One of the things I love about reading science non-fiction books is that it’s never “just about the science.” Rather, it’s about how science has shaped the world and how what was happening in the world shaped research, treatments, and the way we as a society think about disease and health.
Every year, I set a small reading goal and track my progress in one of those reading apps. I started using Storygraph last year and set a goal of 12 books. Small for some, but I met last year’s goal with no problem. 🙂
Influenza causes an estimated 500,000 deaths each year and tests that detect the virus are key to treating, and preventing the spread of, influenza. Towards this end, scientists from University of Würzburg are now working on a test that allows people all over the world to taste their flu infection (think: chewing gum, lollipops, lozenges)….
Originally published October 9, 2024. Updated October 17, 2025. Pharmacies and doctors start booking flu vaccine appointments in late August, long before the number of flu cases are on the rise. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October. But most years, flu cases don’t peak for a couple months. So why September or…
Note: As an Amazon Associate I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from links in this post (affiliate disclosure). It has been a while since I read an actual book so at the beginning of this year, I set a goal: 12 books this year (as of now, I’ve read six). The first of these…