna, University of Leeds

Our new study shows that cutting emissions now will bring benefits sooner than expected.

Keira Bell, one of the claimants in the High Court case, was prescribed puberty blockers at 16. EPA-EFE/ FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

What are puberty blockers, and how do they work?

Faisal Ahmed, University of Glasgow; Angela Lucas-Herald, University of Glasgow

So-called "puberty blockers" work by temporarily suppressing the action of a specific hormone in the body.

Politics + Society

Health + Medicine

Business + Economy

  • Airbnb going public is a maverick move

    Olga Cam, University of Sheffield; Mohammad Rajjaque, University of Sheffield

    Airbnb is taking a very bold step by issuing a multi billion dollar IPO during a global economic slowdown – something that was unthinkable a few years ago.

Environment + Energy

Science + Technology

 

Featured events

Children's Christmas Lecture (online): What Is a Pirate?

University of Reading (online), Reading, West Berkshire, RG1 6UR, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland — University of Reading

Children's Christmas Lecture (online): What Is a Pirate?

University of Reading (online), Reading, West Berkshire, RG1 6UR, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland — University of Reading

Exploring the psychology of veganism vs. non-veganism: Implications for climate change and the human-animal Relationship

East Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB11PT, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland — Anglia Ruskin University

More events
 

Contact us here to have your event listed.

For sponsorship opportunities, email us here