Category Archives: News

Covid-19: ‘Intranasal Vaccines’ Might Be More Effective Than Needles

From Scientific American (March 1, 2021):

Enter the intranasal vaccine, which abandons the needle and syringe for a spray container that looks more like a nasal decongestant. With a quick spritz up the nose, intranasal vaccines are designed to bolster immune defenses in the mucosa, triggering production of an antibody known as immunoglobulin A, which can block infection. This overwhelming response, called sterilizing immunity, reduces the chance that people will pass on the virus.

The development of highly effective COVID vaccines in less than a year is an extraordinary triumph of science. But several coronavirus variants have emerged that could at least partly evade the immune response induced by the vaccines. These variants should serve as a warning against complacency—and encourage us to explore a different type of vaccination, delivered as a spray in the nose. Intranasal vaccines could provide an additional degree of protection, and help reduce the spread of the virus.

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Morning News Podcast: J&J Vaccine Approval, New York Governor Cuomo

What will the approval of the J&J vaccine mean for the immunization effort, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo responds to sex-harassment claims, and a troop made up of homeless girls is on a mission to sell Girl Scout cookies in all 50 states.

Sunday Morning Podcast: World News From Zurich, London & Tokyo (Feb 28)

The weekend’s biggest discussion topics dissected by Monocle’s editorial director Tyler Brûlé, Rob Cox, Christof Münger and Nina Müller, with insights from our editors in the UK and Japan.

Plus: what’s on the pages of ‘The South China Morning Post’ this weekend?

Morning News Podcast: U.S. Airstrike In Syria, Covid Relief Plan, Airlines

President Biden orders U.S. airstrike targeting Iran-backed militia, GOP mayors embrace pandemic relief plan, and complaints against airlines and travel agencies hit record high.

Morning News Podcast: Covid Vaccine Locations, Saudi Arabia, Postal Delay

The Centers for Disease Control has launched a website to help Americans find locations of COVID-19 vaccines in an effort to increase the pace of vaccinations. 

Also, the Biden administration is set to release a U.S. intelligence assessment on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives. And, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy faced heavy criticism in a House committee hearing about ongoing mail delays at the U.S. Postal Service.

Morning News Podcast: Minimum Wage Debate, Capitol Riot & Home Depot

We’re in the longest period of time since the minimum wage has been created that it hasn’t been adjusted. You’ve probably heard the progressive and Congressional Democrats argument for a $15 an hour federal minimum wage.

Now, some Republicans are responding with a proposal to raise it to $10 an hour by 2025. Plus, what we’re just learning about security around the Jan. 6 insurrection. And, how Home Depot is a proxy for the housing markets.

Morning News Podcast: Covid Vaccine Priorities, Capitol Riot Hearings

The Biden administration has prioritized vaccinating the country quickly and equitably. But making sure vaccines reach communities of color has been a challenge.

Also, the Senate holds the first hearing into the Capitol riot on January 6. And, we go to the recovery efforts in Houston, Texas in the wake of the disastrous winter storm and power outages that struck the state last week.

Politics Monday: Tamara Keith And Amy Walter On Trump, Covid RElief Bill

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report join Yamiche Alcindor to discuss the latest political news, including President Biden’s COVID-relief package, his handling of the pandemic since taking office and former President Trump’s continued impact on the Republican Party.

Morning News Podcast: U.S. Covid Deaths At 500K, Biden Cabinet Nominees

The U.S. is nearing 500,000 deaths from COVID-19, almost a year since the country’s first death from the disease.

Also, Judge Merrick Garland finally gets a confirmation hearing, but this time it is to take the role of President Biden’s attorney general. And, Texans who were fortunate enough to have power last week during a devastating winter storm are now facing massive electricity bills. Why?