Departments Bouvé College of Health Sciences

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 something else.

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

Will those ‘quarantine 15’ weight-loss ad campaigns backfire?

This summer, a new pressure has emerged: The pressure to lose weight, whiten teeth, clarify skin, and more, after a year spent largely inside. But companies run an especially high risk of backlash if their messaging is seen as out of touch with public sentiment, say Northeastern scholars.

by Molly Callahan June 4, 2021

Students sitting on the grass on theBoston campus

Jump into June with these events

Build your career intelligence. Examine the future of epidemiology. Plan the perfect beach day. Here is a list of events to make the most of early June now that the summery weather has arrived.

by Ian Thomsen May 28, 2021

A woman lights a candle to commemorate victims of the COVD-19 pandemic at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic on May 10, 2021.

Have Covid-19 deaths been undercounted? New reports say ‘yes’ and here’s why it matters.

As public health officials around the world reshape policies with lessons learned from COVID-19, it is clear that those moves need to be based on a more accurate accounting of the pandemic’s toll, says Neil Maniar, professor of the practice and director of the Master of Public Health program at Northeastern.

by Ian Thomsen May 24, 2021

Shivam Patel, 13, receives his first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination from nurse Diawna Jenkins as his father, Rajesh Patel, observes from the background at the Cook County Public Health Department on May 13, 2021, in Des Plaines, Ill. AP Photo by Shafkat Anowar

Should kids get a COVID-19 vaccination? Ask them.

While parents generally need to be on board for medical decisions, their children might be just as important—if not more—in deciding to get the COVID-19 vaccine, says Susan Mello, an assistant professor at Northeastern who studies health communication.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki May 21, 2021

Pedestrians, some with masks, some without walk along the Las Vegas Strip on April 27, 2021

What do the new CDC mask guidelines mean?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that people fully vaccinated for the coronavirus no longer need to wear masks in public. How does that gibe with state and local rules mandating mask-wearing? And how will the new guidelines affect the vaccination rate? Northeastern faculty in law and public health unravel these questions.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki May 14, 2021

Laura Dudley, assistant clinical professor of applied psychology, teaches yoga during an Introduction to Mindfulness class.

What are the benefits of mindfulness? Take this interdisciplinary minor and find out.

The minor weaves in religious studies, psychology courses, and health sciences, says Laura Dudley, assistant clinical professor of applied psychology at Northeastern who teaches a course titled Introduction to Mindfulness. Students will consider how to be mindful consumers of social media, how to use money mindfully, and also consider in what situations they are mindless.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki May 13, 2021

The Class of 2021, having walked the walk, gears up for Commencement

Processional walks around the Boston campus began on Monday for graduating seniors. Some of the interactive experiences were designed to allow for moments to reminisce and take it all in one last time before Commencement ceremonies begin on the weekend.

by Peter Ramjug May 4, 2021

An illustrated picture of students in a classroom.

English learners in public school classrooms are often left behind. What can help them catch up?

English learners are the fastest growing group in public school classrooms, yet they’re also the least likely to finish High School. Chieh Li, associate professor of school psychology at Northeastern, believes the problem is a major social justice issue—and she has a plan to fix it.

by Hillary Chabot April 27, 2021