Research and Discovery

Black woman with hairband and short hair, red shirt, blue pants sitting up in bed

Columbia scientists say the pandemic may offer valuable insights. Illustration by Ellen Weinstein of a woman sitting up in bed, looking out a window Physicians have seen it before: in the aftermath of a viral epidemic, survivors complain of a crushing lethargy, mental fogginess, sleep difficulty, and muscle pain. Many are eventually diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a poorly understood condition that has no FDA-approved treatment and that often leaves people debilitated for life. It has happened after outbreaks of SARS, MERS, West Nile fever, and Ebola. And now, experts fear, it could happen again on a much larger scale with COVID-19. llustration by Ellen Weinstein, Columbia Magazine

How COVID-19 Could Reveal the Secrets of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Physicians have seen it before: in the aftermath of a viral epidemic, survivors complain of a lethargy, mental fogginess, sleep difficulty, and muscle pain. Many are eventually diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a poorly understood condition that has no FDA-approved treatment and that often leaves people debilitated for life. It has happened after outbreaks of SARS, MERS, West Nile fever, and Ebola. And now, experts fear, it could happen again on a much larger scale with COVID-19.
llustration: Ellen Weinstein, Columbia Magazine

Health, Medicine and Wellness

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After Stillbirth, New Genetic Analyses May Give Parents Answers

Researchers have uncovered an array of new genes that cause stillbirth, increasing the understanding of the genetic foundations of this common, but little studied, condition.

graphic of female nurse in white by grey socially distanced from patient in waiting room and patient at a clinician's desk in office

Don’t Delay Returning for Medical Care

Clinical practices are taking measures to keep patients and providers safe.

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Delirium May Cause Long-Term Cognitive Decline

This rapid change in brain function is also linked to longer, more expensive hospital stays and increased mortality.

Neuroscience and Psychology

Why Are Memories Attached to Emotions So Strong?

Multiple neurons in the brain must fire in synchrony to create strong "emotional" memories.

Alzheimer's: New Gene May Drive Earliest Brain Changes

The finding could lead to new therapies that prevent Alzheimer’s and better ways of identifying people with the greatest risk of developing the disease.

3D Videos Reveal How the Nose Detects Odor Combinations

A study in mice provides a glimpse of how special cells in the nose help the brain to distinguish a near-infinite combinations of scents.

Earth, Climate and Environmental Science

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Children Exposed to Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Suffered Physical and Mental Health Effects

The study found that one-third of parents reported that children exposed to the Gulf Coast spill had mental health issues.

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Rethinking Readiness: A Brief Guide to 21st-Century Megadisasters

Jeffrey Schlegelmilch explores the menaces that could change not just lives or communities, but entire societies in an upcoming book.

blue sky and ice-covered mountains atop greenish water

Unusually Clear Skies to Blame for Record Loss of Greenland Ice

The ice sheet shrunk by hundreds of billions of tons last year, not just because of warm temperatures. Atmospheric circulation patterns also contributed to the rapid loss of mass.