Increased Digital Screen Time During COVID-19 May Accelerate Myopia Epidemic Oct. 20, 2020 There is concern among ophthalmologists that increased screen time might further accelerate the myopia epidemic. “As ophthalmologists, we have now an opportunity to raise awareness among parents and teachers and eventually engage with policy makers and curriculum developers to set up strategies for myopia mitigation that will help students also beyond the pandemic,” said Jordana M. Smith, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Healio
Is Arizona About to Face Another Exponential Increase in COVID-19 Cases? Oct. 20, 2020 Community spread of the coronavirus is back to the levels Arizona saw in late May, according to Joe Gerald, an associate professor in the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with increases now in all age groups, not just college students. The Arizona Republic
UArizona Study: COVID-19 Antibodies Might Provide Long-Term Immunity Oct. 20, 2020 University of Arizona Heath Sciences researchers developed one of the most accurate COVID-19 antibody tests available and now have shown antibodies persist for months after infection, providing long-term immunity. KTAR-FM Phoenix
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
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
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
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
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
The Coronavirus Could Be Messing With Your Pain Perception — and That Could Help It Spread Oct. 16, 2020 A Canadian researcher has found that the virus that causes COVID-19 can hijack a pain receptor on our cells, using it to get into the cell, but also blocking its ability to signal pain. Interview with Rajesh Khanna, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. CBC Radio