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.

UTMB and Sorrento Therapeutics have signed a research testing agreement for preclinical studies of COVID-19 drug candidates. The testing will take place in Slobodan Paessler’s laboratory.

In this report, the writer examines efforts conducted behind the scenes at UTMB to combat COVID-19. UTMB contributors include president ad-interim Ben Raimer, Scott Weaver and Pei-Yong Shi. While much work is taking place to develop a vaccine, researchers are also looking at existing therapeutics that may be useful in treating those with COVID-19.

Experts, including UTMB’s Blair Brown, offer readers guidance on alcohol and caffeine consumption during this time of social distancing.

UTMB’s Vineet Menachery is one of the experts interviewed for this story, which explains how the novel coronavirus attacks the human body.

Another report on UTMB’s Chris Zahner and Aisen Chacin’s ventilator designed out of easy to find parts. Their device is a simple air pump that uses ordinary blood pressure cuffs, car valves sold by auto parts stores and items found in most hospitals supply closets. “We hope doctors in the U.S. never have to use them, but in an emergency, they should do the trick,” Chacin said. See a video of their emergency pressure cuff ventilator on YouTube.