November 30, 2021 Bioengineering Kinematic-replicating xenobots constructed from frog embryonic cells. A fascinating window into how organizing cells in a specific configuration leads to a replicative behaviour not seen in cells or organisms.
November 29, 2021 Epidemiology Two cases of Omicron variant reported in Ottawa. Ottawa Public Health is introducing new self-isolation and testing requirements for residents who have travelled to eight countries within 14 days before arriving in Canada “out of an abundance of caution.”
November 29, 2021 Sunday House Call Shows Sunday House Call, #817, November 28, 2021: The words we use matter in science communication
November 26, 2021 Infectious Disease New Sars-CoV-2 variant detected in South Africa. More information required to know what the mutations are doing to determine if it will circumvent the vaccine and be a cause for concern.
November 25, 2021 Health Policy Dr. Peter Jüni, the scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table says lifting Ontario vaccine mandates in January ‘next to zero’. He is right for many reasons. More likely to happen in the spring or early summer 2022.
November 24, 2021 Generic Drugs Will the COVID antiviral medications be the Thor’s Hammer against SARS-CoV-2 and help mitigate the ravages of the pandemic? These are impressive drugs but there are logistical, social, geographical, and financial caveats to solve in the process.
November 23, 2021 Cancer/Oncology Were breast cancer screening guidelines based on a flawed Canadian study? Principle investigators refute allegation made by researchers from reputable institutions who will have their commentary published this week in the Journal of Medical Screening.
November 22, 2021 Geriatrics Alzheimer’s prevention Phase 1 trial will look at safety of nasal vaccine. Much to happen before any conclusions can be drawn from this study. Also, @billcarrolltalk and I also discuss the approval of COVID vaccine for 5-11 year-old children.
November 21, 2021 Sunday House Call Shows Sunday House Call #816, 11/21/21: “Some parents are understandably hesitant to vaccinate their young children. However, a choice not to get a vaccine is not a risk-free choice; rather, it’s a choice to take a different and more serious risk.” @DrPaulOffit
November 19, 2021 Health Policy Rapid Covid-19 antigen tests to be sent to the homes of Ontario’s 2.2 million school children for the Christmas break. And Health Canada approves Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11 year-olds.
