Scientific Updates Amidst the Pandemic: Edition 32 from Voice for Science and Solidarity

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of life, including the scientific community. In response to the pandemic, the Voice for Science and Solidarity (VSS) has been providing regular updates on the latest scientific developments related to COVID-19. In this article, we will summarize the 32nd update from VSS, which covers a range of topics related to the pandemic.

COVID-19 Variants

One of the key topics covered in the VSS update is the emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus. The update notes that several new variants have been identified in recent months, including the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the UK, the B.1.351 variant first identified in South Africa, and the P.1 variant first identified in Brazil.

The update explains that these variants are of concern because they appear to be more transmissible than the original strain of the virus. Additionally, some studies suggest that the vaccines currently in use may be less effective against these variants. However, the update notes that more research is needed to fully understand the implications of these variants.

Vaccine Rollout

Another important topic covered in the VSS update is the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. The update notes that several vaccines have been approved for use in various countries, including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the AstraZeneca vaccine. The update also notes that other vaccines, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, are currently undergoing clinical trials.

The update emphasizes the importance of vaccine distribution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The update notes that the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the COVAX initiative, which aims to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries. The update also notes that several countries, including the US, have pledged to donate vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 32nd update from VSS provides a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific developments related to COVID-19. The update highlights the emergence of new variants of the virus, as well as the importance of vaccine distribution. The update also emphasizes the need for continued research to fully understand the implications of these developments.

Overall, the VSS update serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in staying up-to-date on the latest scientific developments related to COVID-19. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it is important to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to protect ourselves and our communities

Original article Teaser

VSS Scientific Updates During Pandemic Times #32 | Voice for Science and Solidarity

1.    Is COVID Prematurely Aging our Immune Systems? “The concern is that people will be less able to hold off future bugs and pathogens like influenza, or that unsettled immune systems could lead to an increase in diabetes and other auto-immune diseases.”https://nationalpost.com/health/is-covid-prematurely-aging-our-immune-systems2.    Comparative Pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants Including BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5“Although in vitro growth kinetics of BA.5 is comparable among the Omicron subvariants, BA.5 become much more fusogenic than BA.1 and BA.2. The airway-on-a-chip analysis showed that the ability of BA.5 to disrupt the respiratory epithelial and endothelial barriers is enhanced among Omicron subvariants.”https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.05.502758v13.    NorthShore Reaches $10.3M Settlement in Vaccine Mandate Case“As part of the agreement, Liberty Counsel said NorthShore will change its policy to

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