From bogus miracle cures and dangerous conspiracy theories to powerful shows of weaponry, across the globe, the coronavirus pandemic is evoking all manner of magical thinking.
Coronavirus Is Killing the Hope of AsylumThe pandemic has deepened the crisis for the millions of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers who have nowhere to turn in the face of closed ports and seas emptied of rescue boats.
Venice’s Black Death and the Dawn of QuarantineArchaeological research is unearthing Venice’s quarantine history to illuminate how the Italian city created a vast public health response 700 years ago and helped lay the modern foundation for coping with pandemics.
The Tragic Intersection of the Coronavirus and EcotourismThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the flaws and risks in a supposedly sustainable model of travel. The crisis may push ecotourism advocates to consider new strategies.
Could COVID-19 Permanently Change Hand Hygiene?An anthropologist tackles the slippery subject of hand sanitization in a world torn between concerns over contagion and antibiotic resistance.
What’s Wrong With “the Chinese Virus”?An anthropologist explores the controversial labels for COVID-19.
Gasping for Air in the Time of COVID-19Suffocating air pollution and a fog of censored information in China are leading to higher fatalities from the virus. Will this outbreak clear the air?
Why Face Masks Are Going ViralAs the new coronavirus epidemic spreads, more and more people are wearing surgical masks—despite their questionable effectiveness. An anthropologist explores the reasons why.
The Neanderthal Ear—Prone to Irritating InfectionsSkeletal remains show signs of flat ear tubes and bony growths that suggest Neanderthal ears were plagued by bacteria.
How Belonging Shapes the Vaccination CrisisWhy do some people vaccinate their kids? Why do others reject vaccinations? An anthropologist offers important insights into the social forces that underpin these vital decisions that affect public health.
