A mutated strain of Covid-19 carried by holidaymakers returning from Spain could be partially responsible for the current “second wave” in Europe, a study has suggested. Like all viruses, SARS-CoV-2 mutates as it replicates inside its human hosts. Now it appears that a variant called 20A.EU1, first detected in farm workers in northern Spain in …
Face shields have been recommended for use by hairdressers, and are worn by teachers in some schools. But plastic face shields are not effective at stopping airborne droplets from escaping from an infected person’s mouth, according to a study in Japan. Computer simulations showed that almost 100% of droplets under five micrometres (released when people …
The way dementia patients in care homes have been treated during this pandemic “should make us sick with shame and pity”. Afflicted by an illness that attacks their memory and sense of self, they draw special comfort from the presence of loved ones. Yet in the name of infection control, the Government has seen to …
Continue reading ‘A Tale of Cruelty and Despair (in the UK)’ »
Today’s Washington Post carries the news that the death penalty is alive and well and is being carried out, in several cases, in what appears to be a hurry before the change of administrations. I naively believed for some reason that the deliberate killing of prisoners at the hands of the government was a barbaric …
Mindfulness and meditation can worsen depression and anxiety. Mindfulness (paying close attention to your own thoughts) and other types of meditation are usually seen as simple stress-relievers – but they can sometimes leave people worse off, worsening depression and anxiety. About one in 12 people who try meditation experience an unwanted negative effect, usually a …
Continue reading ‘Mindfulness and meditation: are they good for you?’ »
