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This is a roundup of relevant news and media stories involving the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. We appreciate you relaying information that is relevant to faculty members in your respective areas.

TOP STORIES

Three scientists Monday won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering the hepatitis C virus, which led to the development of a test to prevent the spread of the virus and drugs that have saved millions of lives. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ virologist Michael Houghton, Harvey Alter of the National Institutes of Health and Charles Rice, who is now at Rockefeller University, will share the 10 million Swedish krona ($1.1 million) prize. Story is run by numerous media outlets globally, through newswire services , , and news outlets such as , , , , and . 

Michael Houghton is one of three researchers jointly honoured for their contribution to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis, a major global health problem. Coverage also appears in the , , , , , , , , , , , ,  , , , , , and numerous other media outlets.

RESEARCH

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ-based producer Atlas Growers collaborated with researchers at the U of A on some cannabis-related products that will soon be distributed across Shoppers Drug Mart's more than 1,300 stores nationwide.

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt life for Ontarians, high school students are learning through a hybrid in-school and at-home model and elementary school students who haven’t returned to the classroom are learning from home full time. Story references a 2019 U of A study about the effects on children exposed to too much screen time.

A prominent ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ virology expert believes a COVID-19 vaccine will be available to Canadians by the spring. Lorne Tyrrell, director of the U of A’s Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, is part of a panel looking into the development of vaccines and advising the federal government.

Lorne Tyrrell is interviewed about colleague Michael Houghton's Nobel win.

Carlos Solarte, assistant professor of ophthalmology, conducted research about pink eye as a possible symptom of COVID-19. The is referenced in a story noting that vice president Mike Pence appeared to have an irritated eye at the vice-presidential debate.

U of A virologist Michael Houghton's win of the Nobel Prize is discussed in this opinion piece, which states that the recognition is yet a further testimonial of the need for discovery research to address the ravages of viral disease.

Michael Houghton is mentioned in this article that focuses on the contributions of this year's Nobel winners.

Michael Houghton is interviewed about his work on a COVID-19 vaccine and other Canadian vaccine candidates are explored, including efforts by U of A spinoff company Entos Pharmaceuticals. 

Michael Houghton comments on his mixed emotions on receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine while his research colleagues on the discovery were not acknowledged. In a article, Houghton also explains why we should be ‘a bit more patient’ for a coronavirus vaccine. (Behind pay wall)

Oncology professor John Lewis is interviewed about the COVID-19 vaccine his team is developing. He said their potential vaccine will be a single dose, like the flu shot, and they are entering clinical trials within the next few weeks.

Sebastian Straube, a professor of medicine at the U of A, is interviewed about the riskiest procedures for medical professionals during the pandemic. Coverage also appears on , and .

Vincent Agyapong, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the U of A, is interviewed about how fluctuations in the economy contribute to the mental-health problems of people working in oil and gas. He said, in part, “Those who traditionally or ordinarily are more stable become vulnerable because they probably have been impacted by the recession.”

Kyle Sue, a clinical assistant professor at the U of A, has created an app that he hopes will improve medical care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Researchers at the U of A have identified a strong candidate therapy for multiple sclerosis, known as VX-765. Published in the journal Glia, the study explains the anti-inflammatory drug is purported to substantially reduce the disease’s progression, making it a central focus in the discovery of a newer effective treatment for multiple sclerosis. Coverage also appears in .

Hossein Rouhani, an assistant adjunct professor of biomedical engineering, and Chester Ho, a professor of medicine, are interviewed about an affordable, wearable sensor to help people suffering from chronic neurologic conditions. They say lockdowns have highlighted the significant benefits of wearable devices that can expand virtual health care and remote patient monitoring for many different medical conditions.

Cancer cells rely on different signalling pathways to promote their survival. Now, scientists at the U of A have promising preclinical evidence that a new drug could work in blood cancers by targeting B-cell signalling. Luc Berthiaume, a professor of cell biology, is quoted. Coverage also appears on and in .

U of A professor of oncology John Lewis is interviewed about how the company he leads, Entos Pharmaceuticals, has been awarded federal money to conduct the Phase 1 clinical trial of Covigenix, its COVID-19 DNA vaccine. Lewis is also interviewed on the .

A new study from researchers across Canada could have far-reaching implications in the fight against COVID-19. The research project was conducted by Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University and the U of A.

Steve Hrudey, professor emeritus with the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, is interviewed about how labs at the U of A and the University of Calgary are among more than a dozen across Canada joining a growing international effort to sample wastewater for traces of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. In his role as chair of the National Research Advisory Group under the Canadian Water Network, Hrudey is helping to spearhead the research.

EXPERTS

“It’s been known for 25 years that silicone implants can leak,” said rheumatic diseases expert Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert, who has spent 25 years studying how the body reacts to implants, authored 10 studies on the topic and treated more than 500 patients.

Infectious-disease expert Ameeta Singh said the availability of meth is almost certainly linked to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ's syphilis outbreak.

Infectious-disease specialist Lynora Saxinger is quoted about plans for Thanksgiving this year in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Her colleague Ilan Schwartz is also quoted in a Canadian Press story.

With one month to go before the U.S. election, the campaign was thrown into chaos. Matthias Götte was quoted in an story about the treatment plan for the U.S. president, Lynora Saxinger was interviewed in a story, and Ilan Schwartz was quoted in a story.

Here are seven reasons why the recent increases in COVID-19 activity in Canada may only be the tip of the iceberg. Infectious-disease specialist Ilan Schwartz is interviewed.

President Trump appeared to have difficulty breathing as he made an appearance after leaving hospital, where he was treated for COVID-19. Ilan Schwartz is quoted from a tweet. Story also runs in and related coverage appears in the and .

Lorne Tyrrell, director of the U of A’s Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, is interviewed about what happens when a COVID-19 vaccine rolls out and urges people to get immunized when they can. He also praises colleague Michael Houghton's Nobel win.

Infectious-disease specialists Lynora Saxinger and Ameeta Singh are interviewed about the upsurge in COVID-19 cases and Saxinger warns that it must not be shrugged off as merely a byproduct of increased testing. Story appears in several media outlets including the Edmonton Journal and other Postmedia newspapers.

Lynora Saxinger explains what contact tracing is and said all of that information is critical in determining who else might be sick, when someone tests positive for COVID-19. Saxinger is also interviewed by about the surge in COVID-19 cases, warning Edmontonians should be concerned.

Lynora Saxinger is interviewed about how we can flatten the COVID-19 curve so we have a better chance of safer times when the holidays arrive.

Lynora Saxinger and Louis Hugo Francescutti (School of Public Health and Department of Emergency Medicine) are interviewed about how ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈns must become more vigilant in who they let into their social bubbles, to help stem a second wave of COVID-19. Story appears in 75 media outlets.

Tehseen Ladha, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the U of A, is interviewed about the importance of keeping social bubbles small and discusses reasons behind ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ's recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Infectious-disease specialist Leyla Asadi is interviewed about how transparency is vital for gaining public trust amid large-scale COVID-19 outbreaks like those ongoing at the Foothills Medical Centre. She said health-care staff follow best practices to prevent outbreaks within acute-care facilities and that any report into the origin of the Foothills outbreak should be made public to better inform how the province deals with future outbreaks. Story also runs in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Sun.

U of A professor of psychiatry Peter Silverstone is interviewed about anger for World Mental Health Day, as COVID-19 and other political and social issues continue to make headlines all over North America.

Infectious-disease specialist Lynora Saxinger answers viewers' questions about COVID-19. 

In early October, the Edmonton Oilers confirmed that Connor McDavid had contracted COVID-19. Lynora Saxinger and associate clinical professor of family medicine Marni Wesner give expert comment.

Infectious-disease specialist Lynora Saxinger gives expert comment, saying that contact tracing is one of the main ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

Infectious-disease specialist Ilan Schwartz is quoted about a study on the efficacy of remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19. He says, “This puts the issue to rest—there is certainly no mortality benefit.”

Ilan Schwartz says outdoor Halloween parties with small numbers and lots of social distancing are safer than indoor parties, as in the age of the pandemic, the usually carefree holiday is fraught with anxiety.

Ilan Schwartz is interviewed about how certain indoor settings can provide a perfect storm for superspreading events. Appeared in several media outlets.

Vincent Agyapong, a professor of psychiatry at the U of A, gives expert comment on mental health challenges faced by workers in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s oil industry.

Liran Levin, a professor of dentistry at the U of A, is interviewed about the possible benefits of brushing your teeth or using mouthwash to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He said, “Theoretically, it makes sense that brushing your teeth or washing your mouth could reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 because we know that the main infection is occurring through the mouth and nose.”

Infectious-disease specialist Tehseen Ladha is interviewed about rising COVID-19 cases and wants to see mandatory measures introduced in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

U of A health economist Christopher McCabe is interviewed about the possible structures and consequences of introducing two-tier health care in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

Ari Joffe, a clinical professor of pediatrics at the U of A, is interviewed about the potential harm from additional lockdowns due to COVID-19. “I’m truly worried the (lockdown) approach is going to devastate economies and the future for our children and our grandchildren,” says Joffe. Coverage appears in Postmedia newspapers across Canada.

Infectious-disease specialist Leyla Asadi is interviewed about the potential for additional superspreader events and believes the number of current infections suggests ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is in a second wave. 

Infectious-disease specialist Lynora Saxinger discusses strategies to cope with social isolation as winter looms. 

Lynora Saxinger is interviewed about a pandemic lockdown and about the complexities of keeping vulnerable people safe (). As well, Heidi Janz with the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre is interviewed by the about how the pandemic has exposed struggles people with disabilities face. She also talked about federal Bill C-7 on medical assistance in dying, which would remove “reasonably foreseeable death” as a requirement. Story also runs in the Calgary Herald/Sun and the Edmonton Sun.

Lynora Saxinger says now is the time to bring in tougher restrictions if ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ wants to rein in surging COVID-19 numbers. "I think it's officially time to start plotting out some really deliberate and clear actions to make sure we can bring it back under control," she said.

Lynora Saxinger says she is concerned about the case numbers in the community, even though ICU numbers are still low. The system is already strained, she said.

Peter Brindley, a professor of critical care medicine at the U of A, is interviewed about the toll COVID-19 is taking on people's mental health and said the effects of the pandemic will last for years. Coverage also appears on iNews 880.

Peter Silverstone, a professor of psychiatry at the U of A, says self-care—such as socializing within cohorts and exercising—can mitigate the pandemic’s effect, but that it’s important to be aware of signs that you or others may need professional guidance.

Several clinical trials are trying to determine whether vitamin D could be effective in helping to treat or prevent COVID-19. Todd Alexander, a professor of pediatrics at the U of A, gives expert opinion saying most Canadians probably don’t need supplemental vitamin D.

Infectious-disease specialist Tehseen Ladha says there's a need to adopt a federal tracing app as COVID-19 cases rise in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Related coverage also appears on .

PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION

The story notes how overjoyed Li Ka-shing is about the Nobel Prizes won by researchers his foundation has supported, including the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology at the U of A, home to Nobel winner Michael Houghton.

Michael Houghton calls for prize committees to allow six or seven winners, rather than Nobel’s limit of three.

Professor emeritus Bruce Dancik (Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences) pens a letter congratulating Michael Houghton and all of his team at the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology at the U of A for winning the Nobel Prize, and in light of the honour, asks the government to reconsider budget cuts to the U of A. 

St. Paul surgeon Iftikhar Ahmad was inducted into the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons during a virtual ceremony held Oct. 4. Along with being a surgeon at the St. Therese Health Centre, Ahmad is also part of the U of A Department of Surgery and is involved in teaching medical students and residents. 

The Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic is helping young athletes with injuries get the help they need as soon as possible. Terry DeFreitas, assistant professor of family medicine at the U of A, is interviewed.

The University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees event is being held online this year, with proceeds supporting researchers at the U of A who are working on a way to restore memory in patients who have Alzheimer’s.

The article references a survey of U of A and U of C medical students earlier this year that indicated 91 per cent were unwilling to continue to practise medicine in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ upon completion of their studies due to the government’s passing of Bill 21 in 2019.

Medical students Asad Makhani and Danielle Portnoy created the Seniors Advocacy Movement with other students, using art therapy to help seniors express their feelings of isolation during the pandemic. The art is currently displayed at Southgate Centre and will eventually be in a U of A gallery. Coverage also appears on .

U of A virologist Michael Houghton is interviewed about his recent Nobel Prize win. He said his team steadily worked in steps, with no single “eureka” moment.

Amanda Bolderston, a radiation therapist educator at the U of A, is interviewed about a new support website she helped launch for LGBTQ2 people being treated for cancer. Story runs on Edmonton and Winnipeg CityNews channels. Additional coverage appears on .