Category: Top Story
Face mask usage imperative to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is known to be spread by asymptomatic people via infectious aerosols. This incidence “deeply underscores the ongoing importance of regular widespread testing, wearing masks and physical distancing to reduce the spread of the […]
Covid-19: Children more susceptible than previously assumed
By Mohani Niza Despite affecting more adults than children in general, new studies are showing that children are more susceptible to the novel coronavirus than previously thought. One study for example, titled ‘Characteristics and Outcomes of Children With Novel coronavirus […]
New COVID-19 test kit developed by Singapore can detect virus infection in just an hour
Singapore-based Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) has developed a new COVID-19 test kit, cPass that takes just an hour to detect if someone has been infected before, instead of the usual several days. Besides checking what proportion of the population has […]
COVID-19 drug trial: three-drug combo may treat mild-to-moderate cases
A combination of three antiviral drugs — interferon beta-1b, lopinavir-ritonavir, and ribavirin – and standard care has been found to shorten the duration of viral shedding associated with COVID-19. This relates to the dangerous period when the virus is detectable […]
Malaria infection found to be “blocked” by gut microbe of mosquitoes
A Kenya-UK team of researchers have announced the discovery of a microbe that seems to protect mosquitoes from being infected with malaria, something that has “enormous potential” to control the disease – more than 400,000 people are killed by malaria […]
Covid-19: Navigating cancer during the pandemic
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, cancer patients may feel worried about how the virus might affect them. It is only natural to feel that way as they are at a higher risk of infection due to their weakened […]
Covid-19: Pandemic has huge impact on mental and emotional health
By Mohani Niza The Covid-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on many areas of society. One particular area is the mental and emotional health of everyday people, regardless whether they have pre-existing mental health issues before or otherwise. Academicians […]
Covid-19: Domestic violence cases in Malaysia increase following lockdown
By Mohani Niza The Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia and the Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented since the 18th of March recently are causing an increase of domestic violence in the country. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) initially reported a 44 per […]
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 […]
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 […]
