LONDON (Reuters) – Existing vaccines may protect against the Brazilian variant of the coronavirus, according to a University of Oxford study which also highlighted how a variant first found in South Africa poses the biggest headache for vaccine makers. Coronavirus…
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Study reveals how SARS-CoV-2 spread in Wuhan before the lockdown
Using molecular dating tools and epidemiological simulations, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, with colleagues at the University of Arizona and Illumina, Inc., estimate that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was likely circulating undetected for at most two…
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UK SARS-CoV-2 variant 40% more transmissible than previous strains
Researchers in Japan have estimated that the B.1.1.7 variant strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that recently emerged in England is 40% more transmissible than strains previously circulating in the country. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the agent…
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Pandemic Accelerates in Half of the Americas, Brazil Faces Record Cases, Deaths: PAHO Director
BRASILIA (Reuters) – New coronavirus cases are picking up again in half of the countries in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday, calling on Brazil to protect its people in the face of record infections…
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Study reveals unknown immune defense system that protects the lungs from viral infections
Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown arm of the immune defense system that protects the lung from lethal viral infections. Respiratory diseases caused by viruses such as influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 cause damage not just through their own actions, but…
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Amazon Jumps Into Healthcare With Telemedicine Initiative
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Amazon is making its first foray into providing healthcare services, announcing Wednesday that it will be offering its Amazon Care telemedicine program to employers nationwide. Currently available to the company’s employees in Washington state, Amazon…
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What is 'Post Pandemic Stress Disorder' – and how do you know if you have it?
How do you know if you might have PPSD? Increased levels of anxiety Variations in mood Sleep issues Nightmares Avoiding situations that remind you of pandemic/lockdowns Feeling on guard on constantly vigilant about future pandemics or recurrences of Covid-19 Intrusive type thoughts…
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Bolsonaro Eyes Health Minister Swap as Brazil’s Outbreak Worsens, Sources Say
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is weighing candidates to replace Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello, according to people familiar with the matter, preparing to install the fourth person in a year in the role as COVID-19 cases rage out…
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Use of artificial intelligence to tackle coronavirus must go through ethical checks, say experts
Rapid deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning to tackle coronavirus must still go through ethical checks and balances, or we risk harming already disadvantaged communities in the rush to defeat the disease. This is according to researchers at the…
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Researchers study impact of pandemic cancer screening pause
John Abraham’s colonoscopy was postponed for several months because of the pandemic. When he finally got it, doctors found a growth too big to be removed safely during the scope exam. He had to wait several weeks for surgery, then…
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