When science meets the headlines, the SMCNZ is there to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science, health and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.
This week, more evidence on the short-term effectiveness of four Pfizer/BioNTech doses in older people, the effectiveness of three doses against Omicron, and the effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in the under 12s. Plus, potential differences in neutralisation of Omicron and its subvariants, and differences between hybrid and vaccine-induced immune responses. In non-vaccine papers, a potential new treatment that targets a human protein rather than the virus, failure of ivermectin to help control infection, possibilities of co-infections, and dogs sniffing out people with long Covid. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the Science Media Centre.
This week, a study comparing some non-mRNA vaccines, effectiveness of two, three or four vaccine doses in older people, two dose effectiveness in the under 12’s, and why hybrid immunity can be stronger. In non-vaccine papers, more accurate estimates of Covid-related deaths, studies looking at viral recombinations and mutations, estimating prevalence of long Covid in young people, and longer lasting consequences of mild infections. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the NZ Science Media Centre.
This week, a series of reviews on the pandemic, and more evidence of effectiveness of three doses against Omicron, and of mRNA vaccine safety. In non-vaccine papers, a large study of the effects of Covid on the brain, incidence of long Covid, and genetic indicators of increased risk of developing more severe symptoms. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the Science Media Centre.
This week, more data on the benefit of a third vaccine dose, evidence for and against the benefit of a longer interval between first and second doses, and the need to better understand genetic and environmental effects on immune responses. Also, the rarity of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children after vaccination, and the positive effects vaccination may have on Long Covid symptoms. Research indicates BA.2 may be no more virulent than BA.1, vitamin supplements don’t appear to reduce Covid-19 mortality, wastewater testing can sometimes detect new variants earlier than clinical testing, and children tend to produce fewer aerosol particles than adults. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the NZ Science Media Centre.
This week, the lack of stronger protection from an Omicron-specific vaccine, several papers looking at Omicron infections in vaccinated and unvaccinated people, benefits of three vaccine doses, further good clinical trial results for Novavax, and significant reduction in viral load after receiving the Moderna vaccine. In other research, long Covid in young people, and cardiac and other health risks from Covid-19, mask effectiveness indoors, DIY mask hacks, and benefits of random surveillance testing. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the NZ Science Media Centre.
This week, the effectiveness of four or three vaccine doses, better antibody responses from longer intervals between first and second Pfizer doses, and the types of text messages that encourage vaccination. In non-vaccine research, the results of a trial on voluntary Covid infection, the importance of an early interferon responses, and the risks and origins of Omicron. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the NZ Science Media Centre.
This week, the effectiveness of three vaccine doses, the risk of myocarditis in young males after mRNA vaccines, indicators of risk for developing long Covid, the reduced risk of long Covid after vaccination, and how Omicron remains “fit” despite all its mutations. Also, a useful table comparing face mask effectiveness.
This week, vaccine effectiveness and/or safety in the elderly, pregnant women, and young children, and reduction in infectivity risk after vaccination. Non-vaccine papers on the short life of the virus in aerosols, hospitalisations of children with Covid-19, lags in development of children born during the pandemic, and models to predict or identify viral mutations of concern. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the NZ Science Media Centre.
This week, data on Omicron keeps on coming and is consistent. One paper points to a weakness in nasal rapid antigen tests for Omicron. Vaccine safety data looks very good for children under 12. A new oral vaccine is under development. US modelling estimates how many lives were saved by their vaccination programme. There can be gender differences in the production of autoantibodies after infections. And, a case study of airborne transmission between MIQ rooms in NZ. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the NZ Science Media Centre.
This week, papers on the reduced incubation period of Omicron, its lower severity, and benefits of three vaccine doses. However, there are indications of third dose effectiveness declining over a few months. Other papers look at the widespread distribution of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the body, cell fusion as a means of spread, and broad spectrum inhibitors that can be inhaled. The Research Tracker is prepared by Dr Robert Hickson for the NZ Science Media Centre.
This week, a variety of studies on severity of Omicron, though the data is still limited. Plus, the genetic trade-offs and possible origins of the variant. More papers on waning vaccine effectiveness, as well as the greater infection risk to the unvaccinated. In non-vaccine papers, assessing variant fitness, why Covid-19 is often less severe in children, and why Covid-19 is not just a respiratory disease.
This week, lots of small studies on reduced neutralisation of Omicron and the benefits of an extra vaccine dose, non-Omicron comparisons of vaccine effectives, and new data on Novavax effectiveness. Non-vaccine papers on the Merck and Pfizer Covid pills, the high proportion of asymptomatic cases, how different variants and other coronaviruses affect subsequent immune responses, and behavioural science lessons for improving pandemic responses. Plus, Nature articles on the pandemic year in review.
This week, comparing the effectiveness of different vaccines and different “booster” shots, long term effectiveness of Moderna’s vaccine, reduced risk of long Covid after vaccination, and vaccinated people who die may have much higher viral loads than unvaccinated fatal cases.
The Science Media Centre New Zealand contributes to improved quantity, quality, breadth, and depth of science reporting through their work with a range of media outlets, reaching a large proportion of New Zealanders. The SMC also provides media training for experts through their Science Media SAVVY workshops.
The SMC was set up in 2008 to provide independent, trusted advice to journalists covering science-related stories. It is part of a global network of Science Media Centres, all of which aim to inform public debate and discussion on the major issues of the day by injecting evidence-based science into the news.
The Science Media Centre New Zealand contributes to improved quantity, quality, breadth, and depth of science reporting through their work with a range of media outlets, reaching a large proportion of New Zealanders. The SMC also provides media training for experts through their Science Media SAVVY workshops.
The SMC was set up in 2008 to provide independent, trusted advice to journalists covering science-related stories. It is part of a global network of Science Media Centres, all of which aim to inform public debate and discussion on the major issues of the day by injecting evidence-based science into the news.
