Muumuu

• Ian Sample, WHO monitoring new coronavirus variant named Mu, The Guardian, September 1, 2021

The Mu variant, also known as B.1.621, was added to the WHO’s watchlist on 30 August after it was detected in 39 countries and found to possess a cluster of mutations that may make it less susceptible to the immune protection many have acquired. [Read more].

Born to Live

We tend to think of parasites as harmful, itchy, nasty, creepy crawlies. But these strange, beautiful creatures have many uses – and they need our help. [Read more].

• Mackenzie Kwak, No wildlife charity campaigns to save parasites. But they should, The Guardian, February 9, 2017

The head of a dog tapeworm. The prevailing idea in biology is that parasites are simply harmful. But research is starting to challenge this. Photo: Spike Walker/Wellcome Trust/PA.