The majority of global COVID-19 deaths have been in countries where many people are obese, with coronavirus fatality rates 10 times higher in nations where at least 50% of adults are overweight, a global study found.
Tag Archives: Covid-19
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.
Covid-19: ‘The Evolving Science Of Masks’ (Video)
How can you tell if the mask you’re wearing is protective enough against the coronavirus? Correspondent David Pogue volunteers as a test subject to see how N95s work and learns about the science of face coverings.
Covid-19 Infographic: ‘mRNA & Viral Vector Vaccine’ Differences
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.
Covid-19: Walgreens To Offer At-Home Saliva Tests
Clinical Reference Laboratory CEO Bob Thompson talks about Walgreens offering a Covid-19 at-home saliva test.
Bloomberg News Equity Markets Reporter Esha Dey discusses Tesla falling below its S&P 500 entry level and wiping out 2021 gains. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Chief Energy Correspondent Javier Blas walk through the story “Pennsylvania Teachers’ Pensions Helped Fund War Over Oil in Iraq.” Dartmouth Professor of Economics Danny Blanchflower provides a recap of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s semi-annual monetary policy report to the Senate Banking Committee. And we Drive to the Close with Ryan Detrick, Senior Market Strategist at LPL Financial. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Doni Holloway.
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.
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?
Covid-19: ‘Why Variants Are Spreading Faster’
As highly transmissible coronavirus variants sweep across the world, scientists are racing to understand why these new versions of the virus are spreading faster, and what this could mean for vaccine efforts. New research says the key may be the spike protein, which gives the coronavirus its unmistakable shape. Illustration: Nick Collingwood/WSJ
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