Resources for Journalists

Up to 87% of COVID cases in Wuhan may have gone undetected

Publicly released: Fri 17 Jul 2020 at 1000 AEST, 1200 NZST

Nature

Undetected cases of COVID-19 probably had a major role in the rapid spread of the disease and could lead to a resurgence of infections upon lifting of restrictions too early, ... according to research out Read more about Up to 87% of COVID cases in Wuhan may have gone undetected

Coronavirus is messing with the weather forecast too

Publicly released: Fri 17 Jul 2020 at 0930 AEST, 1130 NZST

Geophysical Research Letters

Research shows the world lost 50 to 75 per cent of its aircraft weather observations between March and May of this year, when many flights were grounded due to COVID-19 ... The researchers say forecasts Read more about Coronavirus is messing with the weather forecast too

Blood test detects positive COVID-19 result in 20 minutes

Publicly released: Fri 17 Jul 2020 at 0900 AEST, 1100 NZST

ACS Sensors

Research by Monash University in Australia has been able to detect positive COVID-19 cases using blood samples in about 20 minutes, and identify whether someone has contracted the virus. ... Positive Read more about Blood test detects positive COVID-19 result in 20 minutes

Different approach needed to ‘buy time’ and tackle COVID-19

Publicly released: Thu 16 Jul 2020 at 1000 AEST, 1200 NZST

Pharmacology Research & Perspectives

A prominent Australian pharmacologist has called for a new approach to treating COVID-19 as hopes fade of finding an effective vaccine or antiviral before the end of the year. Read more about Different approach needed to ‘buy time’ and tackle COVID-19

COVID-19 severity is increased even in patients with mild obesity

Publicly released: Thu 16 Jul 2020 at 0901 AEST, 1101 NZST

European Journal of Endocrinology

When it comes to COVID-19, it seems being even a little obese can put you at higher risk of severe complications and even death. ... intensive care and death in COVID-19 patients, regardless of age, Read more about COVID-19 severity is increased even in patients with mild obesity

Australian researchers track COVID-19 in wastewater from plane and cruise ship passengers

Publicly released: Thu 16 Jul 2020 at 0600 AEST, 0800 NZST

Journal of Travel Medicine

Australian scientists say testing of aircraft and cruise ship wastewater upon arrival has detected genetic fragments of the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, marking a step forward in using this Read more about Australian researchers track COVID-19 in wastewater from plane and cruise ship passengers

Social distancing? Get a robot friend

Publicly released: Thu 16 Jul 2020 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

Science Robotics

US roboticists argue that metal assistants shouldn’t just have to do the “dull, dirty, and dangerous” tasks associated with treating and managing the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Their commentary piece Read more about Social distancing? Get a robot friend

Is Working From Home the biggest move in transport since the advent of the car?

Publicly released: Wed 15 Jul 2020 at 1200 AEST, 1400 NZST

The unintended consequence of increased Working From Home (WFH) arising from COVID-19, is a demonstration how it has the ability to tame traffic on the roads and crowding in public ... transport. The Read more about Is Working From Home the biggest move in transport since the advent of the car?

Ideal method for rapid disease testing

Publicly released: Wed 15 Jul 2020 at 1130 AEST, 1330 NZST

Materials Chemistry Frontiers

In the pandemic age of telehealth and new technologies, remote site lab or point-of-care (POC) testing of biofluids is a potentially rapid and non-invasive way to test for ... most diseases - including Read more about Ideal method for rapid disease testing

Llama antibodies could help us fight COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 14 Jul 2020 at 1000 AEST, 1200 NZST

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology

Could llamas be our new best friend in fighting COVID? UK scientists have shown that two antibody variants derived from llamas can stop the coronavirus from interacting with the receptor that Read more about Llama antibodies could help us fight COVID-19

Immune response to COVID-19’s spike protein – the secret to a successful vaccine?

Publicly released: Tue 14 Jul 2020 at 0900 AEST, 1100 NZST

Nature Medicine

Scientists have uncovered how a crucial component of the immune system responds to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 – important information for future validation Read more about Immune response to COVID-19’s spike protein – the secret to a successful vaccine?

COVID-19 disruptions could cause surge in HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria deaths

Publicly released: Tue 14 Jul 2020 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

The Lancet Global Health

Disruption to health services due to the COVID-19 response could cause a surge in deaths from other infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries, finds UK research. ... The researchers say the Read more about COVID-19 disruptions could cause surge in HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria deaths

Strong close relationships key in coping with pandemic, twin study shows

Publicly released: Mon 13 Jul 2020 at 0910 AEST, 1110 NZST

A new study of twins and triplets shows how our close social relationships are vital in how we cope with the upheaval of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read more about Strong close relationships key in coping with pandemic, twin study shows

Some people with mood disorders struggling amid pandemic

Publicly released: Mon 13 Jul 2020 at 0904 AEST, 1104 NZST

Journal of Affective Disorders

Disruption and ongoing instability as Australians navigate the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is weighing heavily on people with a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder, new research Read more about Some people with mood disorders struggling amid pandemic

It’s easy as to reduce food waste with a new socials campaign

Publicly released: Mon 13 Jul 2020 at 0800 AEST, 1000 NZST

Australians who have been economically impacted by COVID-19 are doing it tough. ... The bills keep coming in and the family still needs to be fed. Read more about It’s easy as to reduce food waste with a new socials campaign

Forget pubs and clubs, COVID shows more attention needs to be paid to drinking in the home

Publicly released: Mon 13 Jul 2020 at 0500 AEST, 0700 NZST

Drug and Alcohol Review

More attention needs to be paid to home drinking, say Australian experts, who point out the COVID pandemic means the urgency of doing so has never been greater. ... The researchers write the COVID crisis Read more about Forget pubs and clubs, COVID shows more attention needs to be paid to drinking in the home

High blood sugar may double the risk of death from COVID-19

Publicly released: Sat 11 Jul 2020 at 0801 AEST, 1001 NZST

Diabetologia

High blood sugar, even without diabetes, may increase your risk of dying from COVID-19, according to Chinese research. ... The study of over 600 patients found that abnormally high blood sugar, without a Read more about High blood sugar may double the risk of death from COVID-19

Putting a stocking over your facemask may make it better at preventing COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 1230 AEST, 1430 NZST

Matter

Tests of surgical and cloth masks have revealed that sticking nylon stocking material over the top of the masks can make them more effective at removing particles from the air, suggesting Read more about Putting a stocking over your facemask may make it better at preventing COVID-19

Genetic ‘fingerprints’ of first COVID-19 cases help manage pandemic

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 1030 AEST, 1230 NZST

Nature Medicine

Genetic sequencing of COVID-19 cases in Australia during the first 10 weeks of the pandemic helped point to the likely source of infection in cases where epidemiological links or contact ... Genetic Read more about Genetic ‘fingerprints’ of first COVID-19 cases help manage pandemic

Socio-economic, environmental impacts of coronavirus quantified

Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2020 at 1029 AEST, 1229 NZST

PLOS ONE

How is COVID-19 impacting people and the planet and what are the implications for a post-pandemic world? ... 8 trillion, triggering full-time equivalent job losses of 147 million and the biggest-ever drop Read more about Socio-economic, environmental impacts of coronavirus quantified