UTMB’s James Le Duc explains that efforts to develop a new COVID-19 diagnostic test has been a priority at the university and the test kit being develop will be ready for use soon at UTMB’s clinical laboratory.

Researchers are working to understand why the novel coronavirus leaves young children virtually untouched, which they say may hold vital clues as to how the virus works. “With respiratory infections like this, we usually see a U-shaped curve on who gets hit the hardest. Young children at one end of the U because their immune systems aren’t developed and old people at the other end because their immune systems grow weaker,” said UTMB’s Vineet Menachery. “With this virus, one side of the U is just completely missing,” MSN News and Democratic Underground also published this story.

If you are looking to improve your health, UTMB’s Victor Sierpina recommends that you consider adding cauliflower to your diet. Among the vegetable’s many benefits, it contains multiple antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals that promote health as well as two grams of protein per cup.

Information provided by UTMB’s Pei-Yong Shi is included in this story explaining why treating the novel coronavirus is so difficult. According to Shi, antiviral drugs are one approach to slowing down viruses like COVID-19.

The Galveston County Daily News, March 11, 2020 - School of Nursing celebrates 130th anniversary - Osler Club to set to meet - Volunteers needed

In this installment of their regular column, UTMB’s Megan Berman and Richard Rupp explain why vaccines play a major role in helping keep individuals with diabetes well.

UTMB’s Gal Levy used 3D printing technology to help a patient unable to breathe right for more than a year after a cardiac bypass surgery performed at another hospital did not allow his sternum to heal properly. Levy used the 3D printed ribcage to pre-place surgical plates days before the patient was in the operating room, cutting down on surgery and recovery time.

Many have become concerned that reusable products may promote the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses. However, many experts point out that even minor cleaning of reusable products will actually help dissolve or destroy the virus. “If you are regularly cleaning stuff, you should be fine,” said UTMB’s Vineet Menachery. This story originally appeared in Grist.

Texas has the highest share of uninsured residents of any state, which could complicate efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Often people without insurance may forego seeing a physician or taking off from work, even if they are sick. “Those are patients that are likely to have a lower-paying job and might have other economic stressors at home, they have kids they to get food on the table for,” said UTMB internal medicine resident Patrik Hornak. The Houston Chronicle, The College Station Eagle, KAMR Amarillo, Houston Public Media and San Antonio Express-News also published this story.

This Washington Post story included in previous highlights has been reprinted in national and international publications. UTMB’s Vineet Menachery was a story contributor. “With respiratory infections like this, we usually see a U-shaped curve on who gets hit the hardest. Young children at one end of the U because their immune systems aren’t developed and old people at the other end because their immune systems grow weaker,” said Menachery. “With this virus, one side of the U is just completely missing,” The story has appeared in MSN Ireland, The Nation Thailand, KDFW Dallas, The New Zealand Herald, Anchorage Daily News, Stars and Stripes and MiDIARIO Panama.