articles by Kavya Narayanan

India

Smartphone-based tool MFine Pulse can monitor blood oxygen using just a finger and a flash

Apps like MFine’s are looking to boost health awareness, empower its users to track conditions that require medical devices to help manage.

India

Myths of COVID-19 vaccination: I don't need the vaccine if I stay home, physical distance, wear a mask in public

Taking precautions post-vaccination is important, since we know it can be airborne, and some emerging new variants seem to be more infectious, experts point out.

science

Myths around Covid-19 vaccination: Vaccines that pass all mandatory checks, trials are safe for everyone

Experts point out that data, even from fast tracked trials, goes through rigorous scrutiny by regulators and the scientific community.

science

Myths around COVID-19 vaccination: Vaccine could give me COVID-19 or a different disorder

There may be some exceptional cases in which other disorders are affected by a COVID-19 vaccine, experts said.

science

Myths around COVID-19 vaccination: Vaccine may work well for some, not for everyone

COVID-19 vaccines, engineered to prevent severe symptoms of disease, may not prevent infection with the same efficiency.

India

Myths around COVID-19 vaccination: COVID-19 vaccine will be mandatory for everyone

Both vaccines currently in use to vaccinate healthcare workers are simultaneously in late-stage human trials to determine their effectiveness.

India

Serum Institute’s lawsuit against trial volunteer uncalled for; transparent approach needed, say experts

Even in the most well-developed drug or vaccines, where the odds of an adverse event may be slim, the redressal process for issues raised by volunteers is tricky.

News & Analysis

Airowater Dewpoint Water Generator Review: Beats a water purifier, but not a drinking water fix for everybody

The Dewpoint's real novelty is in bringing a rarely-accessible technology to the consumer market, at a starting price of Rs. 49,990.

India

Delaying COVID-19 peak was important, says govt-appointed panel chief Prof M Vidyasagar as India bends curve

Staying the course would lead to a steady reduction in cases, while any departure in terms of slackening safety protocols would disturb this trend, the professor who chaired a panel of experts that worked on India’s COVID-19 “supermodel”, warns

World

What twelve nations/regions are doing to get students safely back to schools in times of COVID-19

Schools have adopted different approaches to reopening during the lockdown, amid pressure from parents, health and government authorities.

science

COVID-19 affects men, women differently: A look at the factors behind gender-specific health impacts

While there are many theories for why COVID-19 differently affects genders, evidence points to the key differences being biological.

India

Emerging landscape of COVID-19 vaccines in India, 14 Aug: Bharat Bio, Zydus move to Phase 2; Biological E, Bayor College tie up for COVID-19 vaccine

Over a dozen Indian companies are in partnership with other firms and institutes to bring a preventive vaccine into global markets by 2021.

India

ICMR's COVID-19 vaccine symposium saw experts discuss challenge trials, vaccine distribution, preparedness

Many experts outlined that big investments in trials and vaccine development need to be accompanied by big investments in science.

World

COVID-19 conference: Much like global transmission, borderless exchange of information, ideas, experiences crucially important

Health experts shared findings and consensus from the medical community in key areas of COVID-19 medicine, and the impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health.

science

Moderna's COVID-19 mRNA vaccine could revolutionise how pandemics are treated, but experts say to wait for Phase 3 human trials

The upcoming trials in 30,000 volunteers in a real-world setting will give experts a comprehensive look at its effectiveness and feasibility.

India

IISc team develops six-dimensional COVID-19 pandemic model; predicts 66 lakh total cases by 30 Sept in 'worst case' scenario

The best-case scenario predicts a more conservative estimate of 26 lakh total cases and 4.5 lakh ongoing cases by 30 September.

science

COVID-19 testing: How antibody, antigen, RT-PCR, TrueNat tests differ, their strengths and limitations

Real-time RT-PCR continues to be the most accurate method available for the detection of the COVID-19 virus.

India

AYUSH Ministry is endangering people, jeopardising Ayurveda with lax response to Patanjali's Coronil and COVID-19, warn experts

We can – and should – expect the same rigorous standards for clinical trials and regulation in alternative medicine as we do conventional ones.

World

Coronavirus Outbreak FAQ: N95 masks, safe meat, how to stay informed on latest as Covid-19 pandemic spreads further

The Indian government has set up a 24x7 helpline for queries about the virus and its victims, with the number of cases rising quickly in many Asian countries.

News & Analysis

The Ultimate Valentine's Day list of adult entertainment, toys & gadgets to try

A carefully-curated list of shows, podcasts, literature, toys & gadgets for consensual couples to try.