The World Health Organization (WHO) said false claims “are spreading faster than the virus” and has already termed it an “infodemic of planetary proportions”. Major online platforms are already acting to limit their reach. How can you recognise disinformation and how can you help stop it from spreading? What is the EU doing about it? […]
3D-Printed ventilators to help coronavirus patients
LEITAT Technological Centre, the beneficiary of two BBI JU projects, has led the development of 3D-printed ventilators to help hospitals deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. The Spanish technological centre started producing this critical medical equipment last week and expects to deliver the first units to the hospitals in the Barcelona area by the end of the week. The medical authorities in […]
Space science from home with ESA: resources for children and adults
With many people across the world staying at home these days, the ESA has curated a selection of activities for you to pass time and learn more about space science in the meantime. Armchair astronomy You could start with ESASky, a discovery portal that provides full access to the entire sky. This open-science application allows computer, tablet and […]
How Criminals Profit from the COVID-19 Pandemic
New Europol report on latest developments of COVID-19 on the criminal landscape in the EU During this unprecedented crisis, governments across Europe are intensifying their efforts to combat the global spread of the coronavirus by enacting various measures to support public health systems, safeguard the economy and to ensure public order and safety. A number […]
Solidarity in abundance: UAL and citizenship facing the Coronavirus
The Coronavirus crisis has turned the world upside down and shown how vulnerable we are to global phenomena that are out of our hands. Crises can have their positive side, if you want to see it, and one of them is the willingness of citizens to help and contribute. To the surprise of some, solidarity […]
Global regulators map out data requirements for phase 1 COVID-19 vaccine trials
Global regulators have published a report presenting the outcomes of a workshop on COVID-19 vaccine development that was convened under the umbrella of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA). The meeting report provides an overview of regulatory considerations related to COVID-19 vaccine development and data required for regulatory decision-making on two key points: Pre-clinical data […]
Coronavirus: supporting EU’s agri-food sector
Ensuring food security and an effective food supply chain across the continent remains one of the Commission’s priorities. Following the outbreak of coronavirus, the European Union’s agri-food sector is showing its resilience and continues to provide Europeans with high quality and safe food. Nonetheless, farmers and producers are facing difficulties and increasing pressure. The Commission […]
Social distancing and how it can slow down the spread of coronavirus
Scientists and public health professionals say social distancing is key to preventing coronavirus from a more rapid spread worldwide. With Europe being the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more and more countries are restricting the movement of citizens to avoid outbreaks of cases that would overwhelm health systems. […]
PCR and rapid tests for coronavirus diagnosis. How do they work, and how do they differ?
The diagnosis of coronavirus infection has been made since the beginning of the epidemic thanks to the PCR test; this technique has been complemented by rapid diagnostic tests, which are easier to use and allow results to be obtained in 15 minutes from the person’s home PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is commonly and routinely […]