This week our readers have lots of ... interesting ... queries involving opening windows during winter in North Dakota, trying not to breathe during a micro-encounter and spraying a mask with ... oil?

Before COVID-19 came along, the world wasn't so great at counting deaths and understanding why people die. But the virus has propelled countries to ramp up their efforts.

Scientists are racing to develop a vaccine that proves "safe and effective." It may not prevent infection in everyone who gets it, but it still could eventually stop the pandemic. Here's how.

An epidemiologist and a grad school graduate who'd gone to see family reflect on how tough it was to be cut off — and what they learned from their months-long quarantine.

There's a lot that scientists don't know about how viral infections can interact. But researchers are eager to figure out how coronavirus infections might affect flu infections and vice versa.

People are worried that the virus could be spread by air conditioning systems. Here's what researchers do — and don't yet — know.

Experts look into a new study that claims wearing a neck gaiter may be worse than no mask at all. And they discuss other face coverings such as goggles and plastic face shields.

The spread of a deadly new coronavirus is being closely followed by global health officials and the public, with over 31,000 confirmed cases worldwide ,...