Health and Wellness

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U of A heart transplant expert exploring connection between blood group and COVID-19

University of Alberta-made tools built to study ABO blood group issues in organ transplant patients have been brought into the COVID-19 fight to determine why people with different blood types react differently to COVID-19.

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How stigma makes pandemics worse for marginalized groups

The assumption that pandemics affect everyone equally is wrong and is helping to unnecessarily stigmatize socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, according to a University of Alberta diversity expert.

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Review finds almost 20 per cent of COVID-19 patients only show gastrointestinal symptoms

Almost one in five patients with COVID-19 may only show gastrointestinal symptoms, according to a review of academic studies published in the journal Abdominal Radiology. The findings of the review suggest abdominal radiologists need to remain vigilant during the pandemic while imaging patients.

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Alberta excrement being tested for COVID-19 as researchers refine sewage surveillance (CBC)

Labs at the U of A are among more than a dozen across Canada joining a growing international effort to sample wastewater for traces of SARS-CoV-2

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Study identifies biomarkers that could be used in a quick, inexpensive COVID-19 blood screening tool

The concentration of specific metabolites in the blood could act as the foundation for a quick, inexpensive blood test that detects not only the presence of COVID-19 but which patients are at risk of becoming critically ill, according to a pan-Canadian study that included researchers from the University of Alberta.

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Why it's important to stay close socially, even if we can't stay close physically

Mummery, a social psychology researcher, and a colleague wrote a paper in 2006 while at the Central Queensland University searching for the mechanism that links loneliness and a lack of positive health outcomes.

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Edmonton company receives federal funds to develop COVID-19 vaccine (Global)

Edmonton company Entos Pharmaceuticals, led by John Lewis (FoMD), receives federal funding for COVID-19 vaccine.

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New study shows which medical procedures pose COVID-19 risk to health-care providers

Research review determines aerosol-generating procedures that require enhanced personal protective equipment.

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University of Alberta virologist awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Michael Houghton discovered hepatitis C virus and now is developing a vaccine.

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How competitive athletes can stay motivated when they can’t compete

Athletes can find opportunities amid the challenge of cancelled sporting events, say U of A master's student and sport psychology researcher.

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U of A researchers receive $1.4M in provincial funding to fight COVID-19

Research to predict spread of pandemic a month in advance among five projects aimed at stemming spread, developing better tests and improving patient care.

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Digital mental health treatment just as effective as in-person therapy: study

Researchers focus on post-traumatic stress injuries to Canadian military personnel, veterans and public safety personnel during COVID-19.

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U of A lab uncovers new mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2 by antiviral drug remdesivir

Understanding how the conditionally approved COVID-19 drug works is key to improving treatments, says researcher.

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U of A infectious disease expert helps bridge COVID-19 knowledge gap

Sharing academic expertise is integral for public awareness, says Lynora Saxinger, who has been a near-daily presence in media since the pandemic began.

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Little evidence taking vitamin D prevents severe COVID-19

Getting too much vitamin D can also cause health problems, says U of A pediatric kidney specialist.

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U of A group designs better CPR board for resuscitating COVID-19 patients

Pandemic inspires innovation in emergency and critical care.

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U of A researcher studying how well COVID-19 safety measures are protecting Canada’s health workers

Study assessing physical and mental health effects of treating COVID-19 patients one of two U of A projects receiving more than $1.2 million in new federal funding.

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U of A researchers lead study testing for COVID-19 antibodies in Edmonton children

Project will help inform provincial tracking of COVID-19’s spread in youth as they return to school.

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Multiple factors will influence pricing for COVID-19 vaccine in Canada: health economist

Need to supply enough for herd immunity may push down the price per dose, according to U of A expert.

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COVID-19 has changed psychiatry forever: researchers

Alberta has capacity, experience to lead the way in the new field of “crisis psychiatry,” say U of A psychiatrists.

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Antiviral used to treat cat coronavirus also works against SARS-CoV-2: U of A researchers

Fast-tracked research leads to phase 1 clinical trials.

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How to breathe easier while wearing a protective mask

Masks are safe and don’t limit breathing, says U of A respiratory expert who offers five ways to help people of all ages get used to wearing one.

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U of A choir director aims to find out whether singing spreads COVID-19

Vocal acoustics expert recruiting singers and infectious disease specialists to assess risk of transmission.

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Researchers probe new target for potential drugs against COVID-19

Biophysicists find similarities between “frameshifting” processes in new coronavirus and SARS virus—which could open door to new drugs that prevent both viruses from replicating.

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Canadians with disabilities face barriers to financial security, researchers find

Study shows those living with disabilities average 25 per cent less in assets—and COVID-19 is making the situation worse.

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Discovery of mechanism behind HIV infections could also hold key to COVID-19: U of A researchers

New understanding leads researchers to try a new class of drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV.

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Shared-use roads improve physical distancing, research shows

Edmonton study suggests making underused roads available to pedestrians and cyclists encourages healthier behaviour during pandemic—and likely afterward.

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Why Indigenous communities are taking COVID-19 measures into their own hands

Local responses to pandemic are a necessity to protect people at higher risk of infectious diseases—and a strong assertion of sovereignty, says U of A expert.

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Eight things you need to know about the worldwide hunt for a COVID-19 vaccine

University of Alberta experts share their knowledge, hopes and fears about the chances of finding a way to inoculate the world against the deadly pandemic virus.

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Obesity rates likely to rise during COVID-19 pandemic, study suggests

New consumer psychology research shows people under financial stress want to eat more of everything.

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COVID-19 may spread more than two metres through the air in some indoor areas, say experts

Recent evidence no cause for panic, says U of A infectious disease specialist.

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New diagnostic test for heart failure patients could also help COVID-19 patients: U of A researchers

New coronavirus and cardiovascular disease are linked thanks to ACE2 enzyme and may respond to same treatments.

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Art project aims to make viewers look twice—and think twice—before sharing COVID-19 misinformation

U of A printmaker Sean Caulfield teams up with his brother, pseudoscience debunker Timothy Caulfield, to tackle COVID-19 infodemic.

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U of A researchers work to make COVID-19 recommendations simple and understandable

Designer, emergency room doctor work on award-winning projects that show how to stop the spread.

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Flu deaths rise when cities get pro sports teams, study shows

New research has implications for reopening arenas to fans during COVID-19 pandemic.

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Public acceptance of protective masks growing in Canada

Rapid shift in perception shows people are heeding public health advice—and points to differences in how Asian and non-Asian Canadians view wearing masks, say U of A researchers.

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University partnership with Mexico drives COVID-19 research forward

“Their passion to serve a community in need is driving them to work hard to research and develop solutions."

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Experts urge federal standards, investment to fix long-term care system

Immediate improvements for nursing home workforce needed before next crisis hits, says U of A researcher who chaired expert working group.

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High-tech mental health support for first responders gets provincial funding boost

U of A programs use virtual reality and online gaming to help people overcome PTSD and build resilience.

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Galleries West: Sean Caulfield

Art’s role in inspiring thoughtful conversations about the coronavirus pandemic.

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U of A researcher to test whether COVID-19 antibodies provide long-term immunity

Study among 13 U of A projects receiving $11.3 million in federal funding for rapid research response to pandemic.