A study presented at the American Society for Microbiology conference has warned that plant foods can carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs. In particular, hard-to-wash vegetables such as lettuce may be hiding these microorganisms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20 percent of the two million annual superbug infections are linked to agriculture. However, this estimate only accounts for … Continue reading Antibiotic-resistant bacteria may be hiding in some leafy greens, warn researchers
Aerosol transmission of coronavirus underestimated, study says
New research is warning that the aerosol transmission of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) is being underestimated, possibly affecting guidelines on social distancing, ventilation and shared spaces. Using a newly developed mathematical model of coronavirus droplet migration, researchers at the Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh have found that small, virus-laden aerosol particles are traveling further than expected. “The flow physics of someone … Continue reading Aerosol transmission of coronavirus underestimated, study says
Coronavirus found to have the ability to infect brain cells, says research
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, continues to baffle even the most knowledgeable infectious disease experts. To add to the confusion, researchers from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine now suggest that the virus can potentially be neurotrophic. In their recent report, which was published in the journal Altex, the team detailed how the Wuhan coronavirus can infect the human brain and even replicate … Continue reading Coronavirus found to have the ability to infect brain cells, says research
Study finds coronavirus patients have rashes INSIDE their mouths
Spanish researchers may have discovered a new symptom of COVID-19, the disease caused by the Wuhan coronavirus. After observing infected patients at a tertiary care hospital, the researchers found that one-third had rash-like splotches not only on their arms and legs, but also on the roofs of their mouths. The researchers, who are all affiliated with the Ramon y … Continue reading Study finds coronavirus patients have rashes INSIDE their mouths
Statewide coronavirus mask mandates spreading across the USA
As the United States’ death toll to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic breaches 142,000, and as many hospitals all over the country reach the maximum number of patients they can take care of, mandatory face mask mandates all over the country are expanding. The number of states that have announced statewide mask mandates increased on Wednesday when … Continue reading Statewide coronavirus mask mandates spreading across the USA
Depressed mood, anxiety may also be symptoms of coronavirus infection – study
The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) has addled both researchers and health workers alike. After it was first detected in Wuhan, China late last year, experts have seen it develop from a respiratory infection to a disease that causes multiple organ failure at its worst. Now, an international study suggests that COVID-19 may even impact the central nervous system, … Continue reading Depressed mood, anxiety may also be symptoms of coronavirus infection – study
Doubts raised on effectiveness of coronavirus antibody testing in the UK
Rapid antibody tests have been hailed as an effective way to check for Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infection for anyone who needs immediate results. Experts in the U.K., however, have warned that antibody tests are not reliable enough while questioning the use of wide-scale testing to influence public behavior. According to a review of studies conducted by Cochrane, … Continue reading Doubts raised on effectiveness of coronavirus antibody testing in the UK
Asymptomatic carriers responsible for over HALF of America’s coronavirus cases
A recent study has shone new light on just how much asymptomatic carriers have spread the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) in America. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, states that these people may have been responsible for more than half of the coronavirus cases in the United States. The study comes out just as … Continue reading Asymptomatic carriers responsible for over HALF of America’s coronavirus cases
As coronavirus surges in Hong Kong, mysterious pneumonia hits Kazakhstan – is this a new pandemic?
Even as one of Asia’s major financial hubs braces for a resurgence of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, a potential new threat looms as a deadly new pneumonia has broken out in the center of the continent. In Hong Kong, authorities have closed schools and tightened social distancing requirements after a new surge of coronavirus cases struck … Continue reading As coronavirus surges in Hong Kong, mysterious pneumonia hits Kazakhstan – is this a new pandemic?
Mutated form of SARS-CoV-2 now predominates global infections
A new study published in the journal Cell reports the effects of a genetic mutation in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Conducted by researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Duke University and the University of Sheffield in the U.K., it suggests that a variation in SARS-CoV-2’s genome improved the virus’s ability to infect human cells and helped it become the dominant strain circulating globally. The coronavirus variant – named D614G … Continue reading Mutated form of SARS-CoV-2 now predominates global infections
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 