Category: Features
Face masks are a surprising hazard even as they protect against COVID-19
Almost all countries and territories around the globe have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak since the first case was reported in Wuhan, China, late last year. The COVID-19 virus is easily transmissible, so societies have rightfully opted to protect […]
Leading Malaysian university starts Tocilizumab (Actemra) clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment
A present-day drug, which has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and related, excessive inflammatory conditions, will now be evaluated by Malaysia’s Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) as a treatment for severe cases of COVID-19. The Tocilizumab […]
First junction in eczema itch pathway regulated by a skin receptor protein
Eczema sufferers endure incessant itching, dryness, redness, and flaking skin due to their condition – many factors can cause these outbreaks including irritants, reactions to certain foods, and allergies. Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State), who have long […]
International team finds trial drug that blocks early COVID-19 infection
A trial drug that appears to block the cellular door SARS-CoV-2 – the virus responsible for COVID-19 – uses to infect its hosts has been identified by a team of researchers from Canada, Spain and Sweden. The drug could very […]
COVID-19 lockdown greatly distresses, affects quality of life, according to Australian study
A new study on the health conditions of adults after one month of the COVID-19 lockdown has shown surprising levels of distress, lower physical and mental health, and lower life satisfaction. The results were compiled by researchers from the University […]
Australian scientists find possible coronavirus treatment in FDA-approved drug
A present-day anti-parasitic drug has been shown to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic currently, in just two days. As observed by scientists at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) and the Peter Doherty Institute […]
Australian agency starts “milestone” testing of potential COVID-19 vaccines
The Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has begun animal testing of two potential COVID-19 vaccines, which will determine if they would be safe to use on humans. The vaccines, one by UK’s University of Oxford and one […]
“It’s Morphin’ Time!” when Filipino nurse makes colourful PPEs for medics of COVID-19
Filipino OR nurse Adrian Pe, who has a penchant for fashion design, is making colourful personal protective suits (PPE) inspired by pop culture characters such as the Teletubbies and the Power Rangers for his fellow health workers in one of […]
Sewage sensors are being modified to give early warnings of COVID-19
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is focused on analysing the contents of our sewage to better understand human behaviour and public health. For example, the presence of certain metabolites in sewage samples could indicate the prevalence of illicit substance use in communities. […]
Malaysia, Indonesia, overcoming medical supplies shortage in SEA
China is slowly lifting restrictions imposed after the deadly COVID-19 outbreak late last year, but the number of cases in other nations continues to skyrocket alarmingly – some ASEAN countries are even facing shortages of medical supplies and COVID-19 test […]
