News in brief
COVID-safe swimming and artificial cells: News from the College
Here’s a batch of fresh news and announcements from across Imperial.
COVID-safe swimming and artificial cells: News from the College
Here’s a batch of fresh news and announcements from across Imperial.
Magic mushroom compound performs as well as antidepressant in small study
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in a therapeutic setting.
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More evidence needed to back cannabis as pain treatment, says review
An international review has found a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of cannabis in treating pain.
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First volunteers on COVID-19 human challenge study leave quarantine
The UK’s COVID-19 human challenge study has reached its first milestone after administering virus to three volunteers in a controlled clinical setting
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Podcast: COVID-19 human trials, air pollution monitoring and better plastics
In this edition: Launching human challenge trials for COVID-19, a new air pollution monitoring network for London, and fully biodegradable plastics.
‘Ticket and test’ scheme could help crowds return safely to live events
Researchers have proposed a model to support the safe return of crowds to live events, while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Universal ‘Test and Treat’ for HIV cost-effective in high prevalence regions
Rolling out home-based testing and universal treatment for HIV is cost-effective and can cut the incidence of cases in high-prevalence communities.
Brazil cases shed more light on COVID-19 reinfection risk
Researchers believe reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 may be more common than previously thought, after an analysis of people contracting COVID-19 twice.
UK researchers identify inflammatory protein linked to severe COVID-19
Patients with severe COVID-19 show increased levels of a key protein in their blood, which researchers believe may help identify those most at risk.
Citizen scientists show placebo effect may explain benefits of microdosing
The psychological benefits linked with taking regular, small doses of psychedelic drugs are likely the result of users’ expectations, a study suggests