Why there's a little black spot on the sun today

Every 11 years, the sun's magnetic field flips. It all starts with a show of black sunspots on its surface, Max Planck scientist Robert Cameron explains. DW: Why do we observe the sun? We know it gives us light, but that we should avoid looking directly at it. And we know we can't go there, as with ... Read full article »

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Behaving 'ethically' in times of a pandemic

Are we doing too little for elderly coronavirus victims (and potential ones) — or sacrificing too much? Why can't we test vaccines on people who want to get COVID-19 anyway? And how can we navigate this crisis, certain in the knowledge that we've behaved morally throughout? Enter the field of bioeth[...] Read full article »

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The stillbirth question

During the coronavirus pandemic, stillbirths have increased at alarming rates. But why? We ask Asma Khalil — a professor of obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine from St. George’s Hospital in London — why these tragic pregnancy outcomes have increased and what expectant parents can do. Read full article »

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Germany's top virologist on what lies ahead

What's coming next in the coronavirus pandemic? Which countries are the cause for most concern? And when will it all be over? Germany's most prominent virologist, Christian Drosten, gives his prognosis. Read full article »

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Weekly roundup — Mini-brains, African swine fever & what to expect

Just how does COVID-19 impact the brain? A look at human brain organoids connects the dots. Also, we hear the latest from Germany's top virologist, Christian Drosten, break down the many types of coronavirus tests, and find out why you should care about a dead wild boar. Read full article »

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Arctic ice shrinks to 2nd lowest level on record

US scientists say the world is heading towards a "seasonally ice-free Arctic Ocean." Germany's research ship Polarstern is on its way home after even reaching the North Pole through open water patches. The Arctic's sea ice had shrunk last week to 3.74 million square kilometers (1.44 million square ... Read full article »

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Botswana: Bacteria in water behind mass elephant deaths

Upwards of 300 elephants died in the Southern African country this year, baffling and alarming conservationists. After months of research, government officials say they have identified the cause. Toxins in water produced by cyanobacteria was likely responsible for more than 300 elephant deaths in Botswana ... Read full article »

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Coronavirus: Can European countries avoid a second lockdown?

From empty city centers to shut businesses, this spring's coronavirus lockdowns are seared in the memories of many Europeans. Governments on the continent are desperate to avoid imposing such drastic measures again. "Catastrophic," "disastrous," and "devastating" — ... Read full article »

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EU plans international coronavirus tracing network

Starting in October, a number of EU member states will launch a cross-border coronavirus tracing network. But France, where infection numbers are at a record high, will not join the scheme. There is considerable cross-border traffic between Germany and France. Daily, German and French nationals cross ... Read full article »

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Put to the test

We're testing for COVID-19 more than ever, but what does that tell us? With more than 350 products worldwide, what do people need to know about the different types of tests? Today we ask — what's the latest in testing and who's doing it right? Read full article »

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