Ideas special report

Ending Lyme Disease

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are affected by Lyme disease each year, a number that will continue to grow as the ticks that carry the disease expand their territory. Researchers are taking steps to stop the disease, which has been surrounded by confusion and fear. How close are they to a solution?

Editorial: Time to Take Lyme Seriously

It will take two things to end Lyme disease: first, adequate funding for research and prevention, and second, a determination to take the problem seriously as a public health threat.

Relief in a Vaccine

As the threat of Lyme disease grows, researchers are working on new vaccine approaches. But don’t expect one soon.

Modified Mice?

As Lyme disease casts a shadow over our outdoor expeditions, MIT researchers have proposed using gene editing to fight the disease.

The Controversy Over ‘Chronic Lyme’

Advocates have played a vital role in bringing attention to Lyme disease. But have the #lymewarriors taken it too far?

The Forest is Not Safe

There’s much to worry about when we go outside. But one Lyme patient warns that when fear keeps us indoors, there’s too much we stand to lose.

How Lyme Was Discovered

Dr. Allen Steere led the research that led to the discovery of Lyme disease. Here’s what he thinks should happen now.

Your Guide to Ticks

The best way to prevent tick bites and the diseases they carry: Know your ticks and how to avoid them.

The Tick Detective

David Allen is working to understand what’s driving the abundance of deer ticks and their infection rate with the Lyme disease bacteria.

A Handsome Solution

Deer are needed to spread Lyme disease. What if we brought back their natural predators?

9 myths about Lyme disease, debunked

Doozies, whoppers, and simple misunderstandings about these miniature menaces.

Not just for hikers anymore

The menacing mites have invaded suburban backyards and even parts of Boston. And Lyme disease isn’t the only thing they carry.