Devika Rao

New York

Staff Writer at The Week Magazine (US)

Staff writer at @TheWeek focusing on technology, environment and science

Articles

Mucus: the multipurpose disease preventor

3 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

While we may think of mucus as merely the slimy substance that clogs our nose and gets blown into a tissue, it is so much more. It lines several body organs, acting as a first line of defense against foreign invaders as well as aiding essential body functions like digestion and illness prevention. Scientists are also taking inspiration from mucus for new disease-fighting treatments. What is mucus made of?
This Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above average

3 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, spanning from June 1 to Nov. 30. A variety of environmental conditions have increased the chances of strong storms, and damages are only expected to worsen as agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and NOAA are defunded by the Trump administration. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to have between 13 and 19 named storms.
Patient Care Means Checking My Ego at the Door

3 weeks ago | opmed.doximity.com | Devika Rao |Neha Sahota |Jessica Reeves |Shannon Fang

I felt tears forming. I hastened out of the exam room, shielding my face from the medical student assigned to me. A mother of a patient had admonished me loudly for overstepping my bounds, accusing me of not knowing anything about her child. She pointed her finger at me, her eyes large and wide with anger. That evening, I received an email from the medical student: "Dr. Rao," he wrote, "I know today was hard, but I want you to know you're a fantastic physician.
New World Screwworm: a resurgence of the deadly parasite

3 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

The New World Screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasite, is spreading across Mexico. This has led to a suspension of cattle imports from Mexico to the U.S. Without intervention, the parasite will propagate further, affecting livestock, wildlife and potentially even humans. How bad is New World Screwworm? NWS is a deadly parasitic that can "kill a full-grown cow within one to two weeks," said .
The New World screwworm is making a deadly comeback

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Devika Rao

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The New World screwworm is on the move through Mexico and could arrive in the US . | Credit: Dinar Bud / Getty ImagesA flesh-eating parasite is spreading throughout Mexico and rapidly moving northward.
Is the world losing scientific innovation?

4 weeks ago | msn.com | Devika Rao

Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Is the world losing scientific innovation?

4 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

Groundbreaking scientific discoveries disrupt and change the world as we know it. With technology and scientific knowledge at an all-time high, one might expect that new envelope-pushing information would be turning up left and right. However, new papers and patents are "increasingly less likely to break with the past in ways that push science and technology in new directions," said a that determined there was a new lack of disruptive scientific discoveries.
Women need more pain management during gynecological procedures

1 month ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

Some gynecological procedures can be incredibly painful, and now medical experts are finally acknowledging the need for change. Women's pain has often been dismissed by doctors, something that's especially true for women of color. But new pain management recommendations could help bridge the gap in patient care and renew trust in medical professionals.
Women need more pain management during gynecological procedures

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Devika Rao

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The way women are treated in health care settings has led to distrust of medical professionals. | Credit: Illustration by Marian Femenias Moratinos / Getty ImagesSome gynecological procedures can be incredibly painful, and now medical experts are acknowledging the need for change. Women's pain has often been dismissed by doctors, an occurrence that's especially true for women of color.
How the AI takeover might affect women more than men

1 month ago | msn.com | Devika Rao

Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.