Pandemic7 Oct 2026Why a global outbreak of plague is unlikelyA Russian lab technician has died at a plague research centre in Siberia, but there are many reasons pneumonic plague is usually easily contained.7 Oct 202629 Nov 2025The 'hugging room' where Covid couldn't spreadIn November 2020, one Italian care home created an ingenious solution to Covid's isolation: a "hugging room" where people could safely embrace through a plastic screen.29 Nov 202530 Sept 2025Covid 2020: A lone figure in an eerie emptinessIn September 2020, rising Covid-19 cases plunged London into another lockdown. One photographer roamed the city's financial district amid an eerie emptiness.30 Sept 202528 Feb 2025Covid-19: When empty became the new normalFrench photographer Gilles Sabrié captured this dystopian scene as the world headed towards lockdown in February 2020.28 Feb 202530 Jan 2025Covid-19: The heat-showing shape of things to comeIn January 2020, Thailand's authorities were amongst the first to have to grapple with a worrying new disease. The frontlines included the country's shopping malls.30 Jan 202516 May 2024How close is a human vaccine for bird flu?The widespread presence of bird flu in US cattle and milk has vaccine scientists on high alert.16 May 2024