The outbreak of a new coronavirus is wreaking havoc worldwide. In China, the epicentre of the epidemic, the virus has infected tens of thousands of people and killed some 2,600. Unprecedented measures meant to contain the spread have brought millions of lives to a halt, and the effects have touched economies and global supply chains. The restrictions have also brought challenges to scientists. Some have suspended their usual research to study the coronavirus. Others have had their work or personal lives disrupted by laboratory closures and travel restrictions. In a Nature reader poll, more than 600 of you told us that the coronavirus had affected your lives. These are some of your stories.