At-home test kits, new vaccine developments, and more COVID-19 updates

A roundup of the top stories you may have missed this week.

The coronavirus crisis is unique. Addressing it will require new ideas, new perspectives, and new voices. That’s our mission at Freethink.

In our weekly “Coronavirus News Roundup,” we’re highlighting the most important stories from the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. Stories that inform, challenge, and inspire.

Here are our must reads for this week.

1. A Chinese Coronavirus Vaccine Advances to Phase II Trials

CanSino Bio’s in-development coronavirus vaccine was the second in the world to reach human trials — and it’s now the first to advance to the second stage of human testing.

2. The FDA Authorizes the First At-Home Coronavirus Test Kit

For the first time, people have the option of collecting their own coronavirus samples at home, a development that could both increase access to testing and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

3. We May Need Fewer Ventilators for COVID-19 Patients Than We Expected

New research suggests that healthcare workers may be overusing ventilators for COVID-19 patients — meaning there might be more of the machines to go around than previously thought.

4. Microsoft’s “Plasma Bot” Helps You Donate Plasma for COVID-19

Microsoft created an online bot to help guide coronavirus survivors through the process of donating their antibody-rich plasma — a move that could help advance COVID-19 trials and research.

5. Ghana Is Using Drones to Speed Up Its Coronavirus Testing

The African nation of Ghana is using autonomous drones to transport coronavirus test samples from rural areas to two city labs — and the devices might be flying over the U.S. in the near future.

Related
New “multipronged” gene therapy reverses paralysis in mice
A new gene therapy that guides nerve regeneration across complete spinal cord injuries restored the ability to walk in paralyzed mice.
An implantable device could enable injection-free control of diabetes
MIT engineers designed an implantable device that carries islet cells along with its own on-board oxygen factory to keep the cells healthy.
New “inverse vaccines” could be key to curing autoimmune disorders
“Inverse vaccines” that teach the immune system to tolerate triggering molecules could be the key to curing autoimmune disorders.
Here’s what’s new in the latest COVID-19 boosters
The FDA has approved new COVID-19 boosters from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. Here’s what you need to know about the shots.
Tooth decay: Mouthwash turns your teeth blue when it’s time to go to the dentist
A mouthwash solution containing ferumoxytol and a dye could treat, prevent, and diagnose tooth decay, according to UPenn researchers.
Up Next
Subscribe to Freethink for more great stories