COVID-19 news
News stories about COVID-19 related research activity in Edinburgh.
Fast, precise and unintrusive Covid tests trialled at University
A potentially more accurate, less invasive and cheaper method of screening for Covid-19 is being piloted at the University of Edinburgh.
Covid vaccine linked to low platelet count, nationwide study suggests
A condition that affects the blood, known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), may be associated the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in rare cases, research suggests.
New Covid-19 dashboard launched to track spread across Scotland
The Tracking and Modelling for Scotland dashboard provides interactive detailed weekly maps to track the spread of COVID-19 across the region, to help inform control strategies.
Covid-19 early warning system could avert future lockdowns
Scientists are developing a coronavirus early warning system that could prevent future lockdowns by combining data on vaccine uptake with wastewater testing.
Covid-19 vaccine roll-out working, first national study suggests
Vaccination has been linked to a substantial reduction in the risk of Covid-19 admissions to Scotland’s hospitals, landmark research suggests.
Discovery of four Covid-19 risk groups helps guide treatment
People who are admitted to hospital with Covid-19 can be divided into four distinct groups, according to data from the world’s largest study of patients with the disease.
Covid-19 less deadly and causes milder symptoms in children
Children and teenagers are less likely than adults to develop severe Covid-19 or die from the disease, according to the world’s largest study of hospital patients with Covid-19.
Genetic insight holds promise of Covid-19 vaccine
Detailed knowledge of the genetic code of the novel coronavirus could support efforts to develop a vaccine.
Scottish experts join global search for Covid-19 treatment
Leading scientists from Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee have joined a €77.7 million initiative to find a treatment for Covid-19 and are optimistic progress can be made.
Masks can block 99.9% of Covid-linked droplets, study shows
People who wear a face mask significantly lower the risk of spreading Covid-19 to others through speaking and coughing, suggests research from the University of Edinburgh.
Experts call for closer wildlife monitoring to prevent future pandemics
Global wildlife experts are calling for improvements to how pathogens are tested and tracked in wildlife, to reduce the risk of future pandemics.
Scottish vet labs at the Moredun Institute to support NHS with Covid-19 testing
Moredun Research Institute and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are working together to support the NHS by providing extra capacity for vital testing of samples within their laboratory facilities at Pentlands Science Park in Midlothian.
Stroke found to be Covid-19’s most common neurological complication
Key research involving the University of Edinburgh, into Covid-19’s impact on the nervous system, shows stroke is the most commonly reported neurological complication affecting patients hospitalised by the virus.
Edinburgh researchers to trial salt water solution to treat Covid-19
A simple salt water solution may help to reduce the early symptoms and progression of Covid-19, research suggests.
Second Edinburgh workshop on Covid-19 offers new insights
The second Edinburgh Coronavirus workshop – Covid-19: three-months on – was held on 23 June 2020, to discuss work that is contributing to our understanding and response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Home DNA test data to boost Covid-19 fight in new Coronagenes study
Data from popular home genetic-testing kits could help scientists shed light on why some people who catch coronavirus have no symptoms while others become very ill.
Young Scots to be asked how Covid-19 is changing teen life
Young people aged from 12 to 17 years old in Scotland are being asked to share their views and experiences of how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting their lives.
Face coverings can reduce Covid-19 transmission risk
Wearing a face mask or other covering over the mouth and nose reduces the forward distance travelled by an exhaled breath by more than 90 per cent, research suggests.
Most Scots trust Holyrood to halt new wave of Covid-19, poll finds
A majority of people living in Scotland are confident the Scottish Government is capable of stopping a further outbreak of Covid-19, a survey suggests.
University facility to provide essential proteins for coronavirus research
The Edinburgh Protein Production Facility (EPPF) has joined a national consortium to provide medically important proteins that will aid coronavirus research.
Data method seeks weak spots in coronavirus genome
Machine learning algorithms can identify areas of coronavirus genetic makeup that could be the focus of potential treatments.
Roslin broadens research tackling Covid-19
Roslin scientists are contributing to meeting the challenge of the current coronavirus outbreak.
Two-tier approach could start UK’s move out of lockdown
Easing the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown could begin by strengthening protection for the most vulnerable while relaxing restrictions for everyone else, experts suggest.
University project makes Covid-19 information accessible in different languages
Members of Edinburgh Infectious Diseases have made translations of the presentations at the Edinburgh Coronavirus Workshop available in over twenty five languages.
Obesity hampers Covid-19 recovery prospects, study finds
Reduced lung function and inflamed tissue under the skin and around internal organs could be linked to the increased risk, researchers say. Both factors can trigger a life-threatening over-reaction of the body’s immune response that causes harm to patients, the study suggests.
Data harnessed to reveal Covid-19 spread in real time
A study that uses patient data to track the progress of the Covid-19 pandemic in near real time across Scotland is set to launch.
Laser-cut face guards to shield Covid-19 key workers
Innovative face shields for key workers fighting Covid-19 can be made more quickly than other guards thanks to laser-cutting technology.
University to support NHS by testing Covid-19 samples
Scientists, laboratory space and equipment from the University of Edinburgh are being used to support NHS Lothian’s testing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
COVIDLIFE survey to gauge Covid-19’s impact on our everyday lives
A survey has been launched to capture how Covid-19 is affecting the mood of the nation.
Covid-19 Perspectives from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science
Academics from CAHSS are contributing informed opinion and comment about the Covid-19 pandemic on a new blogsite.