The new SARS-CoV-2 variant’s increased transmissibility is believed to come from a change in the spike protein, visible here in yellow under an electron microscope. National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases Suresh Dhaniyala, Clarkson University and Byron Erath, Clarkson University A fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been found in at least 10 states, and people …
Read More »Tag Archives: Aerosols
7 tips for staying safe as COVID-19 cases rise and colder weather heightens the risk
Simple steps like wearing a face mask can lower the risk of getting COVID-19 for the wearers and those around them. Jennah Moon/Getty Images Melissa Burdi, Purdue University As temperatures fall, people are spending more time indoors. That heightens the risk of the coronavirus spreading, but there are some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and everyone …
Read More »Vaccine roll-out is still months away – how can we avoid more lockdowns in the meantime?
MadariaPix/Shutterstock Andrew Lee, University of Sheffield The news of a potentially viable vaccine for COVID-19 is exciting, but even once we start administering an effective jab it will take a long time to halt the spread of the virus. Many countries are still trying to contain dangerous epidemics, and several have had to implement further economically damaging lockdowns. But why …
Read More »COVID-19 masks FAQs: How can cloth stop a tiny virus? What’s the best fabric? Do they protect the wearer?
Although cloth masks have been widely adopted, many people still have questions about them. (Usplash/Vera Davidova) Catherine Clase, McMaster University; Edouard Fu, Leiden University, and Juan Jesus Carrero, Karolinska Institute Face masks reduce the spread of viruses passed on from respiratory secretions. While cloth masks are imperfect, widespread use of an imperfect mask has the potential to make a big …
Read More »How the coronavirus spreads through the air: 5 essential reads
When a person sneezes, tiny droplets, or aerosols, can linger in the air. Jorg Greuel via Getty Images Stacy Morford, The Conversation Scientists have been warning for months that the coronavirus could be spread by aerosols – tiny respiratory droplets that people emit when they talk or sneeze and that can linger in the air. The Centers for Disease Control …
Read More »