A new study from the University of Cambridge finds that 50% or more mask users, combined w periodic shelter in place can effectively and dramatically reduce the reproduction rate, or r number(r = 2 means that on average each person with an infection passes it to two additional people). Key takeaways of the study are: […]
Continue ReadingWe know that masks are a core tool in fighting the spread of COVID-19. What was not known is the exact reason why. The reason is the route of infection. SARS-CoV-2 (the virus which causes COVID-19) first attacks the cells in the nasal passages, and from there works its way down into the lungs. Using […]
Continue ReadingDespite a population of nearly 4.8 million, New Zealand today celebrates 5 days without a single new case of COVID-19 throughout the entire country. New Zealanders credit government transparency, a clear understanding of mitigation tactics, quick adherence by the populace, and a policy driven by scientific understanding for helping them to achieve this milestone.
Continue ReadingAfter a statement about pre- and asymptomatic spread of coronavirus saw widespread posting across the internet without context, the WHO found it necessary to issue a clarification stating that they were making a commentary about the ratio of pre- vs truly asymptomatic transmission, and that much of the new cases they observed came from people […]
Continue ReadingNew York has finally seen a drop off in cases. Many cities are approaching their initial opening dates, so it’s worth it to take a look at the peer-reviewed data analyzing the effects of shelter in place measures. A new study published in Nature suggests the U.S. alone has prevented millions of infections due to […]
Continue ReadingMasks are an important part of the Coronavirus response, and while the messaging was conflicted at first – largely due to a lack of formal data, we are starting to get a pretty clear picture of their role. It was a misstep early on for the C.D.C. to tell the public masks were ineffective, when […]
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As the coronavirus pandemic wears on, we as a society have focused on shelter in place and other large scale social tactics to stop the spread of the virus. While this has mitigated outbreaks, we now find ourselves amidst one of the worst economic crisis our country has witnessed. Many states, whether or not they […]
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Despite the insistence of various non-scientific agencies and individuals, the scientific community worldwide has been unequivocal from the start. There is no evidence that COVID-19 was created in a lab. This article addresses at least three of the narratives surrounding the creation of the virus, adding to the existing body of knowledge around the subject. […]
Continue ReadingA team at Beaumont health is testing some interesting candidates for COVID-19 therapy – naltrexone and ketamine, more commonly used for the treatment of alcoholism and sedation, in an effort to develop a tiered system of treatment to attempt to interrupt COVID-19 during the different phases of its progression.
Continue ReadingMount Sinai Health System and the pharmaceutical company Sorrento Therapeutics have partnered together for an exciting project. Mount Sinia is supplying blood samples from 15,000 coronavirus patients for Sorrento to identify antibodies and develop a cloning mechanism to mass-produce them. The hope is to produce a three antibody cocktail that is easily scalable and offers protection […]
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