Research out today in the journal Cell shows that a specific change in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus virus genome, previously associated with increased viral transmission and the spread of COVID-19, is more infectious in cell culture.
Using flow visualization of emulated coughs and sneezes, researchers assessed the efficacy of facemasks in obstructing droplets. Loosely folded facemasks and bandana-style coverings provide minimal stopping-capability for the smallest aerosolized respiratory droplets. Well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric, and off-the-shelf cone style masks, proved to be the most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. Importantly, uncovered coughs were able to travel noticeably farther than the currently recommended 6-foot distancing guideline. Without a mask, droplets traveled more than 8 feet.
In a new analysis of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, test results for nearly 38,000 people has found a positivity rate among Latinx populations about three times higher than for any other racial and ethnic group. The findings, published June 18 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), add to evidence that there are much higher COVID-19 infection rates among U.S. minorities, particularly in Latinx communities.
• Cambridge-led modelling looks at population-level facemask use. • The more people use facemasks in public, the smaller the ‘R’. • Even basic homemade masks significantly reduce transmission at a population level. • Researchers call for information campaigns – “my mask protects you, your mask protects me” – that encourage the making and wearing of facemasks.
A two-drug immunotherapy combination first proposed by a Roswell Park team as an approach for treating cancer will soon be available to cancer patients with COVID-19 through a clinical trial at the Buffalo, N.Y., cancer center.
Newswise Live Expert Panel for May 7, 2020: Food Security, Supply Chains, Meat Shortages
Ventilators have gotten a lot of attention in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. But hundreds of hospitals around the world have another, less-publicized weapon that might help some of the most desperately ill patients survive when ventilators aren’t enough. It's called ECMO.
The U.S. is likely to see a near-term 24% drop in employment, 17% percent drop in wages, and 22% drop in economic activity as a result of the COVID-19 crisis according to a new study. These impacts will be very unevenly distributed, with the bottom quarter of earners at risk of a 42% loss in employment and bearing a 30% share of total wage losses. In contrast, the study estimates the top quarter of earners only risk a 7% drop in employment and an 18% share of wage losses.
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