Health
EU authorizes use of remdesivir to treat coronavirus
The European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, on Friday authorized the use of anti-viral drug remdesivir to treat the new coronavirus. "Today's authorization of a first medicine to treat COVID-19 is an important step forward in the fight against this virus," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said in a statement.… Read
Scientists just beginning to understand the many health problems caused by COVID-19
Scientists are only starting to grasp the vast array of health problems caused by the novel coronavirus, some of which may have lingering effects on patients and health systems for years to come, according to doctors and infectious disease experts. Besides the respiratory issues that leave patients gasping for breath,… Read
Severe COVID-19 can damage the brain, preliminary study finds
A preliminary study of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 has found the disease can damage the brain, causing complications such as stroke, inflammation, psychosis and dementia-like symptoms in some severe cases. The findings are the first detailed look at a range of neurological complications of COVID-19, the researchers said, and underline… Read
Women, babies at risk as COVID-19 disrupts health services, World Bank warns
Millions of women and children in poor countries are at risk because the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting health services they rely on, from neonatal and maternity care to immunizations and contraception, a World Bank global health expert has warned. Monique Vledder, head of secretariat at the bank's Global Financing Facility… Read
Gilead prices COVID-19 drug remdesivir at $2,340 per patient in developed nations
Gilead Sciences Inc on Monday priced its COVID-19 antiviral remdesivir at $2,340 per patient for wealthier nations and agreed to send nearly all of its supply of the drug to the United States over the next three months. The price tag is slightly below the range of $2,520 to$2,800 suggested… Read
Vaccine makers face biggest medical manufacturing challenge in history
Developing a COVID-19 vaccine in record time will be tough. Producing enough to end the pandemic will be the biggest medical manufacturing feat in history. That work is underway. From deploying experts amid global travel restrictions to managing extreme storage conditions, and even inventing new kinds of vials and syringes… Read
One meter or two? How social distancing affects COVID-19 risk
Britain this week announced an easing of social distancing rules from July 4, reducing the recommended gap from 2 meters to "1 meter plus" as it further loosened lockdown measures meant to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. WHAT DO SCIENTISTS SAY? Infectious disease experts say the closer people are to someone… Read
Blood type, genes tied to risk of severe COVID-19: European study
A person's blood type and other genetic factors may be linked with severity of coronavirus infection, according to European researchers looking for further clues about why COVID-19 hits some so much harder than others. The findings, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, suggest people with type A blood… Read
Self-cleaning mask can kill viruses with heat from phone charger, researchers say
Israeli researchers say they have invented a reusable face mask that can kill the coronavirus with heat by drawing power from a mobile phone charger. The disinfecting process takes about 30 minutes - and users should not wear the mask while it is plugged in, said Professor Yair Ein-Eli, who… Read
Mental health matters: Expert advice for expats in despair in Japan
Most of us have lived through a disaster or crisis, so have some understanding of how to cope and stay resilient. But no one is immune to the effects of stress and pressure, and the coronavirus pandemic is a crisis like few in our lifetimes. The disruption and devastation caused by the Great… Read
