pandemic

Environmental Health and Safety staff members Alex DeSimone (left) and Chris Bingel (right) demonstrate N95 fit testing at Cabot Testing Center. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

How to tell if an N95 mask needs a snug adjustment

A special test involves squirting a mist of saccharin, the artificial sweetener, into a beehive keeper’s-like hood. If the saccharin is tasted, the N95 needs adjusting. Northeastern has performed more than 300 tests since the summer to help keep nursing students and other front-line employees safe from COVID-19.

by Peter Ramjug February 24, 2021

Even among healthcare workers, inequities exist in COVID-19 vaccine rollout, new study finds

As in the public at large, the distribution of vaccines among healthcare professionals is skewed along political, racial, gender, education, and income lines, according to a new study by researchers from Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers.

by Peter Ramjug February 23, 2021

Art handler Elena Brunner installs a piece from artist MAR for the Dream Boston exhibition at Gallery 360. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Gallery 360’s new exhibit, ‘Dream Boston,’ addresses COVID-19, racial justice

It wasn’t difficult to discern the two major issues that impacted 2020, says Gallery 360 curator Amy Halliday: “Both the pandemic and the heightened attention to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement all came together at the same time." The gallery's new exhibit, she says, brings these global and national themes local.

by Peter Ramjug February 22, 2021

President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Phoenix Goodyear Airport on Oct. 28, 2020, in Goodyear, Ariz. AP Photo by Evan Vucci

Trump’s endorsements will remain a force within the GOP, new study says

Trump’s backing would make Republicans more likely to support his candidate, according to a new survey by researchers from Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers. Though some Republican lawmakers like Liz Cheney have moved away from him, the 45th president will continue to be a major force within the Grand Old Party

by Peter Ramjug February 16, 2021

Emerald City Plant Shop at the Valentine Marketplace at the Robinson Tents. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Chocolates and roses on the Boston campus. Valentine’s Day must be near.

Red, heart-shaped paper cutouts adorned two tents by Robinson Hall where vendors with ties to the university sold chocolates, plants, jewelry, and eco-friendly gifts. Northeastern’s Advancement Office raised money for a mobile food pantry by offering live roses, s’mores kits, and plush husky toys.

by Peter Ramjug and Alison Booth February 12, 2021

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Homecoming goes virtual next week

Traditionally held in November, the weeklong celebration of Husky pride shifted to February 7-13 this year. Planned programming is mainly virtual for health and safety reasons, as well as to allow Huskies around the world to join in on the fun wherever they are.

by Peter Ramjug February 4, 2021

Trump rallies and social justice protests may have driven a big year for gun sales, study says

Record gun purchases last year may have been fueled by both Black Lives Matter protesters and pro-Trump supporters, according to a new survey by researchers from Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers. The study shows a correlation between gun purchases and protests on the political left and right.

by Peter Ramjug January 28, 2021

Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Want to encourage vaccinations? Don’t use politicians, says this new study.

Partisanship could backfire and trigger a reluctance to get vaccinated, a survey from researchers at Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers found. Appeals to patriotic duty were the least effective while advice from the family doctor had the most influence. “If vaccinations of public figures are to be strategically utilized, it is preferable to emphasize those who are not overtly political,” researchers wrote.

by Peter Ramjug January 26, 2021

Northeastern student Jack Armstrong hangs a QR poster for accessing the Daily Wellness Check. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

This student has a plan for campus QR codes

Jack Armstrong, an entrepreneur who once sold T-shirts on a beach, has developed some of the QR codes you've spotted across campus. His goal? To help students, faculty, and staff members easily engage with one another with the click of a phone camera.

by Peter Ramjug January 25, 2021

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021, as their children Ashley and Hunter watch. AP Photo by Andrew Harnik, Pool

In a divided Washington, Biden has some paths to unity, Northeastern experts say

“America First” became “America United” as Biden charted an optimistic course for the country in his first presidential speech, Northeastern faculty experts say. Biden pledged to help the nation bridge an ever-widening political divide to face numerous challenges, including a raging pandemic and high unemployment. The political tide may work against him but early wins are possible, faculty predict.

by Peter Ramjug January 21, 2021