Resources for Journalists

Severe viral infection overwhelms immune cells

Publicly released: Tue 25 Aug 2020 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

Nature Immunology

Melbourne researchers have identified mechanisms leading to the functional deterioration of the immune system in response to severe viral infections, such as HIV or COVID-19. Read more about Severe viral infection overwhelms immune cells

Many animal species may be at risk from coronavirus

Publicly released: Mon 24 Aug 2020 at 1400 AEST, 1600 NZST

PNAS

More than 100 animals species including Old World primates, deer, whales, and dolphins, that are potentially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19, say international Read more about Many animal species may be at risk from coronavirus

EXPERT REACTION: Trump announces emergency authorisation of convalescent plasma for COVID-19

Publicly released: Mon 24 Aug 2020 at 1230 AEST, 1430 NZST

US President Donald Trump has announced the Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorisation for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 patients. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Trump announces emergency authorisation of convalescent plasma for COVID-19

Press power during the pandemic

Publicly released: Mon 24 Aug 2020 at 1018 AEST, 1218 NZST

Frontiers in Public Health

The mass media’s coverage of the pandemic health crisis carries an important responsibility to offer balanced messaging about COVID-19 and public behaviour, Flinders University public health Read more about Press power during the pandemic

Lung fungi could be linked to Covid breathing troubles

Publicly released: Mon 24 Aug 2020 at 1001 AEST, 1201 NZST

European Respiratory Society International Congress

Many COVID-19 patients develop a life-threatening respiratory syndrome where their lungs can’t provide their vital organs with enough oxygen, often requiring ventilator support. ... The scientists say Read more about Lung fungi could be linked to Covid breathing troubles

First review of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection models aims to fast track research

Publicly released: Mon 24 Aug 2020 at 1000 AEST, 1200 NZST

Mucosal Immunology

The first comprehensive review of all relevant animal and cellular models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 aims to assist with fast-tracking ongoing research into new preventions and Read more about First review of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection models aims to fast track research

COVID-19 contact tracing may support relaxation of distancing, but not a return to normal contact

Publicly released: Sat 22 Aug 2020 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

US scientists have used computer models to examine the potential for contact tracing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, were  physical distancing measures to be relaxed. ... more effective at curbing Read more about COVID-19 contact tracing may support relaxation of distancing, but not a return to normal contact

New trial raises questions about whether remdesivir works for COVID-19

Publicly released: Sat 22 Aug 2020 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA

A new trial has raised questions about just how effective remdesivir really is for treating COVID-19 after it found mixed results in patients with moderate pneumonia. ... The study found that compared to Read more about New trial raises questions about whether remdesivir works for COVID-19

Research shows COVID-19 is a multi-organ metabolic disease

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1558 AEST, 1758 NZST

Journal of Proteome Research

Analysis of blood plasma specimens from previously diagnosed COVID-19 positive patients using state-of-the-art metabolic phenotyping technologies has revealed a profound biological fingerprint of the Read more about Research shows COVID-19 is a multi-organ metabolic disease

Could COVID be spread through our sewage system?

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1305 AEST, 1505 NZST

Nature Sustainability

The virus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in sewage and could survive in wastewater long enough for infectious viruses to reach treatment plants and to be further spread into ... The also point Read more about Could COVID be spread through our sewage system?

What does the science say about COVID-19 and pregnancy?

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1230 AEST, 1430 NZST

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Australian researchers have reviewed 60 research articles on COVID-19 and pregnancy, and say SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was often asymptomatic, and that severe and critical disease rates in Read more about What does the science say about COVID-19 and pregnancy?

Even mild COVID-19 can trigger an immune response

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1030 AEST, 1230 NZST

Cell

People with mild COVID-19, and family members exposed to the virus, may still produce a robust immune response - even if they don't make antibodies against the virus, according to ... and people who only Read more about Even mild COVID-19 can trigger an immune response

COVID-19 ‘superspreaders’ hit rural communities hardest

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1025 AEST, 1225 NZST

PNAS

Superspreaders - people who infect a disproportionate number of others with COVID-19 - have been found to cause a significant impact in rural areas and in the later stages of an outbreak. ... Researchers Read more about COVID-19 ‘superspreaders’ hit rural communities hardest

If 1 million die in the US that would make COVID as deadly as almost 30 years of HIV/AIDS

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1000 AEST, 1200 NZST

PNAS

If 1 million people in the US die from COVID-19, researchers say it would still put COVID deaths per capita at less than for the 1918 flu, but would make ... it comparable to the HIV/AIDS and opioid Read more about If 1 million die in the US that would make COVID as deadly as almost 30 years of HIV/AIDS

Mandatory masking avoids stigma and seen as ‘more fair’

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1000 AEST, 1200 NZST

PNAS

Surveying shows significantly more Germans started wearing masks after their government made it compulsory during the coronavirus pandemic, despite only moderate support for the policy. ... The Read more about Mandatory masking avoids stigma and seen as ‘more fair’

Flying-foxes’ extraordinary mobility creates key challenges for management and conservation

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 1000 AEST, 1200 NZST

BMC Biology

New research led by scientists at Western Sydney University and published in BMC Biology shows that flying-foxes are always on the move among a vast network of roosts, creating key ... challenges for Read more about Flying-foxes’ extraordinary mobility creates key challenges for management and conservation

Where were all the heart patients over lockdown?

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Data show the number of admissions to the Waitematā DHB were consistently lower than the previous two years, even with a peak during weeks four and five of the lockdown. ... The scientists say the strict Read more about Where were all the heart patients over lockdown?

How lockdown affected a Christchurch medical centre

Publicly released: Fri 21 Aug 2020 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Two Christchurch doctors describe their experience shifting to telehealth at a general practice, saying early preparation before the virus got to New Zealand's shores made the transition much easier. Read more about How lockdown affected a Christchurch medical centre

Contact tracing apps ‘largely unproven’

Publicly released: Thu 20 Aug 2020 at 1400 AEST, 1600 NZST

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Tracer apps have been touted as ways to help speed up contact tracing in the COVID-19 pandemic, but a review of the evidence finds they’re largely unproven in ... The authors also point to privacy Read more about Contact tracing apps ‘largely unproven’

Pick a mask like you’d pick a t-shirt

Publicly released: Thu 20 Aug 2020 at 1030 AEST, 1230 NZST

The BMJ

The UK scientists say there are examples of face coverings adapting to cultural traditions, like how a “dupatta” - a loose piece of cloth - has become more common in India during the ... the Read more about Pick a mask like you’d pick a t-shirt