Our research could be important for developing more effective vaccines in the future. Arturs Budkevics/ Shutterstock We understand much of how the immune system works but, as recent efforts to combat COVID-19 have shown, its sheer complexity means many mysteries still remain. For example, how our immune system learns toContinue Reading
As vaccine programmes gather pace worldwide, attention continues to focus on both viral mutations and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – sometimes simultaneously. South Africa has temporarily halted the vaccine’s rollout. This is because a preliminary study (yet to be released or reviewed by other scientists) suggests that the vaccine provides limitedContinue Reading
simplystocker/Shutterstock If we’re going to rely on COVID-19 vaccines to bring an end to the pandemic, we need to maximise their effects. But one thing that risks undermining their protectiveness is nutritional deficiency, particularly in the elderly. Older people have weaker immune responses and are known to respond less wellContinue Reading
simplystocker/Shutterstock If we’re going to rely on COVID-19 vaccines to bring an end to the pandemic, we need to maximise their effects. But one thing that risks undermining their protectiveness is nutritional deficiency, particularly in the elderly. Older people have weaker immune responses and are known to respond less wellContinue Reading
Borders have moved, not uncommonly for the UK, to the forefront of public discussion in 2021. The home secretary, Priti Patel, recently expressed rare contrition for the failure to close borders in March 2020 – a point on which Labour leader Keir Starmer took the prime minister to task. UnderContinue Reading
Sharon Peacock, Author provided The UK is a world leader in sequencing SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Of all the coronavirus genomes that have been sequenced in the world, nearly half have been sequenced by COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (Cog-UK). The consortium began life on March 4 when SharonContinue Reading
For some, having a hobby may even prevent depression. Diego Cervo/ Shutterstock The pandemic has taken its toll on many peoples’ mental health. Given the fear of the virus and the government restrictions on movement many may understandably be feeling more lonely, anxious, and depressed than usual. The World HealthContinue Reading
Sharon Peacock, Author provided The UK is a world leader in sequencing SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Of all the coronavirus genomes that have been sequenced in the world, nearly half have been sequenced by COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (Cog-UK). The consortium began life on March 4 when SharonContinue Reading
Simon Brat/Shutterstock In the depths of February, it’s not in many of our natures to open the window to let in the cold air of a northern hemisphere winter. But with the coronavirus pandemic in full swing and new variants on the rise, good ventilation is in an important methodContinue Reading
winnievinzence/Shutterstock During the pandemic, the chances are that as you enter an airport or doctor’s surgery, someone will point an infrared thermometer at your forehead in order to assess your temperature. Your skin temperature is being measured to try to identify whether or not you have an increased deep bodyContinue Reading
