Tag: research

How climate change ‘exacerbates’ wildfires in the American West

11.17.20.

As large parts of California and the Pacific Northwest are beset by wildfires, the issue of climate change has taken on prominence in the national political conversation. Scientists increasingly point to rising temperatures and extreme dryness as exacerbating wildfires, but what other factors are involved? Science correspondent Miles O’Brien joins William Brangham to discuss. TRANSCRIPT…
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What we know about the search for a COVID-19 vaccine — and what we don’t

07.23.20.

The question of when a COVID-19 vaccine might be available is perhaps the most pressing in the world. There have been a number of recent headlines on this front, including early but encouraging results from trials. And on Wednesday, the Trump administration awarded a contract to Pfizer and a German biotech firm to potentially deliver…
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New COVID-19 model shows why early action matters

05.22.20.

A newly released analysis of coronavirus’ spread in the U.S. suggests a haunting hypothetical: that if social distancing and stay-at-home orders had been implemented only a week earlier, more than 30,000 lives might have been saved. But that alternate scenario relies upon computer-based modeling that has its limitations. PBS NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien joins…
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What computer-based models can tell us about coronavirus — and what they can’t

05.21.20.

For months, scientists and public officials have relied upon computer-based models to try to predict the trajectory or the coronavirus outbreak. But models are not crystal balls, and all of them involve human assumptions. PBS NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien reports on how the efforts that go into making these models — and their ultimate…
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Why antibody tests, a crucial step toward overcoming COVID-19, are still unreliable

04.30.20.

Testing, both for active cases of COVID-19 and for antibodies indicating prior exposure to the disease, will be critical to resuming economic activity. In addition, scientists are racing to develop therapies for people who do get infected — especially those who become seriously ill. PBS NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien joins Judy Woodruff to discuss…
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Watch our PBS FRONTLINE documentary: Coronavirus Pandemic

04.23.20.

How did the U.S. become the country with the worst known coronavirus outbreak in the world? FRONTLINE investigates the American response to COVID-19 — from Washington state to Washington, D.C. — and examines what happens when politics and science collide. Written, directed, and produced by Miles O’Brien – with help from the Miles O’Brien Productions crew…
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