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Spring 2024

Disease

Coronavirus illustration
Fall 2021

COVID-19 research at WSU

COVID-19 spurred a lot research around Washington State University. The stories below represent some highlights of that research.

Read a quick round-up of more WSU research around COVID-19.

Bat research critical to preventing next pandemic
The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a likely connection to bats, and the next viral outbreak probably will too, unless scientists can quickly learn more about the thousands of viruses carried by one of the most diverse mammals on the planet.

Bracing for the next pandemic
Inside his laboratory at WSU, Michael Letko is determined to give the world a leg up … » More …

vaccine vial
Winter 2020

The lost history of polio at Washington State

The message was so important that it was repeated twice above the fold.

The February 8, 1928, issue of The Evergreen exclaimed on both sides of the masthead, “All college entertainment features, athletic contests and social events have been cancelled until further notice is given as a precaution against the spread of infantile paralysis.”

Infantile paralysis is an old synonym for poliomyelitis, or polio, a viral disease that causes muscle pain, weakness, stiffness, and paralysis. At one time, it was among the most feared diseases in the United States.

In early 1928, a student at Washington State College died from the disease, and the college … » More …