Not Seeing...But Believing

How COVID reshaped our understanding of invisible air particles and the spread of disease

- CARL ZIMMER

Viruses, wildfires, emissions from manufacturing...the list of natural and man-made airborne contaminants is long. Our air quality is affected by nearby environmental factors, as well as ripple effects from thousands of miles away. Understanding how these factors affect our health and planet is crucial. In his upcoming book, AIR-BORNE: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE LIFE WE BREATHE (Dutton), award-winning science journalist Carl Zimmer chronicles the beginnings of the field of aerobiology, exploring how microorganisms, particles and pollutants populate the air we breathe-for good and ill. In this exclusive excerpt, Zimmer shares the story of how COVID-19 affected a small choir group and, more generally, how airborne viruses are transmitted and their implications for public health.

THE MUSICIANS WALKED ONSTAGE FIRST: THREE carrying violins, one a cello. The fifth sat down at a grand piano. They were greeted with waves of sound, as the audience applauded. The applause grew stronger as dozens of singers streamed out from both wings, the men in tuxedos, the women wearing bright scarves draped over black dresses. Older singers settled down in the two rows of chairs behind the musicians. The younger ones stepped onto the low bleachers behind the chairs.

Now all in place, they faced the audience. Out of the 90 people assembled onstage, four wore masks.