The WHO is seeking a new treaty on handling future pandemics. It could be a hard sell At a special session this week, the World Health Organization hopes to start sketching out a new world order. "We don't have rules of the game," says WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Jason Beaubien
How vaccine makers plan to address the new COVID-19 omicron variant A new coronavirus variant, first discovered in South Africa, has begun to spread around the globe. Vaccine producers say they're working to get ahead of the new strain. Dustin Jones
The consequences of hacking our dreams As advertisers explore the potential to market products while we sleep, a group of scientists are concerned what possible downsides could come with hacking dreams.
Peru has the world's highest COVID death rate. Here's why An isolated city on the Amazon illustrates why Peru has the highest COVID death rate in the world. One infectious disease expert called the country's awful record the result of a "perfect storm." Jason Beaubien
At least 2 people in the U.K. have the omicron variant, health secretary says The cases involve travel to southern Africa, where the latest COVID variant of concern was first identified, the British health secretary said. No cases have been identified in the U.S. so far. Nicole Hernandez
WHO is trying to start outlining international rules for COVID outbreaks Representatives from 194 countries will start negotiations on a possible new pandemic treaty. Officials say a lack of clarity on countries' obligations has hindered the response to COVID. Jason Beaubien
New coronavirus variant omicron is classified as a 'variant of concern' A variant now named omicron, first detected in South Africa, prompted new overseas travel restrictions in Europe and a special World Health Organization meeting on Friday. Michaeleen Doucleff
What to know about omicron, the new COVID variant The World Health Organization deemed it a variant of concern, and the U.S. is banning travel from parts of Africa where it's spreading. Here's what scientists know and what they're trying to learn. Michaeleen Doucleff
Morning news brief Europe and Asia are facing COVID-19 surges. Iran nuclear deal talks resume. And, Americans are buying more than ever.
What's causing the COVID-19 surges in Europe and Asia The surge in COVID-19 infections in Europe is being matched in South Korea. Like Germany, that country might be the victim of its own early success when the pandemic first started