POSTCARDS FROM THE UK: Delta Delta Delta
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Cases continue to rise here in the UK, despite very high vaccination levels. The Delta variant now comprises over 90% of infections in the UK and is estimated to be 40-50% more transmissible than the previously dominant Alpha variant. The steep rise in cases despite high vaccination levels is a cautionary tale to the US Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Are hospitalizations for COVID-19 becoming more common in adolescents?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: In a recent study released by the CDC, hospitalization rates for adolescents aged 12-17 were highest in early January 2021, decreased in March, and then increased a little in April. The good news: this is a point in time and looks like rates are going back down. The bad news: even though severe illness Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Cases are coming down. Am I now safe from COVID-19 even if I’m unvaccinated?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, not yet. In some U.S states case and hospitalization rates AMONG the unvaccinated are still as high as during the winter surge. We recently highlighted the good news of declining cases in the U.S. While this is still true overall, the statistics obscure higher rates among those who are not vaccinated. With vaccines Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
Cases continue to rise here in the UK, despite very high vaccination levels. The Delta variant now comprises over 90% of infections in the UK and is estimated to be 40-50% more transmissible than the previously dominant Alpha variant. The steep rise in cases despite high vaccination levels is a cautionary tale to the US Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Are hospitalizations for COVID-19 becoming more common in adolescents?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: In a recent study released by the CDC, hospitalization rates for adolescents aged 12-17 were highest in early January 2021, decreased in March, and then increased a little in April. The good news: this is a point in time and looks like rates are going back down. The bad news: even though severe illness Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Cases are coming down. Am I now safe from COVID-19 even if I’m unvaccinated?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, not yet. In some U.S states case and hospitalization rates AMONG the unvaccinated are still as high as during the winter surge. We recently highlighted the good news of declining cases in the U.S. While this is still true overall, the statistics obscure higher rates among those who are not vaccinated. With vaccines Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Are hospitalizations for COVID-19 becoming more common in adolescents?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: In a recent study released by the CDC, hospitalization rates for adolescents aged 12-17 were highest in early January 2021, decreased in March, and then increased a little in April. The good news: this is a point in time and looks like rates are going back down. The bad news: even though severe illness Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Cases are coming down. Am I now safe from COVID-19 even if I’m unvaccinated?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, not yet. In some U.S states case and hospitalization rates AMONG the unvaccinated are still as high as during the winter surge. We recently highlighted the good news of declining cases in the U.S. While this is still true overall, the statistics obscure higher rates among those who are not vaccinated. With vaccines Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Are hospitalizations for COVID-19 becoming more common in adolescents?
Data and Metrics Families/KidsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: In a recent study released by the CDC, hospitalization rates for adolescents aged 12-17 were highest in early January 2021, decreased in March, and then increased a little in April. The good news: this is a point in time and looks like rates are going back down. The bad news: even though severe illness Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Cases are coming down. Am I now safe from COVID-19 even if I’m unvaccinated?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, not yet. In some U.S states case and hospitalization rates AMONG the unvaccinated are still as high as during the winter surge. We recently highlighted the good news of declining cases in the U.S. While this is still true overall, the statistics obscure higher rates among those who are not vaccinated. With vaccines Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: In a recent study released by the CDC, hospitalization rates for adolescents aged 12-17 were highest in early January 2021, decreased in March, and then increased a little in April. The good news: this is a point in time and looks like rates are going back down. The bad news: even though severe illness Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Cases are coming down. Am I now safe from COVID-19 even if I’m unvaccinated?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, not yet. In some U.S states case and hospitalization rates AMONG the unvaccinated are still as high as during the winter surge. We recently highlighted the good news of declining cases in the U.S. While this is still true overall, the statistics obscure higher rates among those who are not vaccinated. With vaccines Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Cases are coming down. Am I now safe from COVID-19 even if I’m unvaccinated?
Data and Metrics Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, not yet. In some U.S states case and hospitalization rates AMONG the unvaccinated are still as high as during the winter surge. We recently highlighted the good news of declining cases in the U.S. While this is still true overall, the statistics obscure higher rates among those who are not vaccinated. With vaccines Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: No, not yet. In some U.S states case and hospitalization rates AMONG the unvaccinated are still as high as during the winter surge. We recently highlighted the good news of declining cases in the U.S. While this is still true overall, the statistics obscure higher rates among those who are not vaccinated. With vaccines Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number Read more…
I thought that Peru was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. What is the situation there now?
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: Peru has one of the highest excess death rates in the world and more than 47,000 people in Peru have died from COVID-19 as of March 2021 with excess deaths at nearly 2,600 per million (from a population of 32 million). How did this happen? TL; DR: Controlling COVID-19 requires many public health measures Read more…
How many US children have lost a parent to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Families/KidsLauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
TL; DR. About 40,000 children (ages 0-17) in the US have lost a parent to COVID-19. Today, we interview Nerdy Guest Dr. Rachel Kidman to discuss her recent research on this topic. Dr. Kidman is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and teaches in their Program in Public Health. She is a social epidemiologist Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and MetricsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lauren Hale will be tackling questions about vaccines, takeout food, daylight savings time, and the ways in which kids are (and are not) like vaccinated grandmas. ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:55) Related Link to Data Hero Awards ➡️ Sleep and the effects of Daylight Saving Time on Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and MetricsLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/KidsLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents getting tested in the hospital so they can be counted as COVID-19 deaths, or the infamous line that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Any new updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout outside the U.S.?
Data and Metrics VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and Metrics
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
A. Yes, there are new updates! And while there is reason for optimism, there is still a long, long way to go in many countries. We previously posted about the status of the global vaccine rollout roughly a month ago. Some countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAB) were doing a great job Read more…
500,000 deaths in the US
Data and MetricsAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
Today we take a moment to remember each and every person who died of COVID-19 in the last 11 months — 500,000 deaths in the US as of yesterday. Large numbers are hard to put into context. In our absence of words to capture the trauma and tragedy of this massive societal and personal loss, Read more…
What accounts for the recent drop in COVID-19 cases in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
Q: It looks like Covid-19 infection rates have dropped significantly in the US since the vaccine became available. Is the vaccine already having an impact? What else would account for the drop?” A: Of all the possible explanations — vaccination, immunity from prior infection, behavior change, seasonality, and less testing — the best answer seems to Read more…
