Previous infection with other coronaviruses may lessen the severity of COVID-19, reports a new study. Researchers at Boston University found that owing to genetic similarities with the SARS-CoV-2, prior exposure to other coronaviruses primes the immune system to mount a better response to the virus responsible for COVID-19. Although this doesn’t prevent people from contracting COVID-19, it does lessen the severity … Continue reading Immunity developed from previous infection with endemic coronaviruses reduces COVID-19 severity – study
Mutation has caused the coronavirus to become more contagious but less deadly, says new study
Recent studies have shown that mutation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, is not only becoming more prevalent but is also more contagious than its original strain. This potentially makes the virus more virulent than when it first spread out in Wuhan, China — where the first cases of COVID-19 were reported. In fact, American scientists … Continue reading Mutation has caused the coronavirus to become more contagious but less deadly, says new study
Polish gym rebrands itself as a “church” to skirt coronavirus restrictions
A gym in Krakow, Poland, is rebranding itself as a “church” to stay open amid the country’s lockdown orders. In an Oct. 17 Facebook post by its manager Marta Jamróz, Atlantic Sports Fitness announced that “a religious congregation of members [is] starting today at … the ‘Church of the Healthy Body.’” Jamroz also dubbed the gym’s trainers … Continue reading Polish gym rebrands itself as a “church” to skirt coronavirus restrictions
What’s in the coronavirus’s genome that makes it a much better antiviral target than its spike protein?
Researchers have uncovered molecular interactions within the genome of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) that could lead to more effective antiviral agents. In a study published Nov. 05 in the journal Molecular Cell, a team from the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with researchers from Justus Liebig University Giessen in Germany, mapped the RNA-RNA interactions that govern the mechanisms by which the SARS-CoV-2 virus behind … Continue reading What’s in the coronavirus’s genome that makes it a much better antiviral target than its spike protein?
Who needs SCIENCE? China justifies widespread COVID-19 immunizations without bothering with clinical trials
The Chinese government defended widespread immunizations against COVID-19 outside of clinical trials in the country. The vaccinations were warranted, as there were no documented side effects from the experimental vaccines, and imported COVID-19 cases proved to be a serious risk to the country. Chinese National Health Commission director for coronavirus vaccine development Zheng Zhongwei said Oct. 20 that China … Continue reading Who needs SCIENCE? China justifies widespread COVID-19 immunizations without bothering with clinical trials
Study shows coronavirus protein can block pain, causing lack of symptoms in some
A new study reveals that the Wuhan coronavirus can block pain and mask any symptoms in the early stages of infection. Experiments in mice show that this effect occurs within 30 minutes of being infected and could last for hours or days. Researchers at the University of Arizona (UArizona) who made the discovery believe that this could explain why some people with … Continue reading Study shows coronavirus protein can block pain, causing lack of symptoms in some
WHO reverses course, again: Lockdowns as primary response to COVID-19 now said to be “damaging”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against lockdowns as a primary response to the COVID-19 pandemic after seeing the extent of damage they have caused. The organization’s latest advice is a complete turnaround from its earlier stance, which recommended lockdowns to address the coronavirus’s spread. Dr. David Nabarro, the special envoy on COVID-19, told The Spectator that the organization does not advocate … Continue reading WHO reverses course, again: Lockdowns as primary response to COVID-19 now said to be “damaging”
China’s coronavirus vaccine production may be unable to fulfill commitments to other countries
China has promised to fast-track the development of an effective coronavirus vaccine before the year ends and share this vaccine with other countries as part of its contribution to the fight against COVID-19. However, some have questioned China’s capability to produce sufficient doses. They also raised concerns with the country’s deals with individual nations. Chinese leader Xi … Continue reading China’s coronavirus vaccine production may be unable to fulfill commitments to other countries
AstraZeneca’s no-profit pledge for coronavirus vaccines may end in 2021
A memorandum of understanding between British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and Brazilian public health research institution Fiocruz obtained by The Financial Times stated the drugmaker has the right to declare the pandemic’s end by July 2021. Under the document’s terms, AstraZeneca will also be providing doses of its coronavirus vaccine – developed in tandem with the University of Oxford – on a cost … Continue reading AstraZeneca’s no-profit pledge for coronavirus vaccines may end in 2021
Can the common cold help fight SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is markedly different from those responsible for the common cold. But a new study suggests that previous exposure to common cold coronaviruses may actually help train the immune system to recognize the novel coronavirus. The study, published in the journal Science, found that immune cells that recognize the coronaviruses responsible for the common … Continue reading Can the common cold help fight SARS-CoV-2?
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 