| Pfizer releases more promising news, the FDA approves the first at-home test, and Larry Brilliant offers his pandemic forecast. Here's what you should know: Headlines Pfizer and BioNTech release more promising vaccine news and prepare to apply for FDA authorization Pfizer and BioNTech announced today that new results show their coronavirus vaccine is 95 percent effective. Last week the companies said their vaccine was more than 90 percent effective after 94 of the trial's participants were infected. Now more than 170 volunteers have the disease, but only eight of them got the actual vaccine rather than the placebo. Only one of those eight developed a severe case. No detailed data has been released, and results haven't been independently reviewed. The companies say they now have the required data to apply for FDA authorization, which they plan to do in the coming days. FDA approves the first at-home coronavirus test kit The FDA has authorized the first at-home coronavirus test. Developed by Lucira Health, it involves swabbing the insides of the nose, then placing the swab in a vial, which is then placed in a "test unit" that gives results in half an hour. It's available with a prescription to anyone at least 14 years old, and can be used on younger people as well, if a health care provider takes care of the sample. While it's still unclear how fast Lucira will increase production, the test is made in the US and should cost under $50. Epidemiologist Larry Brilliant forecasts that we will beat Covid—after we go through hell Epidemiologist Larry Brilliant warns that this pandemic is fated to get worse before it gets better, with cases across the US on the rise and the holidays all but certain to accelerate spread further. Still, he tells WIRED, the advent of likely viable mRNA vaccines is "a circle-this-event in science," and will shave months, if not years, off the amount of time that this virus will seriously impact society. Daily Distraction HBO's How To With John Wilson is an ode to the surprises contained in the everyday, and a masterclass in paying close attention. Something to Read All of the ways we once understood the passage of time don't seem to work anymore. For new frameworks through which to process this strange reality, writer Laurie Penny turned to science fiction. Sanity Check This holiday season, give your loved ones something everyone could use right now: the gift of stress relief. One Question Can you get Covid-19 on an airplane? There's a lot we don't know about how Covid-19 spreads on airplanes. In planes where everything is working properly, the whole cabin gets an air change every two to three minutes, but there are still plenty of opportunities to risk exposure. Filtration and ventilation systems don't necessarily stay running when the plane is on the ground. People take their masks off for all kinds of things, and some airlines are starting to fill more seats. That's to say nothing of all the other parts of air travel—like baggage claim and rental car shuttles—that could put you in contact with the virus, too. Ultimately, air travel is risky enough that you should absolutely avoid flying if you can. Covid-19 Care Package ❓ From social distancing to viral spread to staying sane, here's everything we know and advise about the coronavirus. 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of days, depending on the surface. Here's an updated look at the research. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 Some of you are work-from-home pros, but if you're new to it, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can protect yourself and your family without spiraling and how to not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠 Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
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