Sometimes qualified as biological objects, viruses lie at the frontier of the living world. They nevertheless have an extremely strong impact on living organisms, whether plants or animals. So what differentiates them from other microscopic creatures such as bacteria, protozoans or fungi? “Viruses are absolute parasites; they have no choice but to enter a cell…
Why schools are not hotspots for coronavirus infections
Data gathered worldwide are increasingly suggesting that schools are not hotspots for coronavirus infections. Despite fears, COVID-19 infections did not surge when schools and day-care centres reopened after pandemic lockdowns eased. And when outbreaks do occur, they mostly result in only a small number of people becoming ill. “There’s no such thing as zero transmission…
Mortality rates are higher among most indigenous communities
The nature of coronavirus makes it an unprecedented disease for the entire human race, but its mortality rates are higher among most indigenous communities because of their adverse socioeconomic conditions, which increase their vulnerability to this new infectious agent. It was quite striking to see how this pandemic has revived memories among native societies of…
White blood cells may play a key role in the body’s reaction to Covid-19
The term “neutrophils” is little known to the general public, but in fact this family of white blood cells may play a key role in the body’s reaction to Covid-19. “Circulating neutrophils in the blood are the first cells to be recruited in the event of viral intrusion into a tissue. These cells from the…
The most severe cases could be associated with major oxidative stress
The term “neutrophils” is little known to the general public, but in fact this family of white blood cells may play a key role in the body’s reaction to Covid-19. “Circulating neutrophils in the blood are the first cells to be recruited in the event of viral intrusion into a tissue. These cells from…