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Coronavirus: the antibody drugs few people have been discussing – until now
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been working around the clock to find an effective treatment. The first drug to show promise is dexamethasone, a cheap, widely available steroid. A large clinical trial run by the University of Oxford showed that the drug cut the risk ofContinue Reading
Why short-term forecasts can be better than models for predicting how pandemics evolve
Denijal photography/Shutterstock Confirmed COVID-19 cases have now passed 10 million: what will they be next week, globally and in your country? Having a good estimate can help health authorities with their responses and will guide governments as they ease lockdowns. To this end, we have been publishing real-time forecasts forContinue Reading
Punchdrunk: new venture with Pokemon Go designer offers hope for post-pandemic theatre
Punchdrunk's production of The Masque of the Red Death. Photography by Stephen Dobbie, Author provided Pubs and cinemas may be opening in the UK, but the performing arts sector remains languishing under lockdown and live performance continues to be prohibited. The government’s roadmap, published at the end of June, hasContinue Reading
How Shanghai’s LGBTQ community came out for Pride Month in 2020
Members of Shanghai's LGBTQ communities gather to celebrate Pride Month. ShanghaiPRIDE Pride Month events scheduled for June 2020 were cancelled in most parts of the world due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But, bucking the trend – and perhaps giving a message about China’s handling of the crisis – Shanghai’sContinue Reading
Repurposing Alzheimer’s drugs could prevent blood vessel damage caused by type 2 diabetes and obesity – new research
Beta amyloid causes damage to the blood vessels. Christoph Burgstedt/ Shutterstock People who suffer from a combination of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity have a condition known as “metabolic syndrome”. This condition causes the blood vessels to stiffen. When the arteries are stiff or becomeContinue Reading
People with delusions understand metaphor differently – here’s how it could help explain schizophrenia
Shutterstock Figurative language, by which the speaker intends to communicate something other than what is actually said by the words used, is commonplace in human communication. Some claim that metaphorical expressions such as “My home has become a prison” or “My daughter is a monster” are used on average sixContinue Reading
Autistic doctors – we’re not exactly as portrayed on TV
When I open up about my referral for an autism spectrum disorder assessment, I draw on examples from the only popular reference I have for an autistic doctor – what’s portrayed on TV. You have probably seen these medical dramas – The Good Doctor, House, Grey’s Anatomy. There are more.Continue Reading
Black Lives Matter: you may be a vocal supporter and still hold racist views
The touch paper has been lit. Black Lives Matter have taken to the streets. The revolution has started – statues have been pulled down and TV programmes have been removed from streaming services. Apologies are also coming in thick and fast – a tearful Keith Lemon actor, a “sincerely sorry”Continue Reading
University study is designed for the privileged – students from disadvantaged backgrounds suffer
FrameStockFootages/Shutterstock When you picture a university student, you probably think of someone who recently finished school, who studies full-time, who stays in student accommodation and who is able to prioritise their studies over any other demands on their time – and you’re not alone in doing so. These are theContinue Reading
Behavioural science can help make the UK’s track and trace app a success – here’s how
Originally planned to roll out in May, the UK’s track and trace app has now been delayed until winter. Part of the government’s wider test, track and trace strategy, the app uses Bluetooth on smartphones to see who infected people have been in close contact with, and uses this informationContinue Reading