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Humankind battles against Influenza, Flu, & now COVID-19

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April 5, 2020

Humankind battles against Influenza, Flu, & now COVID-19

Influenza, commonly known as Flu, has a prolonged outbreak history dating back to 2,400 years ago. The first evidence of the virus was observed in 1580, started in Russia and spread through western Europe and Africa. In Rome, it killed over 8,000 and destroyed many Spanish cities.

In the 19th century, Spanish influenza was considered as one of the severe virulent illness that killed almost 40 million people around the globe as the virus spread from city to city. Some reports indicate that total deaths were near 70 million. The epidemic covers fearful stories of people dying within a few hours of getting exposure to Flu. The mortality rate was highest among the adults aging in 50 who were for unknown reasons were more sensitive towards the strains of influenza.

It started in Kanas in the early spring of 1918, spread throughout Europe in the same season. Although Flu seemed less dangerous in the summer season, Spanish Flu appeared deadly. The infections travel through towns, cities, and continents crushing their hospitals and had devastating effects in Spain till the autumn of 1918. Initially, it was thought that influenza is caused by bacteria, and there was no treatment or vaccine available. The virus affects reduced till 1920, but it keeps on circulating for decades among individuals with no proper medication; however, after a long time, scientists came across that 1918-1919 pandemic is caused by virus HINI influenza.

Decades later, a new virulent flu-type was observed in February 1957, a few signs of severe Flu was observed emerged from China. Influenza remained a yearly occurrence after the 1918 pandemic, but no new, virulent influenza type appeared until then. This Asian Flu resulted in around 2 million deaths in Asia and 70,000 deaths in the United States. In the meanwhile, Maurice Hilleman, a microbiologist, observed a large number of people affecting by a new type of virulent. He and his team studied the sample of the virus and found that people don’t have antibodies protection for this influenza, which was H2N2 type. However, certain people who survived the 1889-1890 influenza pandemic showed antibody response towards this 1957 influenza. Hilleman quickly started vaccine production by sending virus samples to manufacturers and insisting them to develop a vaccine in a short period of four months.

In winters of September 1968, the United States experienced the virus H3N2. The vaccine for this virus was formed quickly but was not quick enough as the pandemic caused 34,000 deaths in the United States. Some scientists observed that H3N2 similarity with Asian Flu protected people from the more harmful effect it may have caused.

Avian Flu, 1997, as the name indicates, caused by infected birds to humans. It aroused from Asia through H5N1 of avian Flu resulting in a massive proportion of death. The spread was inclined specifically in 2003-2004 by the end of millions and tons of poultry and waterfowls. Luckily, the virus was not contiguous but could only transfer from birds to humans, and through less interaction with birds, the proportion of spread was controlled. After the death of a large quantity of poultry flock, the threat to the virus was decreased to a more significant extent. However, the scientist suggested that this deadly viral strain could result in a severe future pandemic that could be contagious.

The human immune system which resists viruses attacks depends upon the exposure of the individual to the viruses itself or the vaccine

In March 2009, Mexico experienced a massive death toll by a Flu. Many cases were also reported in California and Texas, along with other places. The scientist with a great deal of research identified that the Flu is caused by the influenza H1N1 virus, and its origin was majorly through pigs. The individuals over the age of 65 experienced 90% of deaths and children through seasonal Flu, and 87% of deaths were caused in individuals below the age of 65 through H1N1. It was noted that the people born before 1950 showed pre-existing immunity towards the virus because the virus type H1N1 was similar to the Spanish Flu of 1918. Some scientists also predicted that it was the same Spanish Flu circulating in the environment that resulted in Novel H1N1. CDC evaluated that 42 million and 86 million cases of 2009 H1N1 appeared in the US between April 2009 and February 2010. The evidence that people hospitalized due to H1N1 were 188,000 and 389,000 and the total death toll was 8,520-17,620 approximately.

Each year, the United States experiences a severe flu season. The 2017-18 season was the deadly and 2018-19 was one of the longest than the previous flu seasons. CDC reported that 6.4 million become sick with Flu, with 55,000 hospitalizations and 2,900 deaths.it was seen that 45 states, which almost form half of the regions in each country was under the influence of influenza. During the 2019-20 CDC reported 14,000 deaths, 250,000 hospitalizations, and mere than 26 million Americans have fallen sick because of Flu. The flu vaccine 2019-20 was developed against H1N1 and H3N1 influenza with two strains that circulated in the environment and made it difficult for the researcher to decide which vaccine they had to go with for the next flu season.

The human immune system which resists viruses attacks depends upon the exposure of the individual to the viruses itself or the vaccine. The immune system store the information for any viral attack on the body, and the next time when a particular virus attacks the body, it has already developed antibodies initially, which is the natural defense system of the human body to deal with the viral infection. It is important to note that influenza viruses can quickly mutate or change rapidly, and within a few years, it develops new strains. This process is known as “antigenic drift.”

If people get exposed to a known strain of a specific virus, the body will have a pre-existing immunity in the body that protects, and the ailment will be mild. However, if a different or mutated strain attacks the human body, which won’t have the pre-existing immunity. This is called “antigenic shift,” and it causes severe widespread with serious illness. The first vaccine against influenza viruses was discovered in 1938 by Jonas Salk and Thomas Francis during World War II.

KEY FACTS ABOUT INFLUENZA (FLU)

Influenza is known as Flu, is a contagious ailment caused by influenza viruses, which mainly affect the throat, nose, and sometimes lungs. The illness caused may be small to severe or even can lead to death. There are two main types of Influenza viruses, Type A and B. Influenza A viruses can be broken down into sub-types depending on the genes that make up the surface proteins. Throughout a flu season, different types (A & amp; B) and subtypes (influenza A) of influenza circulate and cause ailments.

The common symptoms of influenza including cough, sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, fever, muscle and body ache, fatigue, headache, sometimes people also experience diarrhea and vomiting, especially in children than adults. However, it should be noted that fever is not a compulsion in the Flu. According to physicians, Flu usually spread by an infected person, coughing and sneezing or talking as it results in entering tiny droplets to others. Flu can also attack individuals by coming in contact with a surface or objects that had the influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

KEY FACTS ABOUT COMMON COLD

The common cold or simple cold is a transmissible illness reported by experts is caused by more than 200 viruses. Still, the most common one is rhinoviruses, which belong to the genus Enterovirus in the family Picornaviridae. The three species of rhinovirus A, B, and C include nearly 160 known and recognized types that differ based on their surface proteins. Common cold causes viral contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract, which mainly affects nose, throat, larynx, and sinuses are impacted. It observed that symptoms for cold appear less than two days initially, causing coughing, sore throat, runny nose sneezing, headache, and fever. Experts report that patients recover within seven to ten days or in an extreme situation for up to three weeks.

HISTORY OF COMMON COLD

The history of regular cold dates back to 1950. The symptoms and treatment for the common cold are mentioned in the Egyptians “Ebers papyrus,” which is one of the oldest medical text presents today and was written before the 16th century BCE. It was named cold Flu because of its similarity with the symptoms to individuals exposed to cold weather. It recorded that around 200 years ago, a virus causing common severe symptoms appeared in humans and initiated in birds that have crossed the specie barriers.

In the United Kingdom, the medical research council established standards cold unit in 1946, and it was the place where rhinoviruses were discovered in 1956. In the 1970s, the collective cold units explained that during incubation phase treatment with interferon of rhinovirus infection protects somehow from common cold disease, but no productive treatment was founded. In 1989, after two years, the research completed with zinc gluconate lozenges in the prophylaxis can serve as treatment of rhinovirus colds. This was considered as the only successful treatment in this virus history.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA (FLU) & COMMON COLD

Flu and the common cold are both respiratory ailments, but they differ in the viruses that cause them. Also, as both have similar symptoms, it is difficult or even impossible to predict for Flu and cold based on symptoms. In general, Flu has more intense symptoms and worsen than a common cold. Also, Flu can occur in any season, but cold is prominently seen in winters. However, both can be treated with antiviral drugs and proper care, such as making soups, warm clothing, heating, and insolation during winters.

The symptoms for COVID-19 usually appear within 2-14 days like fever

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLU, COLD, AND COVID-19

It is observed that Flu, common cold, and COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, show more or less similar symptoms, but COVID-19 is more severe and intense in comparison to Flu and the common cold. The novel 2019 coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause ailment from the common cold to severe Middle East Respiratory (MERS) infections and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The COVID-19 transmits mainly through physical contact among individuals when an infected person coughs, saliva discharge, or sneezes.

The symptoms for COVID-19 usually appear within 2-14 days like fever, shortness of breath, cough, trouble in breathing, persistent pain, and pressure on the chest, bluish lips, and face. A person experiences severe chills and seizure if not reported timely to doctors and result in ventilation and ultimately cause death. The 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain in the viruses type and is not identified by humans before. Its spread was causing (COVID-19) a significant threat to the world and produced approximately 27,441 till March 29, 2020.

CONCLUSION

Following steps are useful and need to follow when dealing with Flu, common cold and COVID-19:-

Regularly wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap. It will protect you from getting infected through objects and person who is already infected or sick.
Scrub your hands, wrist, between fingers, nails at least for 20-30 minutes.
If you are an adult or child, you are more susceptible to getting infected through Flu, common cold and COVID-19 or other viral infections, using disposal face are very useful as they are inexpensive and give you protection against ailments.
Get your children vaccinated against seasonal common flu strains and keep them in a home if they get infected though any viruses.
When you experience common cold, try to make soups, tea, coffees and wear warm clothes and try to keep yourself in heating rooms.

As COVID-19 is a new strain with more severe effects than Flu and common cold and also, no vaccination is available for it. So special care is required to avoid ailment. Following steps would help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 including:-

Regular hand washing with anti-bacterial soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If water and soap are not available to use sanitizer to clean your hands.
Avoid touching your face, specifically mouth area and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with the inner elbow.
Avoid crowded areas or physical contact people such as a handshake, hugs, etc.
Keep your house or objects disinfected by spraying disinfectants.
Stay at home if you are feeling unwell even if you are suffering from slight fever or cough.
Especially avoid contact with people suffering from respiratory illness, including coughing or sneezing.
If you suffer from fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, visit a hospital ASAP.
If symptoms of COVID-19 appear, self isolate and quarantine yourself and take precautions suggested by the doctor.

Also, read The Hepatitis virus; an overburdening toll on Pakistan

Contagion: A Fictional Version of the Real-Time COVID-19

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Syeda Laiba Tayyab

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April 4, 2020

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Contagion: A Fictional Version of the Real-Time COVID-19

How is a movie released ten years ago so relatable in the current scenario? Contagion, the 2011 thriller about the fictional MEV-1 pandemic, is unsurprisingly the piece that everyone is rewatching at the moment. It might be because all the new movies are delayed, but mostly because of how the story is jaw-droppingly similar to the conditions across the globe today.

Contagion has gone viral again, its theme of rapid sweeping of a novel virus called MEV-1. The movie shows a rapid spread of the deadly virus that kills 26 million people worldwide. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing, just like the Covid-19. Many other pandemic movies have recently been seen rising to the top again, but none has received as much renewed success as Contagion in these days. This documentary cum movie released in 2011 made by director Steven Soderbergh stars Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many others. It is an anxiety-inducing biological disaster horror with terrifying scientific plausibility.

Here I break down just how realistic Contagion is, as it is based on real-world scenarios, so we can learn the right lessons from this and hopefully avoid making the mistakes as done by the characters in the fictional.

The film opens with a patient zero, in this case, Paltrow, as Beth Imhoff, on day two of the outbreak. In a brilliant move, the movie’s final sequence will show us day one, so with the opening sequence, the director Soderbergh and screenwriter Scott Burns are already giving a visual road map for how Contagion will be a unique epidemic-outbreak film than other less realistic movies in the genre.

Imhoff, is shown in the beginning looking rough, sweating, coughing, and eating peanuts from the Airport bar (not a very good idea). In the sequence, Soderberg uses come clever camera work lingering on close-ups of inanimate objects, the peanuts, Beth’s card, and the touchscreen. Later in the movie, we would find out the scientific term for these i.e., “fomites”- shared surfaces where viral infections can spread from one person to another. These fomites are shark fin in the water, the invisible threat that the movie returns to, repeatedly. Real-life experts have compared the pandemic in this movie to the current Covid-19 situation and they grade the movie high for focusing on fomites. And in their review, they also point out that the turnaround time would need to be longer more than a few days for the virus to shed from Beth’s respiratory tract or saliva to be spread to anything she’s touching.

The fictional disease in Contagion is called MEV-1. Burns and Soderberg conceived it while researching the H1N1 Flu pandemic in 2009, the 2003 SARS outbreak, and many other similar diseases. They consulted with researchers like Larry Brilliant, known for his work in eradicating smallpox, Ian Lipkin, a WHO specialist, and author Laurie Garrett. These are the people who have dedicated their lives to studying real outbreak scenarios and conceiving hypothetical nightmare situations like one presented in this film. Beth dies two days later. MEV-1 moves super-fast, and that is the big part of the danger. Infected characters do not have much time after exposure to react or educate themselves, do self-quarantine, etc., before they accidentally pass it on to someone else. By comparison, Covid-19 seems to have a more extended incubation period reported as 14 days by WHO.

Another big difference appears to be the mortality rate. MEV has the mortality rate of between 20-30%, and by the end of the movie, it ends up killing twenty-six million people worldwide, which of course, is insanely high but not as high as the 50 million people who died in the 1918 Spanish Flu! The covid-19 mortality rate is still being determined, but as of March 3rd, it is mentioned to be 3.4% of reported cases. And the number will keep on fluctuating with time.

The disaster response in Contagion is roughly accurate to the one these days. In the movie, WHO deploys an epidemiologist Dr. Orantes to Hong Kong to try to identify its source; meanwhile, the CDC deploys CIS officer, Dr. Mears, to the cluster region in Minneapolis and to try to contain it. While all this happens, more terms are thrown to help the audience understand this disease. Dr. Mears explains how one sick person is likely to infect others, R0 (reproductive rate of the virus). In the movie, this value is two and later jumps to four. The value for covid-19 is estimated at approximately 2.5, and again, that doesn’t make it deadlier; it is just a lot more infectious than the seasonal flu that comes every year.

The movie also introduces the CDC scientist Dr. Hextall who breaks down the MEV in the form of colors. She explains that the sequence of the virus contains both bat and pig sequences. The final scene of the film reveals the near accidental day one event. It shows Beth’s mining company, which deforests a jungle and displaces some bats that eat bananas. A banana chunk drops in a pigpen, a pig eats a banana and ends up in the kitchen. And from one thing to the next, the chef touches pig’s mouth, doesn’t wash his hands, affects Beth, and Beth becomes a deadly carrier. And if you are having a hard time understanding the need for social distancing, you must get it now why it is being recommended around the world.

The science in the movie is mostly accurate, which is something to be appreciated as most of the movies don’t really consider that. Another notable research by Burns is on ecotones. Humans invade remote areas and expose the food chain to microbes, and their immune systems aren’t biologically prepared. Covid-19 stems from a family of beta Coronaviruses that all have their origins in bats.

Returning to the story, Dr. Hextall knows that for developing a vaccine, it’ll take months and months to reach human trials and FDA approval. This pushed her to take an enormous risk, and she ends up testing a vaccine strain on herself. Luckily it worked! This particular moment is an homage to physician Barry Marshall who inoculated himself with Helicobacter pylori to prove it was the cause of gastric ulcers. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2005 for his heroic contribution.

The genius of Contagion is the way it tackles the crisis with a large team of people working in various fields. Disease outbreaks make a community of specialists work together while the rest of us are obliged to listen to them and to abstain from freaking out too much.

The characters of this film are super smart; they make a lot of great heroic decisions. However, there are also occasional bad decisions, and the least heroic among them is Allen Crum Weedy, a social media influencer. He first breaks the footage of an early infected person and uses his following to spread conspiracy theories and pedals snake oil cures like the homeopathic treatment called Forsythia. Misinformation spread by people like Crum Weedy is the true Contagion of Contagion. Indeed, nothing spreads like fear.

So, folks, these disease outbreaks are messy, and a bit scary. The looting of grocery stores and pharmacies in the movie may echo what we today are seeing at checkout lines. This is just the way we humans react when we’re afraid. But Contagion is a cautionary tale to take advice from sources beyond social media like CDC and WHO and other authorities because those people are more than just a bunch of nerds risking their lives to keep us safe and healthy. They are recommending 20 seconds hand washes, no face touching and social distancing that should be good enough for us. And if we don’t want to end up like those who suffered in the movie, we better listen and act now!

Note: For up to date current situations, kindly consult the CDC and WHO website.

Also Read: Coronavirus; Global Economic & Social recession

Viruses = Villains? Not Always!

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Aniqa Mazhar

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April 3, 2020

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As astounding as it may sound, not all viruses are villains. Nature created all forms of life in balance. While some strains are hazardous and fatal, there are several which offer a benefit to humankind!

Let’s take a look at the TOP TEN beneficial viruses.

Bacteriophages

These viruses infect bacteria, as their name implies. They are found everywhere in the soil and environment as well as in the human gut. They have the potential to be used as therapeutics against many pathogenic bacteria and replace antibiotics.

Heat-resistant viruses

A particular virus which infects a grown fungal endophyte on grass has shown to give this grass the superpower of resisting extra high temperatures.

Scientists experimented with this virus on other plants and gained success. Tomatoes with them can grow at a temperature of 60 degrees Celcius, while those with no virus were not able to survive.

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

This is a virus that basically pathogenic for horses and other animals. It may be transmitted to humans and cause blisters in the mouth, but it has made it in the headlines for its oncolytic capacity. It is a promising treatment for cancer as it is non-pathogenic in the case of humans.

Adenoviruses

These are a group of common viruses that cause mild and temporary symptoms. Some of them cause Bronchitis, Pneumonia, cold, and stomach infections.

On the other hand, researchers have stepped across a particular strain, HAdV-52, which binds to carbohydrate moieties on the surface of cancer cells and renders them unable to proliferate. This point offers a promising strategy to fight off cancer as well as stimulate one’s own immune system against cancer.

Norovirus

These viruses are of particular interest to virologists. In experimentation with mice, some strains have shown to help in the making of immune T cells as well as decrease the effect of pathogens that cause diarrhea and damage to gut bacteria.

These are of particular interest to virologists

Ancient Retroviruses

Some endogenous retroviruses may be the reason human beings don’t lay eggs. Baffled? Let me explain. Some scientists believe it to be true that, along the journey of evolution, a primitive human ancestor contracted such a virus, which caused mutations in the genetic code that enable us mammals to give live birth.

Gamma-herpesviruses

Infection with one of the strains, MHV-68, has shown to increase resistance against Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria which causes food poisoning.

Cowpox

This virus helped Edward Jenner develop the concept of vaccination in 1796 when he noticed that milkmaids who had contact with cows were safe from smallpox. His vaccination helped achieve the milestone of smallpox eradication two centuries later, so it does not indeed belong to the category of villains!

GBV-C

This is a member of the Flaviviridae family and also called hepatitis G. The odd bit about this little guy is the fact that, if it infects a person alongside HIV, AIDS progress very slowly and improves chances of survival.

Arc gene virus

This gene is responsible for learning processes in human beings. It communicates via sending genetic material from one neuron to the other. This method is similar to that of a virus, and it seems that we inherited our ability to learn and form conscious thoughts because of the genetic material of some ancient brain virus! More research is going on.

“Viruses are, without a doubt, the coolest things I have ever encountered. They do truly amazing things with very little genetic information. I was always a little disturbed at the bad rap they get, so it was stimulating of me to find good ones.”Marilyn J. Roosenick, American Society for Microbiology.

Also, read The underrated prodigy- Rosalind Franklin

Viruses and their enigmatic structure

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Muhammad Abdullah Khan

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April 2, 2020

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In the last few decades, scholars, theoreticians, and political scientists attempted to classify threats and challenges for the world in the twenty-first century. While these challenges ranged from trade wars, failed states, rogue states, non-state actors acquiring nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction, to rapidly deteriorating environmental and cybersecurity threats. Researchers and experts in world politics emphasized the threats of an emerging war-fronts due to advancements in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and robotics, especially in the era of fifth-generation and hybrid warfare. But nobody thought that microbes could also put a question mark on humankind’s survival in the coming years.

Amid the global scare which has caused since the COVID-19 (Coronavirus as it is generally called) emerged as Pandemic, resulting in lockdowns in 178 countries around the globe, suspension of flight operations, and border closures, the laity can be seen with a dire thirst to understand what the viruses are in reality? Are viruses living things? How the viruses spread? How do they reproduce and multiply? And can we defeat them?

Viruses- Are they Living or Dead?

Viruses are the most magnificent and enigmatic microorganisms found in nature. They are the living embodiment of the “survival of the fittest.” They have been puzzling the scientists since they were first discovered in the 1890s. For over a hundred years, viruses have defined, redefined, and then after a change of mind redefined again. The scientific community had to collectively change its mind repeatedly to define what a virus is? First, they were considered poison. Then they were classified as life-forms and later considered as biological chemicals. Now viruses have been placed by virologists in a grey area between living and non-living.

The word virus has its roots in the Latin term for “the poison.” Because of their varying characteristics and properties, it was challenging to classify them as living or non-living. With every lens applied to study viruses, they varied every time. Initial interest in viruses arose from the scientific understanding that they were associated with specific diseases such as rabies and foot and mouth and that they behaved like bacteria but were much smaller in size. Since the viruses had biological properties―RNA and genes for protein replication which is responsible for infection―they were classified as the simplest of all living things.

In 1935, Wendell M Stanley and his colleagues successfully crystallized the tobacco mosaic virus for the first time. They observed a stack of intricate biochemical which had no essential systems for carrying out metabolic functions. Since they lacked the biochemical activity of life, so the viruses were demoted from living organisms to just as inert chemicals.

Further research again puzzled the scientific community. Viruses had nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), just like all other organisms, but enclosed in a protein coat. But they were still considered a chemistry set rather than an organism because they could not reproduce or replicate. But the troubling part was when a virus entered the body of another organism, called host after the infection. The behavior of the virus instantly changed, and it was no more inactive. The virus would shed away its protein coat and unleash its genes into the host cells. The viral genes would induce the replication machinery of host cells to replicate viral DNA or RNA and manufacture more viral protein. In this way, the viral infection would spread to other cells exponentially and eventually into the whole of the organism.

Viruses were labeled as parasites as they depended on a host organism for all kinds of metabolic and bodily functions, which are the embodiment of life. From acquiring raw material and energy necessary for nucleic acids synthesis to transportation, protein synthesis, processing, and all other biochemical and metabolic activities, viruses are dependent on the host organisms. Even the multiplication and spread of viruses are dependent on the host organism. Thus, viruses can be deemed as the ultimate and perfect parasite.

These varying behaviors of viruses led the scientists to believe that a virus is capable of fluctuating between living and non-living based on their external environments. Thus they were classified as living in a grey area between life and death.

The prominent virologist Marc. H.V. Van Regenmortel of the University of Strasbourg explained the behavior of viruses in a poetic way. He said that viruses live a “kind of borrowed life.”

Interestingly, much data about the microbial world and modern microbiology were attained through the study of viruses. These unique magnificent creatures, who lived on the outskirts of life and had long been considered as mere stacks of complex biochemical, have various useful applications too. Biotechnologists and virologists have extensively used them as carriers or vectors. Due to their capabilities of targeting specific cells, they used as drug delivery carriers in medicine. Being much more straightforward systems compared to bacteria and other organisms, they have also been used extensively for DNA translation, replication, transcription, and protein formation.

Viruses have been using to modify crops genetically to increase their yields and used in various cancer prevention and control methods. Partially dead or weakened viruses have been used in the production of vaccines and have helped us control the pandemics of chickenpox, measles, and polio. Ironically, the vaccine for coronavirus depends on the virus itself. We should not only consider the viruses as deadly and lethal pathogens and consider the blessing which they have provided to us in disguise.

Recent studies have shown that global pollution levels have been reduced all over the world, and the ozone layer is repairing itself rapidly due to lockdowns and reduced human activities. The virus has provided us with an opportunity to self-isolate, stay home, and carry out a global exercise to save not only ourselves but also our planet, our only home.

Brighten your day (or night) with these breathtaking astrophotographs

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Scientia

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March 30, 2020

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Brighten your day (or night) with these breathtaking astrophotographs

There has been a solemn air around the world due to coronavirus. People are shut in their homes and practicing social distancing. Are you getting bored, and looking for something to cheer you up? Worry no more, as we present you with some stunning astrophotographs that are guaranteed to make your day better!

Have a look below!

Night sky photographer Tommy Eliassen captured this stunning photo of the 2014 Geminid meteor shower on Dec. 12, 2014 as the northern lights danced over Lovund, Norway. — A beautiful picture of the 2014 Geminid meteor shower captured by photographer Tommy Eliassen. The northern lights are visible on the skies of Lovund, Norway.

These horse statues look almost real in this stunning shot from astrophotographer Manish Mamtani. These sculptures captured under the Milky Way are created by artist Ricardo Breceda.

This beauty of a shot is captured by Finnish photographer Mikko Lagerstedt that will surely take the breath away of the viewer. A beautiful combination of the *Milky Way* in the night sky and the water on earth.

Auroras can be seen with startling clarity in this gorgeous image by Mikko Lagerstedt who has quite a marvelous collection of astrophotographs

Another image by Lagerstedt where the dreamy Milky Way peeks through the night sky.

Do you want to experience astronomy events yourself? Here is a guide to the expected astronomy events of the year 2020. Mark your calendars!

Annular Eclipse: On June 21, an Annular Eclipse is expected. This occurs when the Moon is too far away from the Earth to completely cover the Sun. This results in the appearance of a brightly lit ring around the darkened Moon.

Planet Parade: On July 11, skywatchers and stargazers will have a special treat as there will be a planet parade. Several planets like Venus, Jupiter, etc. will be in conjunction appearing to perform a parade in the skies, hence the name.

Mars Opposition: On October 13, Mars will be at the closest opposition to Earth and will be well lit.

Solar Eclipse: On December 14, a total solar eclipse is expected. This phenomenon occurs when the moon blocks out the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

Also Read: Northern Lights photos that have won awards will also win your hearts

The Hepatitis virus; An over-burdening toll on Pakistan

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Suhail Yusuf

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March 29, 2020

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The Hepatitis virus; An over-burdening toll on Pakistan

With one in every twenty Pakistanis already infected, Pakistan has the second-largest burden of Hepatitis C infection globally. According to peer-reviewed published data, there are 11 to 13 million patients of Hepatitis B and C are breathing in Pakistan. The HCV shows a homogeneity across provinces, and over time its prevalence is strikingly persistent at a high level.

Understanding Hepatitis

At present, there are six distinct types of this virus have been observed and dubbed as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G, which identified via different viruses and infection procedure. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis D Virus or Delta Virus (HDV) are blood-borne viruses. Though all infections are dangerous, the B, C, and Delta can be chronic and fatal by leading to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer!

Acute viral Hepatitis-A is also a common infection among Pakistani kids as some 50 to 60 percent of children have chronically affected by HAV.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis is generally a disease of liver inflammation. It emerges differently in different people and effect according to the virus pathways. In some cases, the epidemic stays self-limiting, but many hepatitis viruses progress to liver damage and even cancer.

According to peer-reviewed published data, there are 11 to 13 million patients of Hepatitis B and C are breathing in Pakistan

HCV rising toll

Hepatitis types B and C are colloquial in the world, but according to published data, Pakistan is possibly the second-highest country in the world, having HCV patients around 10 million individuals. HCV is one of the causes of several morbidities, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, placing a stain in healthcare.

Causes of Hepatitis

Just one or two objectives cannot be described as the leading cause of the whole spectrum. Unhealthy food, avoidable use of injections, unsafe blood transfusion, sharing of needles among drug users, inadequate sterilization of medical pieces of equipment, and therapeutic vaccinations are the leading causes of the rapid growth of hepatitis cases in Pakistan.

Poor sanitary conditions and lack of hygienic practices lead to 90% of children being infected with hepatitis A and mother to baby infections is also the leading cause of this life-threatening disease in the country.
Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by the use of contaminated food or water. Whereas, Hepatitis B, C, and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids.

HCV is one of the causes of several morbidities, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, placing a stain in healthcare.

A vehicle with dead bodies

However, the number of hepatitis patients in Pakistan could be more significant, which is roughly 15 million. According to the WHO, some 23000 people died of this disease in Pakistan in the year 2016, which means a bus full of 64 people striking with an accident daily, and nobody stays alive. Now the death toll is higher enough as compared to 2016. According to some medical experts, the current death toll is between 300 to 400 people daily.
According to the Aga Khan University Hospital, the situation is very alarming. A recently revealed data shows some threefold increase in liver cancer over the past 20 years. However, it could bring under control by the early screening of vulnerable segments of society, for instance, the drug addicts, weak, and marginal layers.

Requires urgent measures

Achieving WHO targets for elimination entails an in-depth and analytical characterization of Hepatitis epidemiology in Pakistan, both at national and regional levels, to develop cost-effective and targeted prevention and treatment interventions. Initially, we need to kick-start a nation-wide comprehensive program to control the epidemic on war footings. We have successfully launched an anti TB program with lab and X-ray facilities on wheels. A similar initiative of mass testing is much needed to curb the ailment giant sleeping in our livers. The recently available and highly efficacious Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAA) can treat the infection and reduces its threats.

The starting treatment of hepatitis costs only 25 dollars a month due to cheap medicines available in Pakistan as compared to developed nations. But the high end of the ailment will cost millions of rupees due to the fourth level of disease. Pakistan also needs efforts to come across cheap testing methods for checking out the viral burden in the country.

Also, read Can cancer be Tricked?

Novel Myths around COVID-19

News

Behzad Taimur

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March 28, 2020

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Pakistan is expected to be amongst the countries worst hit by the recent outbreak of the new Coronavirus, COVID-19. Community spread of COVID-19 has started in Pakistan, and the number of daily cases is spiking (as of March 26, the total number of confirmed cases had increased to 1,179, with 77 new cases in the past 24 hours (12 pm – 12 pm).

A key challenge in responding to significant disease outbreaks, especially of previously undocumented strains, is the lack of understanding of the disease as well as levels of public knowledge on the same. In an environment of sparse and incomplete information, it is often that misinformation, disinformation, and denial take hold in society at large.

At this time, and as the emergency situation is rapidly developing, it is absolutely crucial to provide accurate and reliable information to the general public, while at the same time, working to engage and contest mis-/disinformation. Here is a small effort in this vein. I have tried to note and contest ten significant myths around the Novel Coronavirus.

Myth: Coronavirus only affects old people

Reality: People of all ages can be affected by a coronavirus. Older people have greater difficulty in recovering from the disease. This may be because of frailty, less immune capacity, or a pre-existing condition. However, this does not mean that young people cannot get affected. People of all ages are susceptible and should take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others around them.

Myth: Coronavirus is necessarily fatal, and all affected die.

Reality: Coronavirus is not necessarily fatal. It is a severe disease, and some people need extensive medical care, including hospitalization. However, it does not always result in a fatality, especially if necessary medical care is provided. The effects are more severe on older people or people with pre-existing conditions. While it is difficult to be guaranteed at this time, just under four percent of affected persons may ultimately die. Of these, about 80% may be expected to be persons 60 years and older. This means that very significant segments of any given population do not face a clear and present danger of dying.

Myth: Coronavirus does not spread through handshakes, and advisories against hand-shaking are incorrect.

Reality: Coronavirus can spread through touch. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth or to someone you touch. From there, the virus can enter your or their body and can make a person sick. This will lead to rapid transmission and spread. Avoiding physical contact with other people and staying at least six feet away is essential and recommended.

One of the Myths is that the coronavirus does not spread through handshakes — One of the myths is that the coronavirus does not spread through handshakes

Myth: A face mask is a necessity and guarantees protection against Coronavirus.

Reality: Yes, and no. Masks that tightly fit around a person’s face (such as the N95) can protect healthcare workers as they care for large numbers of infected patients. For the general public, especially persons without respiratory illnesses, wearing lightweight, disposable, surgical masks is not necessary or recommended. Since such masks don’t fit tightly, they may allow tiny infected droplets to get into the nose, mouth, or eyes. Further, people with the virus on their hands and who happen to touch their faces under a mask might become infected.

On the other hand, people with a respiratory illness can wear these masks to lessen their chance of infecting others. Bear in mind that stocking up on masks makes fewer available for sick patients and health care workers who need them. Let’s all be responsible.

Myth: Closing public spaces such as mosques, restaurants, and cinemas, and imposing isolation will not stop Coronavirus spread.

Reality: Coronavirus spreads when people cough or sneeze, releasing tiny droplets of mucus and saliva into the air that contain the virus. These droplets can land on all types of surfaces, including tables, chairs, doors, light switches, et al. Besides, they can land on other people as well. If the droplets land or are breathed in by another person, they can cause infection. Similarly, if the droplets land on a hard surface and someone touches that hard surface, they can get infected in that way as well. Therefore, it is essential to minimize contact between people so that it slows down the spread of the virus. In this, closing places that bring together large numbers of people and hold them together in tight spaces can help keep people apart and reduce contagious spread. This is a standard public health practice and has continually been implemented around the globe in multiple contexts with relatively high success rates.

Myth: Eating garlic helps protect against Coronavirus.

Reality: Garlic is a healthy food that has anti-microbial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that suggests eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.

Several myths around COVID-19 call for eating different kinds of fruits and vegetables, without any scientific evidence

Myth: Hot liquids kill off Coronavirus and should be drunk frequently.

Reality: Staying hydrated is always essential, especially during infection, including novel coronavirus. However, there is no evidence to suggest that drinking hot or cold water (or gargling) prevents a possible coronavirus infection.

Myth: Taking a hot bath helps protect against COVID-19.

Reality: Taking a hot bath does not help protect against COVID-19. Actually, if people take this myth too far in their minds, taking a hot bath with boiling water can be harmful since it can burn you! The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands with soap and water; or, with hand sanitizers. By doing this, you would eliminate coronavirus that may be on your hands. In turn, this helps avoid infection that may occur if people touch their eyes, mouth, nose, or someone else.

Myth: Regularly rinsing your nose with saline water helps protect against Coronavirus.

Reality: There is no evidence from the current outbreak that suggests regularly rinsing one’s nose with saline water has protected people from infection of the novel coronavirus.

Myth: Taking steroids or acetic acid will help protect against Coronavirus.

Reality: There is no evidence from the current outbreak that suggests taking steroids or acetic acid will help protect against novel coronavirus.

Also Read: Busting myths about OCD

All we need is Empathy during the pandemic days

News

Hassnain Qasim

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March 27, 2020

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All we need is Empathy during the pandemic days

In these days of trouble, one thing that we have to understand and make a strong effort toward solving is knowledge accessibility. There’s no second opinion on the inefficacy of our education system, which has led to an immense social and economic disparity. It requires intervention on the scale of infrastructure, governance, and execution, but most importantly, it requires empathy.

Ever since the spread of SARS- CoV-2 (COVID-19) started making rounds on news and social media, public health organizations and government institutes started to undertake interventions that could contain the spread of the virus, treat infected people and protect the ones who could be at risk.

Prevention, at many times, serves as the best tool to fight against such outbreaks. This is why everyone started rallying around “Flattening The Curve,” i.e., undertaking measures that will slow down the spread of the diseases, thus buying the first-responders a critical resource called time. Drastic measures have been taken to flatten this curve; countries have locked down, citizens put in quarantine, public gatherings have been banned.

Another essential campaign that started as an individual measure to help flatten the curve was washing hands with soap!

For us, knowing that we have a non-existent healthcare research ecosystem, which is translatory, individual and community-based measures such as physical distancing, washing hands, avoiding unnecessary contact with potentially harmful surfaces, covering face while coughing and sneezing, are the only options to spread the virus. Our present healthcare system can diagnose a limited amount of patients, but what next? Do we have enough ventilators? No. Is our spending on Science & Technology coupled with a policy framework at a position where a therapeutic could develop, tested, and deployed? No!

While there have been several guidelines distributed by WHO to ensure that the public takes necessary precautionary measures for protection against COVID-19, these guidelines are in English, and in Pakistan, at best, these are in Urdu. These circumstances make a significant portion of the population that cannot understand English, increasingly vulnerable.

Our team at Genes & Machines decided to undertake a community effort to increase the accessibility of precautionary guidelines for local communities within Pakistan, along with general awareness to prevent infections and the spread of viral diseases. We translated precautionary guidelines from English to Urdu, Sindhi, Balochi, and Pushto. We were supported by several local organizations and initiatives in Pakistan such as Pukhtoogle, Thar Education Alliance, Scientia, Campaignistan, The Writers Lounge, OASIS, along with others in their capacities.

These partners helped in ensuring two things,

The guidelines were accurately translated
They reached the people they were initially intended to.

And we were glad that it happened, but this isn’t enough. There are A vast majority of people who still are unaware of what to do at this point? There is a massive percentage of the population that does not have digital access.

These translations are open and free to use. In this challenging time, we want to help in whichever capacity we can to help spread the message to help spread the awareness. If you’re a content creator, a digital media agency, someone from the government, if you’re at home worried about what to tell your family and friends, if you want to announce it to your neighborhood through your local mosque, use these!

The guidelines are available at this link.

Also, this is a time where many people will go unnoticed, and these will be expected to affect the most by physical distancing and lockdowns, and also those who will not be able to afford the resources necessary to move to online education, help them out with the resources you have. We are all united, and together we can make a significant difference.

We are hopeful of keeping up these efforts to help create more guidelines and translate important research work if you want to partner, email at qasimhassnain@gmail.com.

Also, read The Technocrat strategies of Pakistani media in pandemic days

Coronavirus; Global Economic & Social recession

News

Kaleem Ullah

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March 26, 2020

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Coronavirus; Global Economic & Social recession

The coronavirus pandemic is posing an exceptionally global threat – it has respected no border. It emerged from one particular location-Wuhan, but now more than 180 countries are suffering worldwide. According to Reuters news agency, globally confirmed cases have crossed the 390000 figure. This viral explosion is influencing nearly all domains: economy, society, politics – all are affected at a notable scale. Economic fall is near to cross its threshold: WTO warned that the virus outbreak can cause a more severe economic recession than 2008. As per Bloomberg’s latest report, the global economy could suffer $2.7tr which is equal UK total GDP. Social norms are also reversing drastically: people do avoid handshake, informal talks, and casual sports activities. Both socially and economically, this outbreak is becoming a massive challenge.

Economic Impacts

A strong economy is considered a hallmark of a nation’s progress. Growing economies ensure power and wealth, but when they get dwindled, everything suffers. Coronavirus is hitting the world’s economy in general and developing countries in particular. It is disrupting the supply of goods on a global scale; resultantly firms are in great trouble in meeting their targeted goals. The forecasters are predicting a looming recession which would be more disastrous than that of 2008.

In 2003, China’s economy was around 4 percent of the world’s GDP, and right before the Corona outbreak, it was marking 16.3 percent of the world’s total. As expected, pandemic gave a severe hit to China: it alone faced a dramatic loss of about $103bn or 0.8pc of its GDP – estimated by the Asian development bank. China and the US are the world’s largest economies. Any shock to these countries may shake the world’s market. Recently, the Wall Street stock exchange dropped over 13pc in a day due to virus fear. The UK Stock Exchange saw the most critical suffrage since 2008. Hot perils are knocking at the door as the IMF and WB are issuing new warnings to the economy. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World economy could grow at its slowest since 2009.

As expected, pandemic gave a severe hit to China. Image Source: Getty Images — As expected, the pandemic gave a severe hit to China. Image Source: Getty Images

Bloomberg forecasting that the global economy slides to 1.2pc which is far behind than that of the past year. The report further says that it may grow even slower than 1.0pc if the outbreak will keep on intensifying. Factories are facing complete suspension as workers prefer to stay at home to avoid the attack of COVID-19.

Tourism is also affected by the coronavirus outbreak. It’s been an income source for many countries but now has been drastically affected. Italy has blocked all of the tourist sites for an indefinite time. China, South Korea, and Japan have also issued warnings at tourists’ resorts. Tourism Industry is at the risk of confronting pronounced blows in the coming days.

Trade enterprise is also declining due to COVID-19. Due to lockdown, more than 1.7 billion people have to stay at home, says Reuter. By observing this all, one can envision the extent of disruption in trade activities. China’s global supply chain is experiencing history’s worse difficulties because China has put a shut over its trade corridors. Pakistan is among the top 20 countries that are being affected by China’s trade halt. Pakistan’s economy, says the Asian development bank(ADE), can suffer 1.7pc GDP loss due to the Coronavirus flare-up. Unfortunately, due to some policies lapses, 956 cases with COVID-19 have been confirmed. If the government failed to handle the situation timely, Pakistan could go into complete lockdown. However, tables can be turned with intellect and wisdom.

In short, the global economy is under pathetic assault. World leaders and scientists are struggling hard to control the circumstances. The need of the hour is to put a pause on the outbreak flow; otherwise, losses would be irreversible.

Tourism Industry is at the risk of confronting pronounced blows in the coming days. Image Source: EPA

Social Consequences of Coronavirus Outbreak

History reveals that pandemics keep on reversing the norms. Social distancing is becoming an individual obligation. China, being an epicenter, is feeling segregated from the rest of the world. Every person views it as a criminal. Italy prohibited its citizens from all the non-physical and sexual activities. The hysteria of the virus spurt is affecting people’s social activism. Social distancing, self-isolation, and fear have truly effected free socialization and the beauty of society.

Institutions, around the globe, are closed to prevent the spread. Academic activities are at a long hiatus. However, online classes may compensate, but only to those who are equipped with facilities and privileges. The academic break is extending for an indefinite period. Where the course of time will direct us, no one can predict with significant confidence.

COVID-19 has drastically impacted humanity. Chinese are at the center point of the world’s aversion. One Chinese citizen was severely whipped by US citizens with the slogan ‘go to China with Corona ‘. Countries abandoned their relations with Italy and China. Consequently, hate and discrimination are gaining ground. Our repulsive attitude will lead us nowhere.

Solidarity is the need of the hour. If nations exercise unification, peace and harmony will be maintained among them; otherwise, as the corona game will be over, a cold weapon pandemic may come into play.

“This world is a Union Town, and its time to show that”-Bob Rose

Also Read: Viruses are a critical driver of human evolution

The technocrat strategies of Pakistani media in pandemic days

News

Fawwad Raza

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March 24, 2020

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The technocrat strategies of Pakistani media in pandemic days

Around 30 years ago, a great intellect Noam Chomsky came across some manipulating strategies the media often used, and these days, when we are having things like internet, Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms, media can influence our lives more than ever, and this influence does not necessarily always positive. Newsmaker has many ways to manipulate our consciousness. It seems that many media outlets in Pakistan have been trying to push their own agenda that often results in the truth being bent. Let’s check out the ways media misinterpret the fact in recent COVID19 outbreak.

#COVID19 –a novel virus from the coronavirus family has become a global pandemic in early March, more than 10 thousand people have died, and still there no break seems. Pakistan is also battling hard to counter the spread, and several preventive measures have been taken, including the closure of educational institutes, closing intercity and inter-provincial transport service, and a partial lockdown by closing wholesale and retail markets. Meanwhile, quarantine centers have been established to isolate patients or suspects of this novel-coronavirus, to cease its rapid spread.

After the World Health Organization had declared COVID19 a pandemic, the economists are outlining it as a state of emergency just like in a war. In this scenario, Media have a grave responsibility for educating masses about the crisis, precautions, preventions, and medication processes?

While International Media have specific scientific research desks that deal with daily scientific News, and in case of some epidemic outbreak in any part of the world, the science desk staff takes the lead to cover the stories. Editorial is bound to consult with the science desk editor, so only trustworthy News can be published or broadcast.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there have been fewer science communication activities, and none of our local universities is providing courses or education of science journalism. This identifies the need for the science desk in media outlets an extra expense. Most of the news channels are working without the existence of a science desk. A few leading media outlets have science journalists, but they are also not well trained or well connected with the global science and health organizations.

There are some misinterpretations in Pakistan’s media related to #COVID19 stories.

Lockdown or Quarantine

Corona outbreak in China and the authorities decided to quarantine Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic. Following the term of “lockdown” western media used for the situation either intentionally or due to lack of knowledge, Pakistan’s media adopted the same word as it is used by the west despite continuous opposition by some famous science journalists. Later the phrase lockdown becomes so much familiar, and when the virus spreads in Europe and various US states – The global media used the same for them as well. Although it’s still not a technical term to tackle any epidemic, lockdown is generally a technical term that refers to a specific situation in wars like Germany, and other countries had witnessed during world wars.

An empty market in Karachi during restrictions. Image Credit: AP

Coronavirus dies at a higher temperature.

Well, I am not aware of the person who initiated this theory, but it went viral, and the entire Pakistani media industry reported it without a fact check or having significant evidence from scientific data or research. The media made a perception that coronavirus will die on 30-degree centigrade or above temperature. Eventually, the virus never dies, they are de-activated or destroyed. The understanding brought Pakistanis in a relaxed mood, and they started enjoying the partial lockdown by the government. Even our PM Imran Khan quotes this in a presser.

Patients or suspects

Initially, media reporters and desk’s bigwigs got confused between suspects and patients of coronavirus. Anyone – who was tested by the authorities declared as patients. Later they realized that putting someone in isolation doesn’t mean he/she is patient. But it was too late when they realized their mistake, now the entire nation falsely believes that one – who is quarantined is a patient.

Epidemic study

As I mentioned earlier – Media outlets in Pakistan lack science desks, so we were unable to go through a study or research article related to coronavirus outbreak. We are having a severe deficiency of statistics that how much resources we need during a major city lockdown? Even the media doesn’t have the actual figure that how many ventilators are available to patients in hospitals around the country.

Rating gamble and click Bait News items/blogs

Our Media usually works on rating mechanism, and after the advent of digital media, the situation gets worsened, we witnessed leading News outlets of Pakistan working on creating every single information as a breaking News, their digital media wings adopt the same strategies like the click-bait news item in recent pandemic days, which shows a severe lack of professionalism in our media industry. Although Clickbait is considered a crime in the global digital media outlets, it seems that we are far above for these considerations might because our media outlets are running by DONS and wealthiest businessmen.

Choice of a wrong panel

In prime time talk shows, we more than often spectacle politicians, clerics, TV stars, and even sports stars discussing the epidemic. Still, hardly we watch any medical scientist/expert or biochemist in such talk shows, and it merely happens, our TV anchors humiliate or create an unpleasant situation for the scientists due to severe lack of knowledge and scientific wisdom.

Non-ethical Approach

Last but not least – when the first case of coronavirus reported in Karachi, we observe that several media outlets not only revealed the identity of the patient but also published the hospital record with the patient’s name, his family identity, address, and other contact detail. This ridiculous act put the patients and their families in threat, and the administration had to provide them security.

A bit of this recent history in the pandemic shows an entire lack of professionalism, ethics, and non-scientific attitude adopted by major media outlets in Pakistan. We can cope with this nuanced situation only by educating our editors, journalists, and reporters about scientific wisdom, ethics, and essential roles of science reporting. The institutions like CEJ, IBA, Karachi University, NUST, LUMS, and COMSATS, should kick-start science communication courses, and these courses should mandatory for web editors of major media outlets of Pakistan.

Also, read; Six modern-day hacks for science writers

SCIENTIA