COVID News - May 14th
Pandemic lessons

• From the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the story of "The long road to mRNA vaccines".
• Canadian maker of promising mRNA vaccine looks to test it against Pfizer in new trial. Alberta-based Providence Therapeutics said its Phase 1 trial was successful and it set for Phase 2 trials. But there is an obstacle.
• Canadian researchers lead development and testing of promising treatment for COVID-19 variants. Staying ahead of COVID-19 includes finding the variants of concern and successfully treating those who contract the disease.
• Beyond vaccines, UNESCO wants more global science shared. Another pandemic lesson learned is that no country, no vaccine, no treatment will solve the problem alone.
• COVID-19 has led to unprecedented collaboration among scientists. A post-doctoral researcher at Ryerson University says that he is "cautiously optimistic" that the collaborative work kick-started by the pandemic will remain after the worst has passed.
• Canadian scientists face a faster, more competitive world after COVID-19, report says. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of research and we should not let up on that research. This Globe and Mail story references a study by the Council of Canadian Academies. Here it is.

• Everything you need to know about the four COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada. A quick read to bring you up to date.  
• Is it now reasonable to discuss the end of the pandemic? Yes, but with caveats. Pandemics "start quickly and end slowly". Even with the progress we have made, COVID-19 may be with us for years.
• But there is good news south of the border: ‘Great day for America’: Vaccinated can largely ditch masks.
• Listen: Share the Vaccine 'Recipe'. Pharmaceutical companies oppose the idea, many government support it, global vaccination goals need it. The Atlantic looks at the challenge to waiving vaccine patents.
• COVID-19 lab leak theory cannot be ruled out, leading scientists say. Will we ever really know the origin of the pandemic which has killed 3.34 million people? Maybe not, but we need to keep looking at all the possibilities.
• World could have prevented COVID-19 catastrophe: Expert panel. An independent panel has been reviewing The World Health Organization's response to the pandemic and found it lacking. However it also pointed a finger every country for not taking action sooner or co-coordinating efforts.
• What does the science say about AstraZeneca? A blood clot expert weighs in. Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan have said they will stop administering first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In the UK however the vaccine is

Myths and Misinformation

(Image from Breaking News Consumer's Handbook: Vaccine Edition by Sahar Baharloo/WNYC Studios)

• Are they experimental? Can they alter DNA? Experts tackle lingering coronavirus vaccine fears. To help answer your questions and set your mind at ease.
• How vaccine disinformation super spreaders have cashed in on Americans’ fears during pandemic. False or misleading information has become a growth industry because of the pandemic. The consequences can threaten your health.
• Wearing A Mask For Covid-19 Protection Is Scientific And Perfectly Normal. It is not irrational to be cautious right now because we have not yet hit the "post-pandemic world" anywhere on the planet.
• Listen: A look at the science behind COVID-19 vaccines and blood clots. The Big Story podcast from Rogers Media offers a realistic look at the risks and benefits of the vaccination available right now.
• Fact Check-COVID-19 vaccines are not infectious; you can’t transmit the vaccine to an unvaccinated individual. Vaccines have been available for 200 hundred years. Even if you are hesitant about the current vaccines, be assured that there is nothing in any vaccines that can be transmitted.

 Resources

 

• Smallpox and the story of vaccination. Excellent feature from the Science Museum in the UK. History can teach us a lot.
• What happens after my COVID shots? Masking, social-distancing, still recommended, but some experts want different approach. Clear messages, practical advice and risk management are a key step in moving out of complete lockdowns.
• Explore CanCOGeN. The Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN) is a Genome Canada led cross-agency initiative for large-scale SARS-CoV-2 and human host sequencing to track viral origin, spread and evolution, and characterize the role of human genetics in COVID-19. The new website will keep you up-to-date on the activities of the network.
• Essential Vocab For COVID-19: From Asymptomatic To Zoonotic. This is a handy guide to help you not only understand what you are reading in the news, but to help you talk about the pandemic.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Epidemiology update. Government of Canada information updated daily.

 

If you have something in particular you would like to see included on this page, drop us a line at info@GenomeAlberta.ca or on Twitter.

 This is a COVID tracker from Bing.com which is updated throughout the day.