The Covid-19 vaccines available in the United States are still highly effective at preventing hospitalization but their effectiveness against new infections has decreased as the Delta variant spread, according to new studies published on Aug. 18 in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. A different study suggests children’s noses may be better than adults’ at defending against infection because of “pre-activated” immunity against the coronavirus.

Weeks after Mammoth Biosciences announced the company’s CRISPR-based diagnostics test for COVID-19 had a high degree of specificity even for asymptomatic patients, the Bay Area-based firm struck a deal with GlaxoSmithKline to accelerate development of the test in hopes of getting them in consumer hands as soon as possible.