Jonathan Freedland – The magnifying glass: how Covid revealed the truth about our world

The pandemic has illuminated deprivation, inequalities and political unrest, while reminding us of the power and beauty of nature and humanity..  A fitting symbol of this global pandemic would be a magnifying glass. For while the virus ended and upended so many lives, and spawned a whole new vocabulary – social distancing, furlough, herd immunity,… Read More Jonathan Freedland – The magnifying glass: how Covid revealed the truth about our world

Ian Sample: How a handful of scientists developed Oxford vaccine at breakneck speed

At the heart of Oxford’s effort to produce a Covid vaccine are half a dozen scientists who between them brought decades of experience to the challenge of designing, developing, manufacturing and trialing a safe vaccine at breakneck speed. Prof Sarah Gilbert, the Kettering-born project leader, arrived at Oxford in 1994 to work with Prof Adrian Hill, a senior member… Read More Ian Sample: How a handful of scientists developed Oxford vaccine at breakneck speed

Patrick Gathara's comments on a North American failed state

In 2016, the Republican candidate for president, Donald Trump, may have exaggerated somewhat when he declared: “The world is laughing at us. They’re laughing at us, at our stupidity.” No longer. As counting in the crisis-racked North American state entered its 10th day, around the world it had become the butt of many jokes. After decades of enduring… Read More Patrick Gathara's comments on a North American failed state

Covid immune response faster and stronger post-infection, scientists say

Scientists have found the strongest evidence yet that people who recover from Covid may mount a much faster and more effective defence against the infection if they encounter the virus again. Researchers at Rockefeller University in New York found that the immune system not only remembered the virus but improved the quality of protective antibodies… Read More Covid immune response faster and stronger post-infection, scientists say