Resources for Journalists

Most babies born to mothers with COVID-19 separated after birth resulting in low breastfeeding rates

Publicly released: Wed 22 Feb 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

eClinicalMedicine

The study, published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine, involved 692 babies born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 in 13 neonatal intensive care units across 10 countries, including Brazil, France, Italy Read more about Most babies born to mothers with COVID-19 separated after birth resulting in low breastfeeding rates

COVID-19’s impact on Aussie family life confirms importance of social networks

Publicly released: Tue 21 Feb 2023 at 1350 AEDT | 1550 NZDT

Journal of Family Issues

The study results tell us if we want to prepare, as a society, for the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and prepare for future issues and pandemics, we need to focus ... Victoria experienced one of the Read more about COVID-19’s impact on Aussie family life confirms importance of social networks

Some pregnant Māori and Pacific women getting insufficient info on vaccines from healthcare providers

Publicly released: Tue 21 Feb 2023 at 1139 AEDT | 1339 NZDT

Midwifery

NZ health authorities recommend pregnant people are vaccinated against flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19, yet less than half of all pregnant women in NZ are vaccinated, and there’s even ... Overall, Read more about Some pregnant Māori and Pacific women getting insufficient info on vaccines from healthcare providers

The maximum safe dose of ivermectin still doesn't help treat COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 21 Feb 2023 at 1015 AEDT | 1215 NZDT

JAMA

Taking the highest possible safe dose of ivermectin does not help treat mild to moderate COVID-19, according to international research. ... The researchers randomly assigned 600 people with mild to Read more about The maximum safe dose of ivermectin still doesn't help treat COVID-19

How frequently should we be updating our COVID-19 vaccines?

Publicly released: Tue 21 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Medicine

The current challenge with COVID-19 vaccines is that they were developed based on the first strain of the virus in 2020, which is quite different to what is currently circulating,” ... Whilst the Read more about How frequently should we be updating our COVID-19 vaccines?

EXPERT REACTION: One in five kids and teens struggle with disordered eating

Publicly released: Tue 21 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Pediatrics

The proportion was further elevated among girls, as well as with increasing age and body mass index. ... These high figures are concerning from a public health perspective and highlight the need to Read more about EXPERT REACTION: One in five kids and teens struggle with disordered eating

EXPERT REACTION: Stem cell transplant sends another HIV patient into remission

Publicly released: Tue 21 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Medicine

Medicine: Sustained HIV-1 remission after stem cell transplantationA recipient of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant to treat leukemia has shown persistent suppression of human Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Stem cell transplant sends another HIV patient into remission

Pets create ‘pawsitive’ change for people in aged care

Publicly released: Mon 20 Feb 2023 at 1243 AEDT | 1443 NZDT

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

The great thing about pets is that they can help us feel happier and healthier. ... One of the biggest challenges has been the pandemic. Once COVID-19 hit, access to aged care facilities was extremely Read more about Pets create ‘pawsitive’ change for people in aged care

Global optogenetics experts share big developments

Publicly released: Mon 20 Feb 2023 at 1005 AEDT | 1205 NZDT

This meeting marks the first opportunity these experts have met in person since the outbreak of COVID-19, and much has happened rapidly in optogenetics through this period. ... This meeting is designed to Read more about Global optogenetics experts share big developments

The AusSMC's Lyndal Byford is this year's Unsung Hero of Science Communication!

Publicly released: Fri 17 Feb 2023 at 1509 AEDT | 1709 NZDT

Ms Byford has been instrumental in the accurate reporting of COVID-19 science during the pandemic, facilitating expert comment in over 80,000 news stories in Australia and overseas. ... Through her Read more about The AusSMC's Lyndal Byford is this year's Unsung Hero of Science Communication!

EXPERT REACTION: How well does a prior COVID-19 infection protect you the next time around?

Publicly released: Fri 17 Feb 2023 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

compiled the largest review and meta-analysis of infection-acquired COVID-19 immunity to date. ... As SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology shifts to more stable circulation patterns in the context of high levels of Read more about EXPERT REACTION: How well does a prior COVID-19 infection protect you the next time around?

Possible alternative to using shark compound for vaccines

Publicly released: Fri 17 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

npj Vaccines

Shark-derived squalene has been used in vaccine adjuvant formulations (substances that are used to increase the efficacy or potency of some vaccines) in influenza and COVID-19 vaccines and is Read more about Possible alternative to using shark compound for vaccines

Group therapy over Zoom could be helpful for depression and anxiety

Publicly released: Fri 17 Feb 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

disorder. The four group sessions held over Zoom were found to be effective for the 22 people participating, as measures for anxiety and depression improved following treatment. ... We used Zoom to Read more about Group therapy over Zoom could be helpful for depression and anxiety

Pfizer COVID-19 jab safe and effective in kids aged 6 months to 4 years

Publicly released: Thu 16 Feb 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

A 'gold standard' placebo-controlled medical trial of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine found three doses are safe and effective for kids aged between six months and four years. ... 2% effective Read more about Pfizer COVID-19 jab safe and effective in kids aged 6 months to 4 years

Long COVID patients in USA more likely to be unemployed

Publicly released: Thu 16 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

The authors say the link between long COVID and worse employment outcomes persisted when demographic differences were taken into account, and that their findings underscore the importance of Read more about Long COVID patients in USA more likely to be unemployed

COVID-19 may increase diabetes risk, but vaccination could help

Publicly released: Wed 15 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

A US study of 23,709 patients, all of whom had COVID-19 at least once, found diagnoses of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol were higher in the 90 ... More research is required to Read more about COVID-19 may increase diabetes risk, but vaccination could help

A new tool in the arsenal against COVID-19 is being put to the test

Publicly released: Tue 14 Feb 2023 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

Nature Communications

Appearing to ‘blow up’ the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, a newly discovered class of antibodies shows potential protection against COVID-19 variants. ... A new class of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies has been Read more about A new tool in the arsenal against COVID-19 is being put to the test

Community co-design a key to targeting Indigenous diabetes

Publicly released: Mon 13 Feb 2023 at 1607 AEDT | 1807 NZDT

Nature Medicine

The Coorong Diabetes Collaborative project emerged from intensive engagement during COVID-19 outbreaks, when clinicians trained in Eurocentric-based medicine and the Ngarrindjeri community recognised Read more about Community co-design a key to targeting Indigenous diabetes

Paxlovid cuts risk of severe COVID-19 in half

Publicly released: Mon 13 Feb 2023 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Our study, in conjunction with previous clinical trials and observational research, supports the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir at reducing hospital admission from COVID-19 and all-cause Read more about Paxlovid cuts risk of severe COVID-19 in half

How was happiness hit by the pandemic’s first year? Data from 10 countries

Publicly released: Sat 11 Feb 2023 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Daily data from Twitter was combined with AI to find that changes in the “Gross National Happiness” (GNH) measure were related to new COVID-19 infections, policy stringency, residential mobility, Read more about How was happiness hit by the pandemic’s first year? Data from 10 countries

Receptor that blocks COVID-19 infection discovered

Publicly released: Fri 10 Feb 2023 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Biology

This protein, the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 15 (LRRC15), is an inbuilt receptor that binds the SARS-CoV-2 virus without passing on the infection. ... The receptor sticks to the virus and Read more about Receptor that blocks COVID-19 infection discovered

What happens when the COVID-19 virus hits our sewerage system?

Publicly released: Fri 10 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Water

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have relied on our sewerage system to detect and monitor COVID-19 outbreaks but what actually happens to the virus once it enters the sewers? ... Australian Read more about What happens when the COVID-19 virus hits our sewerage system?

Broad spectrum antiviral effective for early treatment of COVID-19 across dominant variants

Publicly released: Thu 9 Feb 2023 at 1159 AEDT | 1359 NZDT

The New England Journal of Medicine

Treatment with an exogenous source of interferon lambda such as pegylated interferon lambda could stimulate antiviral immunity and treat early SARS-CoV-2 infection. ... In more than 20 clinical trials, Read more about Broad spectrum antiviral effective for early treatment of COVID-19 across dominant variants

Increasing trends of intrauterine device interest and insertion during the COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Thu 9 Feb 2023 at 1129 AEDT | 1329 NZDT

Digital Health

The research was focused on understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdowns on the rates of long-acting reversible contraceptive utilization, plus interest in seeking Read more about Increasing trends of intrauterine device interest and insertion during the COVID-19 pandemic

A COVID-19 vax during pregnancy could be good for mum AND bub

Publicly released: Thu 9 Feb 2023 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

However, they note that in the rapidly shifting landscape of SARS-CoV-2, even solid conclusions cannot provide definitive answers to many practical questions. ... landscape of new SARS-CoV-2 strains and Read more about A COVID-19 vax during pregnancy could be good for mum AND bub

Beijing analysis suggests no new COVID-19 variants have emerged during China's recent outbreak

Publicly released: Thu 9 Feb 2023 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

The Lancet

was important to investigate whether any new ones emerged following the recent changes to China’s COVID-19 prevention and control policies. ... However, they urge caution in drawing conclusions about Read more about Beijing analysis suggests no new COVID-19 variants have emerged during China's recent outbreak

Chronic fatigue syndrome linked to changes in gut bugs

Publicly released: Thu 9 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Cell Host & Microbe

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with distinct changes in the microbiome and gut metabolitesOver the past three years, the emergence of long-term effects associated Read more about Chronic fatigue syndrome linked to changes in gut bugs

Older people are more likely to die once hospitalised with COVID-19 than with other pneumonia

Publicly released: Wed 8 Feb 2023 at 1901 AEDT | 2101 NZDT

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

The team compared Dutch ICU data from people over 70 years old admitted with COVID-19 during the pandemic to data from those admitted because of bacterial and other viral pneumonia ... They found 39. 7% Read more about Older people are more likely to die once hospitalised with COVID-19 than with other pneumonia

NZ contact tracing gaps went unreported in 2020

Publicly released: Tue 7 Feb 2023 at 0938 AEDT | 1138 NZDT

IJID Regions

New Zealand saw its second COVID-19 outbreak in August 2020, involving 179 cases who were mostly Pasifika (59%) or Māori (25%) in Auckland. ... Pacific contacts were reached significantly later than Read more about NZ contact tracing gaps went unreported in 2020

EXPERT REACTION: COVID could carry on for decades, says US research funding giant

Publicly released: Fri 3 Feb 2023 at 0913 AEDT | 1113 NZDT

Science

The importance of investing in basic and applied research, and improving how we communicate science in the face of misinformation, are top lessons from COVID-19, according to a policy review Read more about EXPERT REACTION: COVID could carry on for decades, says US research funding giant

Probes strike gold to stop the trots in pigs

Publicly released: Fri 3 Feb 2023 at 0910 AEDT | 1110 NZDT

Biosensors

We envisage this technology will be invaluable for biosecurity systems, helping to limit the spread of the virus in Australia and other countries, ensuring the health of pigs and protecting the Read more about Probes strike gold to stop the trots in pigs

1 in 3 Dunedin students didn’t report their COVID infection

Publicly released: Fri 3 Feb 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

COVID-19 began to spread through the University of Otago student population in Dunedin in mid February 2022, and reported case numbers rose rapidly between late February and early March. ... 4%) of Read more about 1 in 3 Dunedin students didn’t report their COVID infection

Social isolation could be associated with a higher dementia risk

Publicly released: Thu 2 Feb 2023 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Kimia Shafighi of McGill University, Canada, and colleagues. ... The authors add: “Given the uncertain impact of social distancing measures imposed by COVID-19, our Read more about Social isolation could be associated with a higher dementia risk

Modelling the shift from elimination to mitigation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Publicly released: Wed 1 Feb 2023 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

to stamp out transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). ... To investigate how the traffic light system might be used to limit the health burden manage the tricky transition to living with the virus, Read more about Modelling the shift from elimination to mitigation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Computer model predicts who will recover from COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 31 Jan 2023 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Nature Immunology

The research revealed distinct ‘systemic recovery’ profiles, with specific progression and recovery of the inflammatory, immune cell, metabolic and clinical responses to COVID-19. ... COVID-19 Read more about Computer model predicts who will recover from COVID-19

EXPERT REACTION: WHO says pandemic is not over but in 'transition'

Publicly released: Tue 31 Jan 2023 at 1051 AEDT | 1251 NZDT

Overnight the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID pandemic is not over yet and it is still a 'public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)'. ... The WHO's advisory Read more about EXPERT REACTION: WHO says pandemic is not over but in 'transition'

COVID-19 kills young people and children too

Publicly released: Tue 31 Jan 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

COVID-19 has contributed to 2% of all deaths of under-19s in the United States throughout the pandemic, new data show. ... Various factors, including underreporting and not accounting for COVID-19’s Read more about COVID-19 kills young people and children too

Over one third of a year’s learning lost to COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Tue 31 Jan 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Human Behaviour

Education: Over one third of a year’s learning lost to COVID-19 pandemic PRESS BRIEFINGDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, school-aged children experienced delays in learning progress and a loss Read more about Over one third of a year’s learning lost to COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 deaths reduced by 90% after booster dose

Publicly released: Mon 30 Jan 2023 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Canadian Medical Association Journal

ET 90% reduction in COVID-19 deaths after booster dose: Hong Kong study A booster (third) dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in death ... Booster vaccination with inactivated Read more about COVID-19 deaths reduced by 90% after booster dose

Most COVID-19 trial preprints were eventually published, and the conclusions mostly stayed the same

Publicly released: Sat 28 Jan 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

During the pandemic, preprints helped make clinical trial results available as quickly as possible, and now researchers have found that most preprints of COVID-19 clinical trials ended up being Read more about Most COVID-19 trial preprints were eventually published, and the conclusions mostly stayed the same

Children’s immune response to COVID-19: fast but doesn’t last

Publicly released: Thu 26 Jan 2023 at 1605 AEDT | 1805 NZDT

Clinical Immunology

Unlike those of adults, children’s immune systems don’t remember the virus and don’t adapt, so when they’re next exposed to SARS-CoV-2, their body still treats ... They found that children had Read more about Children’s immune response to COVID-19: fast but doesn’t last

Four doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine could give good immunity against new variants

Publicly released: Thu 26 Jan 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

NEJM

Using the Novavax vaccine as a booster could potentially provide a more universal-like response against new SARS-CoV-2 variants, according to researchers at Novavax. ... They say 4 doses produced a Read more about Four doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine could give good immunity against new variants

Bivalent vaccine generates higher antibody responses against new 'grandchildren of omicron' variants

Publicly released: Thu 26 Jan 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

4–BA. 5 variant and the original COVID-19 strain, generates a higher antibody response against the newer Omicron subvariants than the original Pfizer vaccine, according to international research. Read more about Bivalent vaccine generates higher antibody responses against new 'grandchildren of omicron' variants

Sports parent stresses emphasised during COVID-19 era

Publicly released: Wed 25 Jan 2023 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

The research - “Sport parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions of parents and youth in Australia”, by Sam Elliott, Aurélie Pankowiak, Rochelle Eime and Murray Drummond - has been Read more about Sports parent stresses emphasised during COVID-19 era

Coronavirus improves ability to tackle infectious diseases in Timor-Leste

Publicly released: Wed 25 Jan 2023 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia

These improvements can help Timor-Leste respond to other prevalent infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV The rapid expansion of Timor-Leste’s laboratory abilities during the Read more about Coronavirus improves ability to tackle infectious diseases in Timor-Leste

Online interaction is impacting the mood and cognitive function of young people

Publicly released: Tue 24 Jan 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Scientific Reports

The COVID-19 pandemic and global lockdowns shifted our social interactions with peers even further online, especially for young people. ... And with these face-to-face social interactions, the feedback or Read more about Online interaction is impacting the mood and cognitive function of young people

New guidelines for cognitive rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury

Publicly released: Tue 24 Jan 2023 at 0845 AEDT | 1045 NZDT

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Professor Ponsford also said a major addition to the updated version of the guidelines is a new section on telerehabilitation, which was necessitated due to the COVID-19 pandemic:“In recent Read more about New guidelines for cognitive rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines reduce virus risk in children, serious side effects are rare

Publicly released: Tue 24 Jan 2023 at 0310 AEDT | 0510 NZDT

JAMA Pediatrics

Children aged 5-11 who have received two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to be infected with COVID-19 and less likely to have severe illness, ... 5 million unvaccinated children, and Read more about mRNA COVID-19 vaccines reduce virus risk in children, serious side effects are rare

Affordable air monitors identify ‘super-spreader’ areas in health settings

Publicly released: Mon 23 Jan 2023 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Age and Ageing

Placing CO2 monitors in public spaces, such as hospitals, schools and aged-care facilities, could play a major role in the battle against airborne respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and Read more about Affordable air monitors identify ‘super-spreader’ areas in health settings