Consumer Masks Could Soon Come With Labels Saying How Well They Work Oct. 20, 2020 The personal protective equipment industry is trying to inject some clarity into the mask-purchasing experience by creating a uniform set of standards to show consumers how well the products would protect them and those around them. "Whether it's a standard or whether it's something equivalent to the Consumer Reports rating (of) good, better or best, it is probably useful because otherwise people are lost," said Philip Harber, a professor of public health at the University of Arizona who studies the use of respirators. He warned that given some Americans' hostility toward masks, the standards have to be "very, very, very simple." The Washington Post
Researchers Find Biomarker That Can Appear Before Stomach Cancer Oct. 20, 2020 A promising new biomarker that appears in patients before stomach cancer develops may help with early detection of the disease and improve patient response to therapy, according to findings in a study led by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers. MedicalXPress
New Study Challenges Previous Understanding About the Causes of Cerebral Palsy Oct. 20, 2020 A study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and an international team shows about 14% of cerebral palsy cases may be tied to de novo genetic mutations or mutations that appear in a child but not in the parents. Arizona Daily Wildcat
Identification of Biomarker May Lead to Earlier Detection of Stomach Cancer Oct. 19, 2020 A blood sample may make it easier to detect gastric cancers and could lead to improved treatments for cancers that are resistant to common immunotherapies. Read more Thumbnail
Kicking Off A 20-Day Virtual Celebration of Public Health Oct. 19, 2020 The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health marks its 20th anniversary with a special celebration for 20 days. Read more Image
Science and the Dairy Dilemma Oct. 19, 2020 Milk drinking in America has fallen by 40% since 1975. But its production and consumption has risen by 9%. The article references a study published in Nutritional Reviews in February 2020 by Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD, and colleagues from the University of Arizona College of Public Health in Tucson. The researchers recommend milk be downgraded as a separate and essential food. Dr. Jacobs says it should be placed in a much lower category as one of many foods that could provide protein. New Delhi Times
Fry's No Longer Sanitizing Shopping Carts Oct. 19, 2020 Fry's grocery stores is no longer sanitizing shopping carts for customers. Instead, the stores are providing sanitizing wipes for customers to do it themselves. "Obviously shopping carts are one of those things that a high number of people are going to be touching," Dr. Sahd Marvasti from the University of Arizona College of Medicine said. "But if I had to choose between whether or not masks were required versus universal sanitizing, I would choose masks." KPNX-TV (NBC) Phoenix
Pima County Holds Steady as New COVID-19 Cases Rise in Arizona Oct. 17, 2020 The number of new weekly COVID-19 cases in Arizona recently rose to its highest point since the first week in August. "What's happening here in Arizona, it's more like a slow boil," said Joe Gerald, an associate professor with the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. "It's not like what we're seeing in other parts of the country, like North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin. Those states look like Arizona did in June, where there's this rapid uptick." Arizona Daily Star
Can You Get Infected With Covid-19 Twice? It’s Complicated Oct. 16, 2020 Several new reports published recently show Covid-19 immunity can last for months. Researchers from the University of Arizona Health Sciences found antibodies that protect against infection can last for at least five to seven months after a Covid-19 infection. Interview with Deepta Bhattacharya, an immunobiologist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. CNN
Researchers Find Evidence of Antibody Production 5-6 Months After Covid-19 Infection Oct. 16, 2020 Immunity against Covid-19 may persist for at least five months after being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a study led by an Indian-origin researcher in the US. We clearly see high-quality antibodies still being produced five to seven months after infection,” said Deepta Bhattacharya, associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. Hindustan Times