New research concludes that extracts from seaweed could be more effective than remdesivir, the current leading SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug. The authors published their research as a correspondence piece in the journal Cell Discovery. It lays the groundwork for future studies…
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What are the neurological complications of COVID-19?
A new report of COVID-19 patients referred to a neurological hospital in the United Kingdom describes complications including delirium, brain inflammation, and stroke. Viral infections can impact the brain, even if the virus has not directly infected brain tissue. For…
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New, more infectious SARS-CoV-2 variant does not cause worse symptoms
Research shows that a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is now the dominant form of the virus, is more infectious in cell cultures. However, clinical data suggest that the variant does not cause more severe illness. All viruses mutate, and…
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The new coronavirus may spread more easily in crowded homes
A study in New York City revealed a threefold higher risk of infection among pregnant women living in neighborhoods with the most crowded households. Poverty and unemployment also appeared to increase the likelihood of infection. SARS-CoV-2, which is the coronavirus…
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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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‘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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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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