epidemiology

When it comes to predicting the transmission of infectious diseases, a lot of factors need to be considered. A new model from the MOBS Lab at Northeastern can account for specific interpersonal behaviors. Photo courtesy of Northeastern’s MOBS Lab

Diseases spread differently, region by region. This mathematical model shows how.

In an attempt to reflect the complex reality of disease transmission, Northeastern’s MOBS Lab has developed a new model that factors in patterns of interpersonal behavior down to the state or province level, enabling epidemiologists to get a closer look at how diseases spread.

by Emily Arntsen January 13, 2021

This map shows data on confirmed cases of COVID-19 exclusively collected from publicly-available sources, including government reports and news media. Courtesy of HealthMap. Courtesy of Samuel Scarpino

‘We find ourselves asking scientists to do more than simply study the virus’

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, epidemiological models continue to provide vital information for lawmakers, public health officials, and people trying to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This has put the scientists who make the models in the spotlight.

by Laura Castañón July 6, 2020

Sara Jensen Carr. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Six epidemics from American history show how urban design affects our health

What does tuberculosis have to do with your neighborhood park? What does cholera have to do with city grids? Sara Jensen Carr, an assistant professor of architecture at Northeastern, reveals how epidemics, chronic illnesses, and “social diseases” shape the places where Americans live.

by Emily Arntsen August 8, 2019

Marco Ajelli's new research suggests the Zika epidemic could spread much faster in certain areas, due to the amount of time people spend outside. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

In US, spread of Zika linked to time spent outdoors

New research by Marco Ajelli, associate research scientist at Northeastern and an expert in infectious disease modeling, has linked a person’s risk of contracting Zika in the U.S. to time spent outdoors. The findings could impact how communities address the spread of Zika. “Maybe just looking at the areas with the highest density of mosquitos is not enough,” Ajelli says.

by Allie Nicodemo September 19, 2017

Alumnus earns Fulbright for research in South Africa

Backed by funding from a Fulbright research grant, Dan Marsden, S’13, will study the paternal effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in South Africa.

by Angela Herring June 4, 2014

Clearing the air on pollution’s health effects

Helen Suh, a newly appointed associate professor in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, studies the movement of airborne pollutants and the health problems they create.

by Matt Collette November 29, 2012