Reporting on research from a team led by UTMB’s Pei-Yong Shi, working to combat COVID-19, that has developed a system that will unlock researchers’ ability to more quickly develop and evaluate developing vaccines, diagnose infected patients and explore whether or how a virus has evolved. Science Magazine, Health Medicine Network, Bioengineer, Science Codex, Technology Networks and ABC 13 Houston all reported the research findings.

With family routines disrupted by COVID-19, many parents are seeking guidance on how to explain things to their children. UTMB’s Jeff Temple encourages parents to be accurate and genuine when discussing the virus with children, as children know when parents are not telling the truth.

There are some reports that indicate up to 25 percent of people infected by the new coronavirus may not exhibit symptoms. In this report, UTMB’s Susan McLellan is one of the experts providing information on the subject of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.

With the spread of COVID-19, the use of telemedicine has increased dramatically as part of social distancing efforts. UTMB’s Alexander Vo and Rex McCallum are both contributors to this local story about the use of telemedicine. According to McCallum, COVID-19 could end up being a changing event for the practice of medicine.

There are those that question if social distancing is the only way to control the spread of COVID-19. In this local story, UTMB’s Scott Weaver explains that while social distancing does come with an economic impact, it is still the best way to prevent the spread of a virus.

Many people believe that disposable products are more hygienic but that may not always be the case since you do not know who has touched the products before you. Interviewed for this story, UTMB’s Vineet Menachery says reusable products can still be safe.

UTMB’s Pei-Yong Shi explained a new reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2during a newscast on Houston’s NBC affiliate that will help in the quest to find a vaccine for COVID-19. Find the complete audio recording here.

Houston’s ABC affiliate speaks with UTMB’s Scott Weaver about COVID-19 vaccine development.

COVID-19 is having a huge impact on society, and, for many young people, it means they will not experience their high school prom or graduation, which leaves many asking how they are coping and maintaining relationships. According to UTMB’s Jeff Temple, they are using social media on their devices. “This is how teenagers are used to communicating, so a lot of what’s going on and how we’re telling them to communicate is what they’ve always been doing, so they’re kind of ahead of us,” said Temple.

During this time when everyone is dealing with the realities of COVID-19 and life while social distancing, UTMB’s Victor Sierpina reminds readers that humans are well equipped to overcome hardship and disaster.