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COVID-19 / If a single viral particle can multiply in the body, how cells make someone sick

« on: 09/04/2020 17:24:43 »

Liel has a question about "viral load":

If a single viral particle can invade a host cell and cause it to produce thousands of new particles that go on to invade further cells, why does it require a greater quantity (I've heard 20 or so for the SARS-CoV-2 virus) to make someone sick?

Anyone here knows?

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COVID-19 / If the virus is airborne would it spread more and further on windy days?

« on: 09/04/2020 17:19:50 »

Tony is wondering:

If the virus is airborne would it spread more and further on windy and/or rainy days?
If so, would it be feasible for people to be indoors in bad weather and able to carry on working on good weather days?

What do you think?

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COVID-19 / Could healthy victims of COVID-19 be passing away due to their Mast Cells?

« on: 05/04/2020 17:39:22 »

Linda asks:

Could the healthy people be passing away from Covid-19 because their Mast Cells have become activated causing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?

Has anyone heard this theory being considered?

Linda explains more:
        The first test that is usually done is a blood test for tryptase. Tryptase is a protein that comes from mast cells and it is usually elevated in two circumstances. The first is after a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and the second is if you have too many mast cells in your body (mastocytosis).
        Treatment of mastocytosis depends on the symptoms and the classification of disease. Symptoms of mast cell activation/mediator release are treated with H1 and H2 antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene inhibitors, and possibly aspirin.

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COVID-19 / Can Indomethacin (indometacin) help treat COVID-19?

« on: 05/04/2020 17:21:54 »

Debbie has been researching treatments to COVID-19, and found a paper:

Indometacin has a potent antiviral activity against SARS coronavirus by Carla Amici et al.

She'd like to know more about how this could have been considered by experts. Can anyone help?

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COVID-19 / Can masks and other PPE be disinfected, washed, and reused?

« on: 05/04/2020 17:15:50 »

Paul is concerned about PPE:

Why cannot masks and the other PPE be disinfected, washed, and used again?

What do you think?

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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / If an accelerator made a black hole that consumes Earth, would moon still orbit?

« on: 24/03/2020 10:55:06 »

David has a question:

If the LHC or future accelerator created a black hole that consumes the Earth, would the Moon (and ISS) continue to orbit normally?

What does everyone think?

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Technology / Is there sufficient space in a barcode or Q code to store one's DNA?

« on: 24/03/2020 10:52:00 »

Paul asks:

Is there sufficient space in a barcode or Q code to store one's DNA?

Anyone here knows?

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Chemistry / Since Mercury has some properties of an intert gas, how can it be a metal?

« on: 24/03/2020 10:50:44 »

V has a question:

In mercury the two 6 s valence electrons are tightly held to the nucleus because of relativistic effect. As such the two electrons are not free to float around the nucleus and follow electron sea model like in other metals. Mercury behaves more or less like an inert gas.

In these circumstances how can mercury be classified as a metal?

Anyone here knows?

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COVID-19 / Could wearing woollen gloves slow down coronavirus spread?

« on: 24/03/2020 10:47:43 »

Andrew has a suggestion:

Given that it's generally acknowledged that viruses spread most effectively through contact of skin with hard surfaces, would it be a good idea for people to wear woollen gloves when out and about, especially when doing things like shopping which involve touching multiple items, which are then handled by a cashier and then again by the shopper? Some gloves even work with touchscreens, allowing self-service checkouts to be used.

What does everyone think?

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COVID-19 / How long does the virus survive on different materials?

« on: 24/03/2020 10:39:46 »

Trent wonders:

What's the survival rate of viruses/bacteria on cloth vs hard surfaces like door handles? How far can they travel? If I sneeze elbow high and use a corner of my sleeve that dangles down at my wrist, am I in trouble? Do they survive the wash? Is there a best practices for what to do when you have to scratch?

Anyone here knows?

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COVID-19 / Why is there a problem testing for the virus quickly?

« on: 24/03/2020 10:37:29 »

Gary asks:

I keep reading and hearing that there is a problem to testing everyone for the corona virus quickly. Why is this?


Anyone here knows?

12

COVID-19 / Should young people be encouraged to get the virus to protect the vulnerable?

« on: 24/03/2020 10:35:43 »

Mark is thinking about how the current pandemic is being referred to as the biggest threat to society since the World Wars and asks:

Is there a way to actually encourage large numbers of people who are less susceptible to die from the virus (younger people without underlying health issues), to contract the disease?

A question about how perhaps the herd immunity strategy should not be forgotten.

Anyone have thoughts?

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COVID-19 / Should I self-isolate if I am over 70 and have asthma?

« on: 23/03/2020 18:40:46 »

Morag is worried:

I am over 70 and have asthma.
Should I self isolate as there is no official advice from the government regarding this?

Can anyone help Morag?

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COVID-19 / Could alcohol (which can kill the virus outside the body) be used to cure Covid?

« on: 23/03/2020 15:54:46 »

Roger has a theory:

As alcohol appears to be one of the substances that can kill the virus, could it be trialled to help cure infected patients?
In order to make the infection less severe?

What does everyone think?

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COVID-19 / Could UVC lamps be installed in ICU wards to kill airborne virions?

« on: 23/03/2020 15:50:05 »

James has an idea:

Could UVC lamps be installed in the ICU wards to kill air borne and settled virions to help protect staff?

I imagine it would be a rather cheap precaution, and beyond rather tanned looking corpses, if effective I can’t really see a down side? The medics will be covered head to toe to protect them, so maybe some sort of trial would be appropriate.

Anyone have any comments on this one?

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COVID-19 / Does the Covid-19 coronavirus have an animal reservoir or vector?

« on: 23/03/2020 15:19:54 »

Andy is concerned about the rapid spread of the virus in Italy, despite the lockdown measures and wonders:

Is there some environmental or animal vector causing the continued spread? Direct contact with wildlife seems unlikely, so possibly domestic pets are involved?

Anyone have any idea?

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COVID-19 / Is the vapour exhaled by people vaping contagious?

« on: 23/03/2020 15:17:01 »

James asks:

Is the vapour exhaled by people vaping contagious? If so, should we be banning vapes?

Anyone know?

18

COVID-19 / What are the WHO solidarity trials about and why don't I see the UK on the list?

« on: 23/03/2020 15:05:36 »

Matthew asks:

What are the WHO solidarity trials about and why don't I see the UK on the list of participating countries?  Can I volunteer?

Anyone know?

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COVID-19 / How does the source of infection affect severity of infection?

« on: 23/03/2020 15:04:14 »

Martyn asks:

How does the number of virus particles initially infecting an individual affect the progress of the disease in terms of the incubation period, severity etc.? In other words, is there a difference between getting a small number of particles via minor cross-contamination versus breathing in when an infected person coughs in your face.

Anyone know?

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COVID-19 / Are gas masks effective against the virus?

« on: 23/03/2020 15:02:10 »

Nicolas asks:

Are gas masks effective against the virus?

Does anyone know?