A team of Canadian scientists has successfully isolated and grown copies of the coronavirus, bringing the world a step closer to finding a vaccine to fight the deadly illness.
Researchers from the Sunnybrook Research Institute, the University of Toronto, and McMaster University were able to isolate and replicate the virus in a lab using samples taken from two Canadian patients.
The lab-grown copies will now be able to help scientists study the pathogen to develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, vaccines, and gain a better understanding of its biology,
Meanwhile, eight institutes in China are working on five approaches to inoculations in an effort to combat
COVID-19. Chinese officials say it could result in a vaccine ready for emergency situations and clinical trials next month.
https://nypost.com/2020/03/13/canadian-scientists-make-breakthrough-in-coronavirus-vaccine-effort/
So touchingly beautiful!
valemercurii on Twitter:
"People of my hometown #Siena sing a popular song from their houses along an empty street to warm their hearts during the Italian #Covid_19 #lockdown.
https://twitter.com/valemercurii/status/1238234518508777473
Retail establishments are flooding my email letting me know how they are cleaning their stores and "protecting" me from the virus with their enhanced measures. I am sure they are doing the same to your emails too.
My first thought after reading what they are writing is usually " um, you should be doing these things as a matter of everyday cleaning actions anyway." My second thought is "wow! Everyone is pretty desperate for shoppers". My third thought is "interesting, my gym has not said anything to reassure me, because there is nothing they can say really say about that anyway".
@lovendures I was just noticing the same.-- the emails certifying how everyone is keeping things very clean. I still go to my health club to swim at night when no one is around. I don't touch anything. And you can't get the virus when your head is in the water. I soap up a big lather afterwards and burn anything else up in the sauna. I'm getting in great shape this way and again, the place is empty. And they have a sign at the front desk that they are cleaning the whole place several times a day.
A good article to understand the challenges ahead suppling our stores with food and other essential products
From the Washington Post:
The companies that feed America and provide basic staples are bracing for labor shortages as the novel coronavirus pandemic intensifies, which could leave them without enough workers to manufacture, deliver and unpack groceries in stores in the coming months.
As the virus spreads, supermarkets and distribution facilities face a difficult choice: how to keep shelves stocked with essentials while keeping their workers safe.
More found here.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/13/food-supply-shortage-coronavirus/
So it finally happened, my local store has been ransacked. Where I live is a city close to Charlotte, NC which just got its first case a few days ago. I knew it was a matter of time.
I have seriously been thinking that if this continues for some time, it might be time to barter. It would be a nice thing to be able to do with others. Even better, simply give someone something they need that you have extra of on hand. I am shipping out some Clorox wipes I have extra of to my sister-inlaw who can't find any and really wants some. She lives in a completely different state.
@
One thing I do miss about living in a small town in VA was that we actually had a little ad hoc barter system. I would pay my acupuncturist with prepared lunch. Someone paid me for a reiki session with eggs from their chickens. Just two examples but you get the idea. It reminded me of my grandfather, who became a doctor in the Depression, and even at the end of his career many patients paid him in barter. So yes, I agree.
I once had my acupuncturist ask me if I could sew a black velvet hooded Cape using a very complex vintage styled pattern.
I agreed. It was an extraordinary piece but a real challenge as it involved dozens of pleats and other details.
Her 13 year old daughter beyond adored it. My doctor sent me a thank you with a note telling me she'd told the office I had 12 free acupuncture sessions. I was beyond thrilled.
I did everything (as my beliefs and esoteric practices had taught me) for others out of love and gratitude so to be compensated in effect by a barter I had not requested was both a blessing, with true gifts exchanged between us.
@shasta
I am so happy you posted here. This is a simple recipe anyone could make and it sounds wonderful to add a bit of licorice root (or dates as an extra)!
My daughter once gave me a dozen different types of dried medicinal herbs and roots and it was such a great gift . Many were things I'd never heard of.
I have tried many bottled and sold Chinese herbals but love the simple things like your recipe.
So happy to have you here ?