Wearing face masks significantly reduced the amounts of airborne virus particles expelled from infected patients. Findings suggest surgical-style face masks could slow the transmission of coronavirus and influenza viruses. Read More
hrsACE2, a genetically modified protein already being tested to prevent lung disease, reduces the viral growth of SARS-CoV-2 by a factor of 1,000 to 5,000 in human cell cultures. Researchers believe the enzyme copy lures the virus to attach itself to the copy, rather than human lung cells. The findings suggest hrsACE2 could significantly block the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infections and prevent COVID-19 from becoming severe. Read More
People who use glucocorticoids, a class of steroids used to treat asthma and arthritis, are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. Read More
Transplanting ACE2-mesenchymal stem cells shows promise for the treatment of COVID-19. A small study reveals seven severely ill patients who received the stem cell transplant recovered and were discharged from hospital within 14 days. Read More
In addition to physical distancing and improved personal hygiene practices, the seasonal moderation of relative humidity indoors could help slow rates of transmission for COVID-19. However, the virus can still be transmitted via contact and close proximity to those infected, regardless of the season, researchers warn. Read More
AI model determined three key features that accurately predict subsequent, severe disease in COVID-19 patients. The three features were levels of the liver enzyme ALT, reported myalgia, and hemoglobin levels. Based on these three factors, the AI was able to determine ARDS risk with 80% accuracy. Read More
Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, two drugs touted as potential coronavirus therapeutics, could increase the risk of heart arrhythmias, cardiologists say. Read More
The day following the lockdown of the UK amid the COVID-19 outbreak, 38% of study participants reported significant symptoms of depression, and 36% reported increased levels of anxiety. The day before lockdown, 16% reported depression, and 17% reported feelings of anxiety. The rates of depression and anxiety remained high for a week after the announcement, but not as high as was reported immediately following the lockdown. Read More
Implementing strong physical distancing measures across Europe to suppress the spread of COVID-19 has averted over 100,000 deaths, a new model finds. Read More
On Saturday, the FDA approved Houston Methodist to conduct transfused plasma therapy for the treatment of COVID-19. The plasma will be donated from recovered COVID-19 patients and transfused into those critically ill with the virus. Researchers have already begun recruiting donors in the Houston area who have recovered from coronavirus. The first donor was a patient in the Houston Metropolitan area who has been in good health for two weeks following COVID-19 infection. Read More
Co-infections between COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are more common than previously believed. Read More
Researchers found no evidence NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may result in worse outcomes for some COVID-19 patients or help control the virus. TNF blockers and JAK inhibitors, used to treat inflammation and arthritis, were also found to be safe to use. However, low amounts of prednisolone or tacrolimus therapy may be useful in treating coronavirus infection. Read More
