A lab-based study has found that a virus that causes the common cold can trigger an innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. In theory, infections with the common cold virus could inhibit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2…
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Hope during COVID-19: Russian vaccine holds promise and other findings
While the pandemic is still ongoing, we continue to round up the scientific studies that offer encouraging results to help us envisage an end to the current crisis. Firstly, scientists at the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, in…
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Temperature has ‘modest’ effect on SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates
A new study finds that warmer temperatures are associated with lower rates of SARS-CoV-2. However, the researchers say that the effect is modest and warn against the relaxation of containment measures. Some viruses display seasonal behavior. Influenza cases, for example,…
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DNA of virus spread across hospital ward in 10 hours
A new study has demonstrated how quickly virus DNA can spread throughout a hospital. A new study has demonstrated that virus DNA can spread across a hospital ward in 10 hours. The study, published as a letter to the editor…
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Close relative of SARS-CoV-2 found in bats
Researchers have identified a new coronavirus that is closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. The discovery provides fresh evidence that SARS-CoV-2 evolved naturally and was not produced in a lab. The new virus is not likely to infect…
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‘A no-win situation’ — Expert weighs in on COVID-19 racial disparities
The current pandemic is exposing — and exacerbating — already existing social inequalities. In this interview, Medical News Today spoke to Tiffany Green, assistant professor in the Departments of Population Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of…
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COVID-19: 3-drug combo treatment may be successful
A phase II clinical trial has found that a combination of three drugs — interferon beta-1b, lopinavir-ritonavir, and ribavirin — plus standard care is successful in treating mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19. This three-drug combination also shortens the duration of viral…
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Closing schools has only a minor role in suppressing COVID-19
A recent review of modeling studies and data from previous coronavirus outbreaks suggests that the educational, social, and economic costs of closing schools might outweigh the benefits. However, hard evidence is lacking. By April 13, 2020, a total of 192…
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Could a clot-busting drug help save the lives of those on ventilators?
A cycle of blood clotting and inflammation may contribute to the breathing difficulties of some COVID-19 patients. A forthcoming clinical trial will assess whether a type of drug already approved for the prevention of blood clots after a heart attack…
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COVID-19: Surgical masks may help, but not as first line of defense
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are changing tack regarding their recommendation to the public about wearing face masks, some experts explain how certain masks could help keep the coronavirus at bay. However, these should be our…
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