Erin Prater

Stay informed with Erin Prater’s coverage and analysis for Fortune.

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People wearing masks amidst rising concerns about the new, highly mutated COVID variant JN.1, as seen in Kolkata, India, on Dec. 27, 2023. BA.2.86, a close ancestor of JN.1, may cause more severe disease, according to two new studies published Monday.

New, highly mutated COVID variants ‘Pirola’ BA.2.86 and JN.1 may cause more severe disease, new studies suggest

With COVID testing at all-time lows, wastewater is now the best and quickest way to gauge the growth of the virus, experts say. Other indicators, like hospitalizations and deaths, only reflect the most severe cases and lag by several weeks.

Highly mutated COVID variant ‘Pirola’ JN.1 is fueling the pandemic’s second highest U.S. wave—and it’s still growing

The new, highly mutated COVID variant JN.1—dubbed “Pirola” by volunteer variant trackers—has achieved global dominance. And like Omicron, it came flying out of left field. It could represent the next chapter of the COIVD pandemic.

‘Pirola’ JN.1 is the probable future of the COVID pandemic, experts warn—but you didn’t hear it from the WHO

Artistic rendering of a COVID-19 pathogen

COVID-19 variant JN.1 symptoms: Is ‘Pirola’ different from other Omicron spawn?

"Pirola" JN.1, a highly mutated COVID strain, is the wildcard in this season's winter respiratory disease forecast, experts say.

JN.1—a new, highly mutated COVID variant—could cause one of the largest U.S. waves yet, experts say. When each state could see the variant peak

Roughly half of the U.S. population has diabetes or its predecessor. It makes us a nation of sick people, experts say—driving up the country’s health care infrastructure and staffing needs and the cost of health care, and harming the economy in a way never seen before in U.S. history.

Nearly half of the U.S. population has diabetes or prediabetes—and many have no clue. Are you among them?

A teacher from a drawing academy is painting posters to raise awareness about the ongoing surge of the JN.1 COVID variant, which is spreading in the Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, in Mumbai, India, on Dec. 19. The World Health Organization declared JN.1 a "variant of interest" on Dec. 19, second only in alert level to "variant of concern."

JN.1, the WHO’s newest ‘variant of interest,’ has spiked COVID wastewater levels to all-time highs in some countries. What you need to know about the ‘Pirola’ offshoot

Cropped shot of a pregnant woman feeling nauseous

Researchers have finally discovered the cause of morning sickness in pregnancy—and may be close to a cure

Two smoothie bowls topped with banana, nuts, seeds and coconut.<br />
Some leaves, wooden spoons, peanut butter and spices are covering the white background.

Chia seeds are a superfood that could help combat world hunger and climate change, researchers say

A new study from Harvard provides preliminary evidence that daydreams are involved in neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt due to factors like injury and learning.

Daydreaming could amplify learning, a new study shows. Why researchers are touting the importance of ‘quiet wakefulness’

Coronavirus COVID-19 and lung in like x-ray image.

Pneumonia is the No. 1 cause of hospital admission in kids and adults. Watch for these signs and symptoms

Some of the most common post-pregnancy conditions, which can last for months or even years after birth, include pain during sex, lower back pain, and incontinence, according to a new series published Wednesday in The Lancet Global Health.

A third of women suffer long-term medical consequences after giving birth. These 9 ‘underreported’ health problems are impacting millions

In this picture taken on Nov. 7, a doctor (not pictured) examines the X-ray of child with breathing difficulties at the emergency ward of the government-run Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya children hospital in New Delhi. Increased reports of pneumonia in many countries, including “white lung” pneumonia in U.S. children, have some parents worried. But “white lung” pneumonia isn’t a medical term, experts say.

What is ‘white lung’ pneumonia, and why is it reportedly on the rise in kids? What parents need to know

Taylor Swift performs on stage at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on Nov. 9 in Buenos Aires. Prior to the Eras tour, Swift approached touring a bit lackadaisically, “like a frat guy,” she told TIME in December, after being chosen as the magazine's Person of the Year. When it came to The Eras tour, however, she began training six months in advance.

Taylor Swift’s intense preparation for the iconic Eras Tour included specialized workouts and a daylong recovery routine

Illustration by Anna Parini

Booming eldercare industry, dizzying choices: 5 things to keep in mind when choosing a retirement home for Mom or Dad