Covid-19

Researchers are exploring a new nasal spray designed to protect against respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19. The spray, developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital, uses a unique formulation called PCANS (Pathogen Capture and Neutralizing Spray). This spray coats the nasal cavity, capturing large droplets from the air and neutralizing various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, creating an effective physical barrier. Once captured, the spray neutralizes these pathogens, preventing their further spread. By targeting this area, the spray could significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses. This innovation offers a promising way to prevent the spread of airborne respiratory infections at their point of entry. Researchers are optimistic that this could fundamentally change public health by providing a new tool to prevent infections before they even occur.

Within the Ampel coalition, there is still disagreement on how to review the COVID-19 pandemic.

Test results indicate a rise in infection numbers. The UN health agency is worried and calls for measures to protect high-risk groups.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Joshua Kimmich faces weeks of public criticism for not getting vaccinated.

A new study suggests that cannabis may potentially reduce both the susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 infections. The study found that cannabinoids can prevent the virus from entering and reduce the oxidative stress associated with early-stage COVID-19 infections. Additionally, the research showed promising results in treating long-lasting COVID symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and reduced appetite. "Cannabis and cannabinoid-based medications have shown promise in preventing virus entry, acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, and improving many symptoms associated with post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infections," the authors concluded. Furthermore, another study indicates that cannabis users with COVID-19 have a lower rate of intubation, respiratory failure, and mortality. Understanding the potential of cannabis in combating COVID-19 underscores its therapeutic benefits in prevention and treatment.

In the trial concerning an alleged Corona vaccine injury, the Higher Regional Court of Bamberg has ordered the vaccine manufacturer Astrazeneca to provide certain information. This concerns the effects and side effects known at Astrazeneca between December 27, 2020, and February 19, 2024, as a court spokesperson announced on Monday. A woman in Bamberg is suing for pain and damages. She claims permanent intestinal damage after a thrombosis and holds the vaccination with Astrazeneca's vaccine responsible.

As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, a study by the University of São Paulo has found that nutrition can help prevent the disease. The study, involving 702 Brazilian adults, suggests that avoiding meat and animal products can provide protection against the virus. "Individuals who follow a plant-based and mainly vegetarian diet had a lower incidence of COVID-19, even when important variables such as physical activity, BMI, and pre-existing conditions were considered," write the study's authors.

This tweet by the Federal Chancellor on the short message service X (formerly Twitter) is unusual. Olaf Scholz announces his corona illness. "My current Covid-19 tests show two streaks."

The Singapore Ministry of Health has issued a clear recommendation in light of a drastic increase in Covid-19 cases in the country: People should definitely wear masks in crowded places. With over 56,000 cases in the last week, Singapore is again focusing on preventive measures to contain the renewed spread of the virus.

The new variant of the Omicron virus, HV.1, became the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the USA just five months after its discovery. Dr. William Schaffer from Vanderbilt University explained to TODAY.com: "A characteristic of the Omicron family is that it is highly transmissible." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that mutations can facilitate the spread of a new variant. "The problem is that most people's immunity has waned from previous outbreaks, and the vaccination rate is still very low. Therefore, it is still too early to draw any conclusions about the immunity of HV.1 from previous vaccinations," said Dr. Priya Sampathkumar, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic, to TODAY.com. Dr. Schaffer noted that HV.1 symptoms are similar to those of previous variants: sore throat, congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever, or chills. All COVID tests detect HV.1, which according to Dr. Sampathkumar is the only way to distinguish COVID from a cold. Important steps recommended by health experts to ensure your safety and that of your family include: Get the latest vaccine Get tested if you have symptoms Isolate yourself if you test positive Avoid contact with the sick Improve ventilation in your home or stay outdoors Wash your hands regularly with soap and water Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces

Professors Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman have been jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Their groundbreaking work on mRNA technology, which has contributed to protecting millions of people worldwide, is being honored. Their breakthroughs in refining the technology paved the way for the unprecedented rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. Their work led to the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines such as those from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. "The laureates contributed to an unprecedented speed in vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times," said the Nobel Committee. mRNA technology is also being researched for applications in other diseases, including cancer. Kariko is currently a professor at the University of Szeged in Hungary, Weissman is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

While coronavirus remains persistent, the virus appears to have spread from humans to white-tailed deer, where it is evolving rapidly. In a new study, researchers looked for SARS-CoV-2 infections by swabbing noses of free-ranging deer across Ohio. Using nasal swabs, 1,522 deer in 83 counties were tested, and 10 percent of the deer were found to test positive. The researchers also collected blood samples and estimated that nearly 24 percent of the deer were infected with SARS-CoV-2. "We generally talk about interspecies transmission happening very rarely, but this was not a large sample, and we can document 30 spillover effects. The virus seems to transmit quite easily between humans and animals," said Andrew Bowman of Ohio State University. The virus also evolves more rapidly in deer, meaning it could evolve and return to us, but the vaccine is thought to offer protection. Although there is no danger to us, this new finding could pose a risk to wildlife and pets.