‘Stealth’ Variant No Cause for Alarm, but Could Slow Case Decline
The New York Times
A mutated version of the Omicron variant could slow the steep decline in cases, but it is not likely to change the overall course of the pandemic, scientists said.
In recent days, headlines about a “stealth” Omicron variant have conjured the notion that a villainous new form of the coronavirus is secretly creating a disastrous new wave of Covid.
That scenario is highly unlikely, scientists say. But the new variant, which goes by the scientific name BA.2 and is one of three branches of the Omicron viral family, could drag out the Omicron surge in much of the world.
So far, BA.2 doesn’t appear to cause more severe disease, and vaccines are just as effective against it as they are against other forms of Omicron. But it does show signs of spreading more readily.
In a landmark antitrust case, the government asked a judge to force the company to sell its popular Chrome browser.
Eric Kim roasted dozens of birds and taste-tested eight different recipes before landing on this clever approach.
Republicans in Congress are eyeing cuts to Medicaid, which could threaten health coverage for tens of millions of poor Americans.
A second Trump administration could alter the lives of all sorts of animals, whether they live in laboratories, zoos, fields or forests.
An analysis of newly released 19th-century census records offers more insight into the conflict’s costs.
President-elect Donald J. Trump joined Elon Musk, as his company’s prototype moon and Mars rocket carried out a sixth test flight that showed a mix of progress and setbacks.
These abundant vegetarian dishes from Melissa Clark aren’t just gorgeous. They’re sure to make everyone at the table happy.
Some women are stocking up on the medications, saying they are concerned that the new administration could take steps to restrict access.
As the glaciers of South America retreat, the supply of freshwater is dwindling and its quality is getting worse.
It’s something turkey often isn’t — undeniably juicy and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
A rise in the disease in younger people was not followed by an increase in deaths, a study found, and might be a sign of overdiagnosis.