Category: Feature Stories

The researchers from the bioinformatics company Innophore, acib (Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology) and the University of Graz are using screening methods based on artificial intelligence (AI). This approach could enable vaccine manufacturers to adapt vaccines more quickly to the most serious mutations. Mutations – changes in the genetic material of an organism – can occur spontaneously or be caused by external influences. Some give the organism advantages such as better adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In the case of viral mutations, this can sometimes have a direct impact on…

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The Biontec/Pfizer vaccine also prevents infection with coronavirus, according to an analysis of British data. The risk of infection is likely to fall by about 70 percent after the first of the two doses provided, and by about 85 percent after the second, Public Health England announced yesterday, citing preliminary data not yet reviewed by independent experts. “This suggests that the vaccine may also help to interrupt transmission of the virus, because you can’t pass it on if you’re not infected,” the statement said. The reported levels stem from the…

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Those who had covid-19 may suffer symptoms for months after the disease has subsided. Experts warn that the long-term consequences are still drastically underestimated. Because Covid-19 is a disease of the entire vascular and immune system, a wide variety of symptoms can linger or reappear anywhere in the body. Even hair loss can be a consequence of Covid-19, as some sufferers develop autoantibodies against their own hair roots. Long Covid: An underestimated problemChinese studies from the first wave of the Corona pandemic show that of patients previously treated in clinics,…

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It happens again and again: Unexplained credit card charges appear on the bank statement. Often, such transactions are the result of fraudulent activities, explain consumer protection experts. It is not uncommon for those affected to fall victim to so-called phishing e-mails. Scammers use fake e-mails to ask their victims to click on a link in the message and then enter certain data on a form. Required bank or credit card details are requested, which are then used for fraudulent purposes. Therefore, it is important to check account statements regularly. Unauthorized…

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The number of new Corona infections reported worldwide dropped 16 percent last week to 2.7 million. The number of reported deaths also fell within a week, by 10 percent to 81,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Tuesday evening in Geneva, based on Sunday’s figures. Five of six WHO regions saw double-digit percentage declines in new corona cases, with only the eastern Mediterranean seeing a seven percent increase. In Africa and the Western Pacific, the number of cases decreased by 20 percent last week, in Europe by 18 percent, in…

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Researchers at the Technical University of Berlin have published calculations of the risk of infection for various indoor scenarios: from hairdressers and supermarkets to movie theaters and gyms. “The point is that we are now entering the loosening phases,” said study leader Martin Kriegel. Multiple influencing factors taken into accountIn the calculations, which were not peer-reviewed by independent experts and have not been published in a journal, Kriegel and his TU colleague Anne Hartmann focus on common places such as theaters, restaurants and schools. Influencing factors taken into account are…

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The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is mutating, and currently two variants in particular are being closely watched around the world: The British (B.1.1.7) and South African (B.1.351) variants. They are said to be significantly more contagious, and concerns are repeatedly expressed that vaccines may no longer be effective against certain mutations. It is perfectly normal for viruses to mutate. We asked exactly why this happens. How do viruses reproduce?Before you can understand mutation, you first have to understand how viruses replicate. “A virus, unlike bacteria, is not able to reproduce on its…

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European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria) organized a virtual panel discussion on “CoViD-19 Vaccination Dilemma on 28 January 2021 via zoom. Vienna, 28 January 2021 – In an act of unity, CoViD-19 vaccination started across the European Union on 27 December 2020. Yet, to date many are still in a dilemma as to whether to be or not to be vaccinated. Therefore, the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria) organized a virtual panel discussion on “CoViD-19 Vaccination Dilemma on 28 January 2021 via zoom. Chairperson, Ms Maria Zelda…

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Despite Corona, Austrians are more generous on Valentine’s Day than last year. On average, 72 euros per capita are spent on gifts. The trade is pleased.Valentine’s Day 2021 is just around the corner. Many Austrians are planning to surprise their loved ones with Valentine’s Day gifts this year as well. Together with Mindtake Research and idealo.at, the trade association has analyzed facts and figures on buying behavior in times of the Corona pandemic. Flowers most popular as a gift for Valentine’s Day“On average, 72 euros per capita will be spent…

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