In small studies in South Africa and in Germany, the results indicate a marked decrease in the ability of vaccines to neutralize this variant. But there are other findings that are encouraging.
The variant is bringing out the worst in some Western governments and global media outlets, says Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, a global health advocate in Nigeria.
How did this new strain of the coronavirus evolve? Researchers are investigating various possibilities. One leading theory involves ... just one person.
African nations are bristling at the restrictions imposed on them by rich countries — and say they are harmful to local economies and discriminate against countries in the region.
Preliminary data about omicron suggests the variant became widespread across southern Africa in a very short period of time. Scientists say its many mutations may play a role in its transmissibility.
The roughly 2,000-mile journey took the rhinos to their new home in Akagera National Park, where advocates hope the animals will be able to establish a new breeding stronghold and evade poachers.
The rapidly spreading variant was identified in retests of samples that were taken on Nov. 19 and 23 in the Netherlands, according to a Dutch health agency.
Public health experts warn that the rush to impose travel bans on southern African countries after the omicron variant was identified can work against scientific transparency.
The World Health Organization deemed it a variant of concern, and the U.S. is banning travel from parts of Africa where it's spreading. Here's what scientists know and what they're trying to learn.
Stock markets around the world tumbled on concerns about the new variant. While it's too soon to tell exactly how the variant functions, virologists are rushing to learn more.
Sudan's civilian prime minister has been reinstated after having been removed from power by the country's military a month ago. But protesters aren't satisfied with the deal that was made.
It's definitely not a turkey day. Jollof rice is more like it. It's questioned as a holiday because of its American origins. And the way Liberians do celebrate holds lessons for the U.S.
The photo series Unyielding Floods recently won its fifth award this year. It captures the strength and hardship of those affected by flooding of biblical proportions in South Sudan.
