Story quotes an editorial written by Danny Jacobs, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, regarding treating appendicitis through surgery or antibiotics.

In a story about the heightened health risk of night-shift workers, Andrew McHill, Ph.D., says, “When you’re doing things at nonoptimal times, such as sleeping during the day or being awake and eating at night, you’re misaligning those things. It leads to a whole host of issues because your body isn’t prepared for it.”

In a story about a new study examining disparities in the use of pulse oximeters for Black patients, Gopal Allada, M.D., says the paper “gave us new knowledge that we likely weren’t appreciating before.”

Story cites collaborative research involving the University of Washington and Jacob Raber, Ph.D., indicating that the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the brain.

In the latest in a series of interviews, Dawn Nolt, M.D., answers questions from children. She says, “I would ask parents to answer the kids’ questions with calm and honesty, even if you don’t know the answer, and reassure the kids that everyone is working hard to keep people safe.”

New study by James Frank, Ph.D., reveals use of miniature device with photoswitchable properties implanted in the brains of mice.

An OpEd, written by Alex Foster, M.D., M.P.H., and Ben Hoffman, M.D., supports the safe re-opening of in-person learning to benefit the well-being of children.

Carlos Crespo, Dr.P.H. comments on expectations for COVID-19 in 2021. He warns, “The worst is yet to come. Primarily because we are right now at a very unique spot where people are traveling and this is the scary part.”

Story features Tanya Denne, N.D., a Baker City native and former OHSU volunteer who is working to analyze the neuroprotective properties of the plant Mucana for its potential in treating Parkinson’s disease.

In a story about the rollout of vaccines nationwide, Mark Slifka, Ph.D., says it will take time before masks and other public health measures are no longer necessary. He says, “It will occur when the community is immune, then the transmissions go down, and then communities can drop the mandates.”