|
|
|
|
2020 has been a lousy year for humans, but an awesome one for science.
Beginning in February, scientists and physicians around the world made a series of scientific breakthroughs. They decoded the genetics of the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus, and figured out how it invaded cells, made people sick with COVID-19 and sometimes killed them. They developed diagnostic tests, and researchers at pharmaceutical companies created, tested and manufactured several spectacularly effective vaccines. And they did it all in nine months – a record, writes David Pride, a physician and scientist at the University of California, San Diego.
With vaccines now being injected into the arms of people in the U.S. and around the world, the end of this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad pandemic is in sight.
So I say: GO SCIENCE! And keep wearing your mask.
Also today:
|
Bijal Trivedi
Science and Technology Editor
|
|
|
The number one scientific breakthrough for 2020: multiple vaccines to prevent COVID-19.
Philippe Raimbault/Photodisc via Getty Images
David Pride, University of California San Diego
The development of multiple vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19 has been hailed as the breakthrough of 2020. But there were many more supporting discoveries that made this possible.
|
Economy + Business
|
-
Rebecca Haw Allensworth, Vanderbilt University
While relying on internal documents can be controversial, Zuckerberg's emails are so detailed and specific that they're impossible to ignore.
|
|
Health + Medicine
|
-
Zoë McLaren, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
A new over-the-counter COVID-19 test has been authorized by the FDA. Though it can be used to test people with and without symptoms, moderate cost and limited production mean it isn't a game-changer.
|
|
Politics/Election '20
|
-
Dwight Stirling, University of Southern California
President-elect Joe Biden's intent to nominate a recently retired general to lead the Pentagon would require an exception to federal law.
-
Austin Sarat, Amherst College
Victim impact statements give survivors a voice in the criminal justice process. But research shows their wrenching personal testimonies may not bring closure and can add racial bias into sentencing.
|
|
Environment + Energy
|
-
Robert Glennon, University of Arizona
The Trump administration is rolling back a regulation that requires showerheads to conserve water, which saved owners an average of US$70 and nearly 3,000 gallons of water yearly per showerhead.
-
Emily Wakild, Boise State University
Llama toys, therapy lamas, petting zoo llamas: llamas are hot in the US, surpassing unicorns in popularity, but their relationship with South American people stretches over 7,000 years.
|
|
Ethics + Religion
|
-
S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate, Hamilton College
Holiday movies have been an essential part of the American winter celebrations. They offer a glimpse into how the world is could be, often in sharp contrast to reality.
|
|
Multimedia
|
-
William Teets, Vanderbilt University
This year's winter solstice is also when Saturn and Jupiter appear closest to each other for 60 years, Here's what you need to know about both the events.
|
|
From our international editions
|
-
David Collins, City, University of London
For the UK to exit the EU on genuine Australian, no-deal or WTO terms, the British government would need to reject the WA/NIP. This now appears unlikely.
-
Karol J Borowiecki, University of Southern Denmark
Assessing around 500 of the composer's correspondence, we are able to see how a rise in sadness and other negative emotions resulted in increased creative productivity.
-
Kathryn Harrison, University of British Columbia
None of Canada's past climate targets or plans has been credible. But the math on the latest plan, which relies on a steadily increasing carbon price, could have Canada meet its 2030 goal.
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
