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Editor's note
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As researchers accelerate their efforts to find vaccines and treatments that will work against COVID-19, testing for coronavirus has been a cornerstone in tackling the disease, both for understanding how dangerous it is and working out who should be isolated. While mass testing has taken place in countries like South Korea, others such as the UK haven’t done so on that scale.
There are now a number of new rapid tests being offered for sale, some selling for as high as £375. But how do these tests actually work and if making one can cost as little as 50p, why are they not cheaper and more widespread? Al Edwards, who is working to develop a blood test for the virus, explains why, and what the dangers are if these tests prove unreliable. He also has the answer for why it’s taking time to perfect a reliable test that
can tell if you’ve previously had the virus – something that the UK’s chief medical adviser said would be “transformational”. Watch this space.
If you’ve found yourself unexpectedly familiar with hearing about SAGE recently (that’s the Science Advisory Group for Emergencies) but not sure what they do, read this explainer. And as people find yet more innovative ways to stay connected during a period of home confinement, online video games can be a good space to make and develop new friendships.
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Jo Adetunji
Deputy Editor
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Top stories
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Taking a swab.
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
Alexander Edwards, University of Reading
Scientists are working hard to develop reliable tests that can detect anti-virus antibodies from past infection.
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Patrick Vallance currently heads up SAGE.
Eddie Mullholland/EPA
Ian Boyd, University of St Andrews
Science Advisory Group for Emergencies is not a secret cabal.
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World of Warcraft’s open world fosters connection and has led to people making meaningful connections.
Blizzard
Mark Griffiths, Nottingham Trent University
As people social distance, a new social life and community can be found online.
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Politics + Society
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Danny Dorling, University of Oxford
In the eight weeks before the first person with COVID-19 died in the UK mortality rates had been mercifully low.
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Domen Bajde, University of Southern Denmark
As the prime minister's move to lockdown has shown, people could not be trusted to act responsibly for the greater good.
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Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, University of Oxford
Being made redundant reduces a person's life satisfaction by about 20% – and this psychological scarring can even remain after getting another job.
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Nader Habibi, Brandeis University
Countries have tried a variety of approaches to contain the spread of COVID-19 – except a coordinated one.
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Alex Broadbent, University of Johannesburg; Benjamin T H Smart, University of Johannesburg
Social distancing is impossible in much of Africa, and its economic consequences may lead to a famine that is worse than the pandemic. Prevention measures must consider the African context.
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Ben Noble, UCL
The Kremlin appears likely to postpone a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is worrying for Vladimir Putin.
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Business + Economy
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Tony Dobbins, University of Birmingham
Major crises all necessitate massive state intervention.
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Alex de Ruyter, Birmingham City University; David Hearne, Birmingham City University
We believe a basic income should be a right, but it should be underpinned by a principle of reciprocity - people must contribute to society in return.
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Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, University of Birmingham
The effective response to crime has always been a matter of debate. But evidence is mounting in favour of treatment and support, rather than punishment.
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Cities
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Ian Mell, University of Manchester
Parks have a vital role to play for both physical and mental wellbeing.
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More
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Stephen Khan, The Conversation
As the NHS stands on the cusp of the greatest challenge in its history, the nation looks with admiration and gratitude towards its staff.
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