Contributor

B. David Zarley

Senior Staff Writer

Contact

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B. David Zarley is a senior staff writer for Freethink, where he covers health and medicine, including infectious disease, psychedelic research, mental health, and the brain. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia, his work has also appeared in The Atlantic, The Verge, Jezebel, Frieze, Sports Illustrated, VICE, Paste Magazine, and numerous other publications. He lives in Chicago and can be reached via Signal by request. Send him story ideas!

Outer Space

China Mars mission joins Emirates, with U.S. to follow

With each new Mars mission, the red planet renaissance heats up this July. China and newcomer the UAE are off-world, and NASA’s on deck.

B. David Zarley

The most impressive language generator yet

OpenAI’s GPT-3 is currently the talk of Twitter. The powerful language generator is writing everything from sci-fi to code.

B. David Zarley

Mental Health

Remote therapy is as effective as face-to-face, for depression

The pandemic has therapists' couches off limits. A new study finds that remote therapy may be as effective for depression as face-to-face, so I gave it a try.

B. David Zarley

Coronavirus

Doctors debate over using radiation therapy for COVID-19

Citing evidence from the past and recent, small trials, some doctors are calling for low-dose radiation therapy for COVID-19 patients. Controversy has followed.

B. David Zarley

Coronavirus

New NFL mouth shield could protect players from COVID-19

The NFL’s mouth shield is designed to stop respiratory droplets. But player’s reactions have been mixed.

B. David Zarley

Coronavirus

Bats may provide clues for treating COVID-19

Bats have long lives despite playing host to numerous viruses. Three scientists believe bats' immune systems may help develop new ways of treating COVID-19.

B. David Zarley

End-of-life AI

End-of-life and palliative care discussions with patients are crucial but difficult. Can AI help?

B. David Zarley

Coronavirus

Pandemic spurs search for alternatives to nursing homes

Senior living facilities have accounted for upwards of 40% of COVID-19 deaths in America. Is it time to look for alternatives to nursing homes?

B. David Zarley

Global Development

Loon is beaming balloon-based internet to Kenya

The Loon balloon-based internet platform looks to bring connectivity to those without it. The first commercial deployment is taking place high above Kenya.

B. David Zarley

Drugs

Psychedelic toad venom explained

5-MeO-DMT, a psychedelic found in toad venom, causes mushroom-intense trips that are over quick. Could it have more accessible therapeutic potential?

B. David Zarley