24 articles from SUNDAY 29.3.2020

Starwatch: catch the Crab as it crosses the meridian

The constellation Cancer, with the beehive cluster, is high in the sky and well-placed for observationThis week is a good time to track down one of the fainter constellations: Cancer, the Crab. It is one of the zodiacal constellations, meaning that the sun passes through it during the year. It is bordered on the west by Gemini, the Twins, and to the east by Leo, the Lion – both zodiacal...

Accurate, honest and transparent: how leaders should communicate about coronavirus | Ullrich Ecker and Douglas MacFarlane

People will remain calm if they have clear and simple guidelines. The first step is to listenWe are not experts on epidemiology, virology or economics. Our personal view is that we need to proactively isolate non-essential workers and children. We base our opinion on the evidence and modelling that we find most compelling. This is our view, but we acknowledge that this is a wicked problem and...

Birds, buds and bright days: how spring can make us healthier and happier

Longer, lighter days can help us banish old habits, sleep better and improve our mental health, even during the lockdownThank goodness that, in this time of crisis, it is now spring. In the northern hemisphere, at least, we can say hello to green shoots, flowers, bumblebees and butterflies. Finally, the clocks have gone back to British Summer Time. We’ve lost an hour of sleep, but hello,...

Coronavirus vaccine: when will it be ready?

Human trials will begin imminently – but even if they go well and a cure is found, there are many barriers before global immunisation is feasibleCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageEven at their most effective – and draconian – containment strategies have only slowed the spread of the respiratory disease Covid-19. With the World Health Organization finally declaring...

Coronavirus survivors’ blood plasma could be used to fight infection

Patients, carers and NHS staff could receive experimental antibody treatment Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDoctors have drawn up plans to infuse British coronavirus patients and their carers with blood plasma harvested from “hyperimmune” people who have recovered from the infection in an attempt to save lives.The experimental treatment will be directed at...

Coronavirus has exposed the reality of a world without work | Josh Cohen

This pandemic is throwing into stark relief a treacherous fact: we depend on employment, both for survival and a sense of selfOffices empty, restaurants and cafes closed, performance venues dark, schools and universities shut down. Across the world, numerous industries have entered a state of suspended animation, imposing a sharp and involuntary brake on the working lives of millions of...

Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should I call the doctor?

What are the symptoms caused by the Covid-19 virus, how does it spread, and should you call a doctor?Find all our coronavirus coverage hereCoronavirus – latest updatesIt is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before. Like other coronaviruses, it has transferred to humans from animals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared it a pandemic....

Coronavirus UK: how many confirmed cases are in your area?

Latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of Covid-19 in the United Kingdom. Find out how many cases have been reported near youCoronavirus - live news updatesFind all our coronavirus coverage herePlease note: these are government figures on numbers of confirmed cases - some people who report symptoms are not being tested, and are not included in these counts. Continue...

The two tests that will help to predict spread of Covid-19

One detects past infection, the other finds current viral load – but there’s a shortage of staff trained to carry them outCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOnly by implementing carefully controlled programmes that use two very different Covid-19 test kits will it be possible to predict how the disease will affect the country, researchers have revealed.Scientists...

Coronavirus patients in UK intensive care have 50% survival rate

Findings of new report raise concerns about how effective new facilities will beCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe mortality rate for patients put in intensive care after being infected with Covid-19 is running at close to 50%, a report has revealed.Data from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) showed that of 165 patients treated in...

In a national crisis, people are desperate to believe in their leaders

Boris Johnson is seeing a boost in his approval ratings. That may have little to do with how his government is performingIn the early stages of the crisis, one of those at the heart of government decision-making told me: “We are all going to get it.” You wouldn’t wish a positive test for the coronavirus on anyone, but there is this to be said for the news that the prime minister, the Prince...

Coronavirus outliers: four nations with very different approaches to the crisis

Some nations have managed to maintain surprisingly low death rates – even without imposing draconian measures on peopleCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageHarrowing images of emergency workers struggling to cope with the onslaught of Covid-19 cases have made front pages around the world, highlighting the terrible impact the disease is having. Death tolls in Italy and...

We can scrutinise our leaders, but we must all improve our responses to coronavirus covid-19

In a rapidly evolving situation, we must think ahead and react fast, says a special envoy of the WHO director generalCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageCovid-19 is a new virus. Its high transmission rate and rapid exponential growth make its effects particularly serious. We are seeing how, in country after country, this is now far more than a public health issue....

Online but off the beaten track: small suppliers who deliver so much more

Supermarket giants are not the only game in town as local firms reinvent themselves to bring groceries and more to your doorCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAs you sit at position 27,308 in your online supermarket queue, think again: there are smaller businesses out there that desperately need your help. Minimal trips for essentials are the order of the day in the time...

From the archive: Clive James at the Space Center, 1983

Our reporter visits the Florida launchpad and wonders if he has the right stuffFor the 25 September 1983 issue of the Observer Magazine, Clive James began a series on modern monuments – those buildings that had taken on a ‘peculiar and enduring significance’ even though they weren’t designed as monuments. His first choice was the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.Rockets go up with no more...

Boris Johnson to warn UK: tougher lockdown may be necessary

Outbreak will get worse before it gets better, PM tells nation as death toll hits 1,000Coronavirus – latest UK updatesCoronavirus – latest global updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson will warn every household in Britain that the coronavirus outbreak is likely to worsen and that he is prepared to tighten the nation’s lockdown, after the UK suffered the biggest daily increase...

Studies confirm breast surgery health benefits

New studies highlighting the chronic health burden of oversized breasts outline the long-term benefits of breast reduction surgery to health, levels of wellbeing, and quality of life. The 12-year study compared feedback from more than 200 Australian women before and after having breast reduction surgery for the painful condition of breast hypertrophy - calling to task private and public health...

Unearthing gut secret paves way for targeted treatments

Scientists have identified a specific type of sensory nerve ending in the gut and how these communicate pain or discomfort to the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments for common conditions like ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation. While understanding of the gut's neurosensory abilities has grown rapidly, two great mysteries have been where and how...