ESMH regularly publishes articles on topics related to science and new technologies that provoke a lot of media attention and that are important in the European context. Most importantly, the articles are written with the help of science writers in journalistic style and always provide the opinion of one or more scientists on the topic. The publications are accompanied by a selection of links to related information and with a focus on European research and knowledge in the field.
Articles

The Microbiome gut brain axis and the rise of psychobiotics
Communication between our gut and our brain is a two-way street. A large part of the signals being sent from our intestines to our brain is thanks to the bacteria living inside us, our microbiome. Our gut microbes have been linked to anxiety and depression. Research is ongoing to see if we can manipulate our bacterial populations to benefit our mental health.

COVID-19: How uncertainty affects our consumer behaviour
As the COVID-19 is spreading rapidly around the world without treatment or a vaccine, uncertainty and fear prevails, leading many people to stockpile food, cleaning products and toilet paper. But is this a reasonable response in the face of a pandemic crisis?

CONCISE Project : a European-wide debate on science communication
How do citizens keep themselves informed about the most controversial scientific issues? Which sources of information do they choose? A two-year project aims to answer these questions in order to obtain valuable information on communication to the public, to be taken into account for the near future.

The differences between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2
Although according to the World Health Organization the novel coronavirus is primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes, some scientists suggest we should also consider the possibility of aerosol transmission. As the pandemic continues to unfold, research and discussions are ongoing to determine how best to tackle it. Two leading experts offer their opinions, alongside an exploration into some of the vital research being conducted.

Vaccine perspectives for COVID-19 – Interview with Prof. Rino Rappuoli & Prof. Sarah Gilbert
Covid-19 urges policy makers and the big pharma to fasten vaccine developments and possible treatments for the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Will the vaccine be specific to Covid-19 only, or will it be suitable for all SARS coronaviruses? Will it be suitable to all ages? What are the greatest challenges of vaccine production processes and why does it take so long?

Ilaria Capua: A preparedness plan against unknown viruses is crucial for Europe
Interview on COVID-19 with Ilaria Capua, DVM, PhD, Director of the One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, University of Florida, USA. There are tests for COVID-19 which detects the virus, other which detects antibodies. Could you briefly describe the differences of these two tests? The rapid spread of the outbreak required rapid ...

Urban health: making cities sustainable and healthier for all
The current Covid-19 pandemic draws attention to the need to integrate health equity into urban planning. It encourages behaviours that both protect the environment and promote health.

Which way for EU data governance during COVID-19?
Since the unprecedented outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the use of data has extensively been discussed. What obstacles do scientists, public health officials and private companies face when processing datasets? And how much digital privacy can EU citizens afford in times of crisis?