Amber Dance

Freelance science journalist

Amber Dance, Ph.D., an award-winning freelance science journalist based in Southern California, co-authors the Center's Health Divide column. She also contributes to publications including PNAS Front Matter, The Scientist, and Nature. She also edits books on a variety of topics.

After earning a doctorate in biology, Amber Dance re-trained in journalism as a way to engage her broad interest in science and share her enthusiasm with readers. She mainly writes about life sciences, with particular expertise in microbiology, cell biology, neuroscience and lab techniques.

Articles

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: Moderna files for child vax, White House to lower Paxlovid hurdles

Plus, President Biden’s plans to end pandemic-era restrictions on U.S. entry by asylum seekers are in jeopardy after judge's ruling.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: Legal battle ensues over masks on planes

Also, schools struggle to attract missing students, and new vaccine combo shows promise.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: COVID is getting tougher to track, while possible surge puts vulnerable at risk

Meanwhile, kids ages 5 through 11 could be lining up for their boosters within a month or so.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: COVID funds hit another stumbling block as FDA deliberates on boosters

Also, new reporting outlines how devastating COVID has been for those with diabetes.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: Boosters hold up against omicron but Black Americans hit hard in winter surge

Also, Moderna's announcement on a vaccine for young children gives long-waiting parents fresh hope.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: Another possible surge looms as world enters third year of pandemic

Meanwhile, crucial federal pandemic funding remains in limbo.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: Florida closes curtain on pandemic as scientists warn of brain effects

Meanwhile, experts urge U.S. to do more to prepare for the next phase of the pandemic.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: White House promises test-to-treat while Ukraine invasion threatens pandemic progress

Plus, emergency authorization for a COVID vaccine for young children could happen by April or, at the latest, May.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: Booster efficacy wanes; new antibody may help fill treatment gap

Also, booster protection wanes after four months, research finds, while shots for children under 5 remain in limbo.

coronavirus

Coronavirus Files: States drop masks; FDA pulls plug on early vax authorization for young kids

Also, a large new study of veterans finds COVID causes long-lasting heart problems. One prominent cardiologist called the results "stunning" and "worse than expected."