It’s not just coronavirus, ageism is a killer too: DR MAX PEMBERTON on how doctors in Italy are forced to make chilling decisions about which patients are given a chance at life, and why medics in the UK may have to do the same Reports from Italy tell of doctors…
Call for older people in poor countries to be considered in global responses to COVID-19
Current guidance on coronavirus “largely ignores” the implications for public health and clinical responses in light of those most at risk, according to an international group of global health experts. Writing in the British Medical Journal, researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA), London School of Hygiene & Tropical…
Some Missouri schools extend spring break due to coronavirus
Officials banned events attended by more than 250 people in St. Louis County starting Friday and some schools canceled classes early for spring break after Missouri recorded its second case of the coronavirus. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s office said he would hold a 5 p.m. news conference to declare a…
Trump declares ‘national emergency’ over COVID-19 in US
President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19. “To unleash the full power of the federal government I am officially declaring a national emergency,” President Trump announced Friday (March 13) during a press conference. “Two very big words.” This declaration will “open up access”…
Coronavirus latest: Can wearing glasses add a layer of protection against the virus?
Coronavirus outbreaks have taken hold across the globe. There are now 596 confirmed cases in the UK, which was up from 456 on Wednesday, and the total number of UK deaths is now 10. COVID-19, as the strain of coronavirus has been named, is a new illness, so experts are…
UK’s slow, steady coronavirus strategy stokes debate
Britain has adopted a light touch approach to coronavirus measures, opting so far not to shut schools, with the aim of staggering demand on the health service and developing “herd immunity” in the population—but the strategy is controversial. The government on Thursday stepped up its response to COVID-19, which officials…
How does COVID-19 compare with the flu?
The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in many ways is exactly the type of situation that has motivated Jonathan Runstadler, a professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Health at Cummings School, and his research team in their efforts to keep the world ahead of the next influenza…
Several US states close schools to halt coronavirus
At least six US states have ordered schools to close in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus which has infected more than 1,660 people across the country. Schools in Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, Kentucky and New Mexico were told to shut from Monday for at least…
Understanding the link between nicotine use and misuse of ‘benzos’
Studies have correlated a relationship between smoking or vaping nicotine with misuse of other substances, such as alcohol and prescription drugs. Lately, misuse of prescription benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam or Xanax, and diazepam or Valium) has also been linked to nicotine use. These connections have all been statistically derived—researchers did…
‘Zombie’ brain cells develop into working neurons
Preventing the death of neurons during brain growth means these ‘zombie’ cells can develop into functioning neurons, according to research in fruit flies from the Crick, the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology. During brain development, a large number of neurons destroy themselves as…