Category: Community
India creates cheap and quick test for coronavirus
Indian researchers have developed a cheap paper-based test for the coronavirus which would hopefully help millions across the country detect and keep infections under control. Known as Feluda, the test’s sample collection involves the use of a nasal swab inserted deep into the nose – similar to current gold-standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests […]
Health development of young children significantly affected by poverty
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have found that disparities arising from poverty can affect the health of children from as young as 5 years old. The researchers used the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a measure of children’s physical, social, emotional and language development in 98 school districts across the US to […]
Pharmacists sought after for healthcare advice, especially in the UK
Pharmacists play a critical role as front-line health professionals during COVID-19, so says the area managing Director for Northern Europe at Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, Carlton Lawson. In a recent survey commissioned by multinational corporation Johnson & Johnson, more and more UK consumers are reportedly turning to community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic for […]
Sneaky nanoparticle slips past cancer’s defences to kill cancer
A team of scientists from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a novel “Trojan horse” approach to killing evasive cancer cells by using a cancer-friendly peptide to cloak another cancer-fighting nanoparticle. The NTU scientists took advantage of cancer cells’ dependency on L-phenylalanine, which is an amino acid, to help their drug-free nanoparticle sneak into […]
Cancer continues to be leading cause of death in Taiwan
Statistics by the Taiwanese Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has shown that cancer, or malignant tumours, still remain the top cause of death in Taiwan even in 2019, ahead of other common diseases such as heart disease, pneumonia, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes. Cancer has been a leading cause of death in the country for the […]
Free COVID-19 vaccines planned for all Japanese; could prompt economic recovery by 2022
The Japanese government is considering offering COVID-19 vaccinations for free to all citizens, as part of a set of measures against the virus. The government plans to have as many people as possible receive the vaccine since many are at high risk of developing severe symptoms if infected – medical workers, the elderly and people […]
Limited amounts of tea/coffee still acceptable during pregnancy
According to the National Health Service, consuming 200mg or less of caffeine a day should not pose any significant risk in terms of miscarriage or growth of the baby while in the womb. Likewise, the European Food Safety Authority and the American and UK Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend limiting, but not entirely eliminating, […]
South Korea’s COVID-19 response provides valuable insight
South Korea started its control and prevention measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak fairly quickly. This vigilance has allowed South Korea to manage the coronavirus situation without paralysing its national health and economic systems. Researcher Jongeun You of the University of Colorado, US, has reviewed South Korea’s public health policy to learn how it […]
Japan’s cultural strengths not enough to keep increasing coronavirus infections at bay
Much can be learned from Japan in how it handled the initial coronavirus outbreak in the country, such as the widespread use of face masks and its culture of hygiene. Then, Japan pushed for the economy too quickly, encouraging domestic events and travel. Japan is now unfortunately facing another ugly outbreak, with no clear end […]
Aside from explosive devices, trained sniffer dogs can also detect coronavirus
Sniffer dogs, with little training, are capable of identifying positive samples of the novel coronavirus with up to 94% accuracy. A research team from the University of Hannover, Germany, who looked into the incredible sensitivity of dogs’ noses, hope that sniffer dogs can become a powerful screening tool in public spaces to help slow the […]
