Resources for Journalists

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in the air

Publicly released: Tue 28 Apr 2020 at 0800 AEST, 1000 NZST

Nature

Chinese researchers have found evidence that the genetic material of the virus behind COVID-19 can be airborne. ... The research team set up aerosol “traps” around two hospitals treating COVID-19 Read more about Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in the air

Coronavirus: Animal disease detectives to be trained across SE Asia

Publicly released: Mon 27 Apr 2020 at 1930 AEST, 2130 NZST

Project work in 11 countries aims to prevent spread of zoonotic and animal diseases. Read more about Coronavirus: Animal disease detectives to be trained across SE Asia

Medical students benefit from 'real-life' COVID-19 learnings

Publicly released: Mon 27 Apr 2020 at 1400 AEST, 1600 NZST

Medical Journal of Australia

Despite some disruption, medical students have benefited from witnessing the health systems approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and have demonstrated their commitment to health care and their chosen Read more about Medical students benefit from 'real-life' COVID-19 learnings

EXPERT REACTION: COVIDSafe app released, but does it work on iPhones?

Publicly released: Mon 27 Apr 2020 at 1400 AEST, 1600 NZST

The Federal Government has released the COVIDSafe app to help fight COVID19 but there is still confusion about whether the tracking app works in the background on iPhones. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: COVIDSafe app released, but does it work on iPhones?

Leg up for podiatry students as 3D-printed feet put them strides ahead of the rest

Publicly released: Mon 27 Apr 2020 at 1230 AEST, 1430 NZST

3D-printed feet – complete with calluses, corns and fake toenails – will enable UniSA’s podiatry students to practise and fine-tune their podiatry skills from the comfort of their own home, Read more about Leg up for podiatry students as 3D-printed feet put them strides ahead of the rest

Can DIY facemasks and 3D printed parts help fight COVID-19?

Publicly released: Sat 25 Apr 2020 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS Biology

Free open-source hardware and 3D printing could help to alleviate the burden of COVID-19 on global health systems, according to UK research. ... The researchers found that although some of the designs Read more about Can DIY facemasks and 3D printed parts help fight COVID-19?

Small trial of Trump's 'miracle' COVID-19 drug chloroquine suggests high doses are dangerous

Publicly released: Sat 25 Apr 2020 at 0105 AEST, 0305 NZST

JAMA Network Open

Brazilian and Spanish scientists conducted a small trial of two different doses of much touted 'miracle' drug chloroquine in 81 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 to invesitage safety and efficacy. Read more about Small trial of Trump's 'miracle' COVID-19 drug chloroquine suggests high doses are dangerous

COVID-19: New model predicts its course, resolution and eventual good news

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1201 AEST, 1401 NZST

The team led by Professor Dan Nicolau, predict the trajectory of the virus and its mortality, based on reliable, country-independent data. ... Figures are updated daily and show the world is in the middle Read more about COVID-19: New model predicts its course, resolution and eventual good news

Saliva may be more sensitive for SARS-CoV-2 detection than invasive swabs

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1200 AEST, 1400 NZST

Rapid and accurate testing is essential for controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. ... The current gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis uses nasopharyngeal swabs. A new pre-print study, which has not Read more about Saliva may be more sensitive for SARS-CoV-2 detection than invasive swabs

Pharmacists step up in fight against COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1130 AEST, 1330 NZST

Staff and students from The University of Queensland School of Pharmacy have stepped up to ease the pressure on the health workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about Pharmacists step up in fight against COVID-19

COVID-19: infected Aussie healthcare workers usually get it away from work

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1100 AEST, 1300 NZST

MJA

It's pretty uncommon for a healthcare worker to have COVID-19, say Aussie researchers in a preprint letter, though those that do contract it usually do so outside of their ... They say that over the past Read more about COVID-19: infected Aussie healthcare workers usually get it away from work

Nose cells are coronavirus hotspot

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1100 AEST, 1300 NZST

Nature Medicine

Nasal swabs have been found to have far higher concentrations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus than throat swabs, and British researchers have made a step towards finding out why. ... The researchers say it Read more about Nose cells are coronavirus hotspot

COVID-19 research funding for NZ

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1053 AEST, 1253 NZST

COVID-19 research projects funded by the Auckland Medical Research Foundation are due to look into the wellbeing of frontline nurses, the mental health effects of lockdown particularly on young Read more about COVID-19 research funding for NZ

Is it wrong to prioritise younger patients with COVID-19?

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1030 AEST, 1230 NZST

The BMJ

Two experts go head-to-head on one of the toughest ethical topics arising from this pandemic - how to prioritise scarce intensive care resources. ... One professor argues that it’s hard to know where to Read more about Is it wrong to prioritise younger patients with COVID-19?

Lack of PPE is causing Australian frontline healthcare workers to question their willingness to work

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 1030 AEST, 1230 NZST

Research led by Edith Cowan University has confirmed that difficulty accessing personal protective equipment (PPE) is forcing healthcare workers on the frontline to question their willingness to work Read more about Lack of PPE is causing Australian frontline healthcare workers to question their willingness to work

HIV and flu drugs show 'little benefit' for mild/moderate COVID-19 cases

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 0932 AEST, 1132 NZST

Med

Chinese researchers have assessed patients with mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19, randomly assigning 34 to receive the HIV drug lopinavir/ritonavir, 35 to the influenza drug Arbidol, and 17 Read more about HIV and flu drugs show 'little benefit' for mild/moderate COVID-19 cases

Highlighting diabetes risks in COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology

An international review involving Monash University has found elderly people with diabetes who contract COVID-19 are at a much higher risk of dying from the disease - and the virus may ... The study, Read more about Highlighting diabetes risks in COVID-19

‘DIY’ technique to ventilate two patients with one machine

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

Thorax

They say this 'extreme' technique could be used should doctors face severe equipment shortages in the COVID-19 pandemic, but recognise the most difficult choice during such an emergency would be Read more about ‘DIY’ technique to ventilate two patients with one machine

BRIEFING: How NZ moved during lockdown

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2020 at 0300 AEST, 0500 NZST

As part of the SMC's COVID-19 response, we are funding data visualisations that are available to media under creative commons. ... The data also modelled the population counts to take into consideration Read more about BRIEFING: How NZ moved during lockdown

NZ scientists seek support to develop COVID-19 therapies

Publicly released: Thu 23 Apr 2020 at 2201 AEST, Fri 24 Apr 20 at 0001 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

While the world waits for a viable vaccine, a group of New Zealand scientists have outlined the need to develop effective treatments for COVID-19. ... The scientists argue that work to develop these Read more about NZ scientists seek support to develop COVID-19 therapies