Month: September 2020

Scientists used light to control the firing of specific cells to artificially create a rhythm in the brain, which acted like the mind- bending drug Ketamine enjoynz/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption enjoynz/Getty Images Scientists used light to control the firing of specific cells to artificially create a rhythm in the brain, which acted like the mind- bending drug Ketamine enjoynz/Getty Images ...

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC has carefully tracked trends for various diseases associated with the pandemic. In a typical year, the agency expects approximately 4,500 dementia deaths per week. But in recent weeks, that figure has been closer to 5,500 — and experts can't be sure what is causing the 1,000 excess deaths per week. Many of these dementia deaths could in fact be undiagnosed Covid-19 deaths, especially during the spring when testing was sparse. But public health experts and nursing home administrators say that is less and less likely as time goes on because there is more testing and accurate diagnosis. That’s spurred a search for alternative theories. “It’s hard to explain exactly what’s going on. Is this because these people are further isolated and don’t ...

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The Oregon Health Authority on Wednesday reported 195 new coronavirus cases and two more deaths as the state announced the launch of an early detection system to monitor spread through sewage. Researchers at Oregon State University have been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the state to monitor wastewater for coronavirus for 30 months at 43 locations outside the Portland metro area. “This program holds promise to help us monitor COVID-19 in our communities,” Dr. Melissa Sutton, medical director for respiratory viral pathogens for the state, said in a news release. “We look forward to our partnership with local communities and researchers. Together we hope to better understand the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.” Where the new cases are by county: Benton (1), Clackamas (10), Clatsop (...

Health officials in Michigan are reportedly urging people to stay indoors after 10 counties confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus Eastern equine encephalitis in 22 horses and one suspected human case.  The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed 22 horse cases in 10 counties and one suspected human case in Barry County as of Wednesday, the department said in an announcement.  Officials said they will begin aerial treatment Wednesday night in certain high-risk areas of the state to prevent the spread of Eastern equine encephalitis.  The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is also urging people in Barry County as well as in Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland counties to cancel or postpone out...