Breakthrough infections aren't vaccine failures

+ explaining the new CDC mask mandate US Edition - Today's top story: What is a breakthrough infection? 6 questions answered about catching COVID-19 after vaccination [View in browser]( US Edition | 28 July 2021 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair As a journalist who’s been covering the pandemic for more months than I care to count, I sometimes get bogged down in the minutiae of the science. I forget that not everyone has been poring through the intricate ins and outs of virology and epidemiology and vaccinology. So I need to remind myself to listen when my colleagues at The Conversation who aren’t on the science desk ask the same simple question over and over. That was the genesis of Vanderbilt vaccine expert Sanjay Mishra’s article that publishes today. I turned to him because I knew he would be able to comb through the cutting-edge research and gather some solid numbers to answer the question: [What is a breakthrough infection](? Also today: - [Protecting Miami from flooding – without ruining the view]( - [The ancient Greek games were a playground for elite men]( - [Who is Pedro Castillo, Peru’s new president?]( Maggie Villiger Senior Science + Technology Editor Today's newsletter supported by [MarketWatch]( Vaccines don’t ward off every single infection but they do massively lower the risk. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images [What is a breakthrough infection? 6 questions answered about catching COVID-19 after vaccination]( Sanjay Mishra, Vanderbilt University Vaccines can’t provide 100% protection, so it’s not a failure or surprise when some vaccinated people get sick with COVID-19. The good news is their cases are much less likely to be severe or fatal. Health - [Here’s why the CDC recommends wearing masks indoors even if you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19]( Peter Chin-Hong, University of California, San Francisco The CDC guidance applies to areas with high coronavirus transmission rates – which on the day of the announcement covered 63% of US counties. - [Health apps track vital health stats for millions of people, but doctors aren’t using the data – here’s how it could reduce costs and patient outcomes]( Saligrama Agnihothri, Binghamton University, State University of New York Connecting health apps to health care can enable better care for patients with chronic diseases, and it has the potential to lower skyrocketing US health spending. Ethics + Religion - [Not everyone cheered the ancient Olympic games, but the sacred games brought together rival societies]( Joel Christensen, Brandeis University A scholar of ancient Greek literature explains what the Olympics of modern day have in common with the 776 B.C. games at Olympia. Environment + Energy - [A 20-foot sea wall won’t save Miami – how living structures can help protect the coast and keep the paradise vibe]( Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos, University of Miami; Brian Haus, University of Miami Healthy corals and mangroves break waves and dissipate their energy. Paired with unobtrusive hardened structures, they can provide powerful storm solutions. - [The invasive spotted lanternfly is spreading across the eastern US – here’s what you need to know about this voracious pest]( Frank A. Hale, University of Tennessee The spotted lanternfly, native to Asia, is spreading fast since arriving in the United States seven years ago. An entomologist explains why this is a big problem. Politics + Society - [Peru has a new president, its fifth in five years – who is Pedro Castillo?]( Catesby Holmes, The Conversation Castillo is a farmer and teacher who has never held national office. Peru is a nation in political turmoil, with the world’s worst COVID-19 death rate. Can this unlikely leader lead it through crisis? Education - [Lessons from segregated schools can help make today’s classrooms more inclusive]( Sara Schley, Rochester Institute of Technology; Lissa Ramirez-Stapleton, California State University, Northridge Two scholars of inclusive education explain how segregated Black schools advocated for Black children in a way that’s often missing from today’s desegregated classrooms. Economy + Business - [Millions of renters face eviction and homelessness: 3 essential reads about the CDC’s expiring moratorium]( Bryan Keogh, The Conversation Millions of Americans with tens of billions in unpaid rent face eviction and loss of their home. Trending on Site - [Worried about traveling with unvaccinated kids? 6 questions answered on how to manage the risks]( William C. Miller, The Ohio State University Parents face tough choices since young kids can’t yet get COVID-19 vaccinations. An infectious diseases expert offers guidance on navigating summer activities. - [COVID-19 could cause male infertility and sexual dysfunction – but vaccines do not]( Ranjith Ramasamy, University of Miami New studies show men who have had COVID-19 could face serious reproductive health issues. - [Swimming gives your brain a boost – but scientists don’t know yet why it’s better than other aerobic activities]( Seena Mathew, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Mounting research shows that going for a swim can preserve memories, reduce mood disorders and increase mental acuity in all age groups. --------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s graphic [A chart comparing the percentage of American and Canadian dads that engage in different behaviors.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451