The longer the pandemic goes on, the more people are delving into subjects they barely paid attention to before. And so it is with aerosols – the tiny, airborne particles that contribute to the spread of the coronavirus. Three experts in aerosols and fluid dynamics explain the risks and what people can do to minimize them.

Also in this week’s science and research newsletter: science-based coping strategies, duckweed food in space and a video that compares death from COVID-19 with other causes.

Martin La Monica

Deputy Editor
Aerosols are made up of tiny respiratory droplets suspended in the air. Jeffrey Coolidge via Getty Images

Aerosols are a bigger coronavirus threat than WHO guidelines suggest – here’s what you need to know

Byron Erath, Clarkson University; Andrea Ferro, Clarkson University; Goodarz Ahmadi, Clarkson University

More than 200 scientists wrote to the World Health Organization, warning about aerosol transmission of the coronavirus.
Keeping your equilibrium can be a challenge in times of uncertainty. Léonard Cotte/Unsplash

Your coping and resilience strategies might need to shift as the COVID-19 crisis continues

Craig Polizzi, Binghamton University, State University of New York; Steven Jay Lynn, Binghamton University, State University of New York

As the pandemic drags on, uncertainty and fears about health and safety mix with confusion and challenges tied to re-opening society. You need flexibility when picking your coping strategies.
The lower the vaccine’s effectiveness, the more likely social distancing in some form may still be necessary. Gopixa via Getty Images

How ‘good’ does a COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine need to be to stop the pandemic? A new study has answers

Bruce Y. Lee, City University of New York

A vaccine that's 70% effective might not be good enough if too few people are willing to be vaccinated, new research shows.

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