Eva Botkin-Kowacki

This image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round blue objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus shown was isolated from a patient in the U.S. Photo by: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

How afraid of variants should we be?

The global death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed 4 million, largely accelerated by dangerous variants of the coronavirus. Northeastern experts explain what you need to know about the risk of variants.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki July 8, 2021

Our plastic pollution problem may have more significant consequences than we think

Plastics are a pervasive source of pollution. And they might also be significantly altering the Earth’s carbon cycle and our ability to monitor it, according to research by Northeastern’s Aron Stubbins.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki July 6, 2021

So the U.S. didn’t hit its July 4 vaccination goal. Now what?

The U.S. has not gotten at least one COVID-19 shot into 70 percent of adults’ arms yet, despite setting the goal to do so by July 4. While that’s not a failure, says Neil Maniar, director of the Master of Public Health program at Northeastern, it should be “a catalyst” for a fresh, more localized approach.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki July 4, 2021

Sunrise over Northeastern’s Boston campus.

The forecast said it would be 90 degrees. So why does your thermometer say it’s 100?

Some neighborhoods are hotter than others, says Brian Helmuth, professor of marine and environmental sciences at Northeastern. And those temperature differences tend to fall along socioeconomic lines, perpetuating entrenched historical inequalities.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki July 1, 2021

What does it mean to be Out in Business? This club makes space for queer business students to find out.

Recently revamped, Northeastern’s Out in Business club is a place for business students to share a sense of community, work through the challenges of being an LGBTQA person in the workplace, and, occasionally, bond over the latest music videos. “We all share a unique identity,” says one student member. “It’s really that shared personal experience.”

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki June 24, 2021

It’s tick season. Here’s everything you need to know about Lyme disease.

Lyme disease isn’t just a concern for outdoorsy people. This tick season, what do you need to know about the condition? Kim Lewis, university distinguished professor of biology at Northeastern, breaks it down.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki June 21, 2021

Adam Sternbach, right, embraces his 89 year-old mother Maryann Sternbach for the first time in over a year inside the Hebrew Home at Riverdale in New York. Because of the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, it was the first time in over a year families of the nursing homes residents were allowed indoor, in-person visits. AP Photo/Kathy Willens

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of people in nursing homes. But the real danger is loneliness.

Nursing homes across the U.S. tend to be located in socially isolated areas, according to new research by Northeastern scientists. And that can increase the risk of mortality for older adults.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki June 17, 2021

When can we say that the pandemic is over?

The rapid decline in coronavirus infection rates in the U.S. might make it feel like the end of the pandemic is upon us. It’s not yet. But the point at which we do consider it over may be confusing—and personal.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki June 14, 2021

Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Northeastern to suspend COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated individuals

Consistent with current CDC guidance, all fully vaccinated members of the Northeastern University community will no longer need to be tested regularly for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, beginning June 18, 2021. Faculty and staff are also now required to report their vaccination status or plans to the university by June 30.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki June 9, 2021

Yi Zheng, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering, created a new recyclable material that can be used to cool down buildings without relying on conventional cooling systems. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

How to keep cool without turning on the A/C

What if buildings could stay cool all on their own—no electricity required? That’s the premise of Yi Zheng’s new invention. The associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at Northeastern has created a material that can be used to make buildings or other objects able to keep cool without relying on conventional cooling systems.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki June 7, 2021

Posts by Eva Botkin-Kowacki