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☆ Scientists discern internal structure of mysterious dwarf planet Eris
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Will Dunham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

An artist's concept of the dwarf planet Eris and its moon Dysnomia is seen in this undated illustration released by NASA. Most likely there is no liquid ocean inside Eris," Nimmo added. Eris has a diameter of about 1,445 miles (2,326 km), slightly smaller than Pluto's 1,473 miles (2,370 km). Because of its greater concentration of rock, which is denser than ice, Eris has about 25% more mass than Pluto. "Just like the Earth-moon system, tides on Eris slowly push Dysnomia away and slow down the spin of Eris.

Persons: Pluto, Eris, Francis Nimmo, Nimmo, Mike Brown, Dysnomia, " Nimmo, Brown, we've, Will Dunham, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: NASA, JPL, Caltech, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, of California, Astronomical Union, Thomson Locations: of California Santa Cruz, Neptune

A new COVID-19 variant has entered the scene in the U.S.HV.1 was documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in low numbers over the summer. It’s a descendent of EG.5, which is the second most common variant in the U.S. at nearly 22% of new cases, according to estimates from the CDC. That estimate also includes cases from HV.1 and another similar strain, HK.5. The CDC is predicting a “moderate” COVID-19 wave, according to its respiratory disease season outlook. “COVID-19 variants continue to emerge but have not resulted in rapid disease surges,” the CDC said in an update to its respiratory disease season outlook published last month.

Persons: eris, ”, Perry, We've, ” Halkitis, “ Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, EG, World Health Organization doesn’t, WHO, HK, Rutgers School of Public Health, CDC Locations: U.S

☆ FDA authorizes updated Novavax Covid vaccine as Pfizer, Moderna shots roll out in U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"In the coming days, individuals in the U.S. can go to major pharmacies, physicians' offices, clinics and various government entities to receive an updated Novavax vaccine." Last month, the FDA and CDC greenlit XBB.1.5 shots from Pfizer and Moderna for all Americans ages six months and older. The end of that declaration means all three manufacturers will sell their updated shots directly to health-care providers and vie for commercial market share. That includes the Biden administration's Bridge Access Program, which will provide Covid vaccines at no cost to underinsured and uninsured people. It's unclear how many Americans will actually roll up their sleeves and take the new vaccines from Novavax, Pfizer and Moderna.

Persons: Novavax, John Jacobs, fends, Demetre Daskalakis, Biden, it's, Eris, Megan Wallace Organizations: Drug Administration, Pfizer, Moderna, Centers for Disease Control, Covid, FDA, CDC, EG, Biden Locations: U.S, Novavax

Coronavirus hospitalizations are on the decline in the U.S. as the omicron subvariant EG.5, or “eris,” continues to spread. New COVID-19 hospital admissions declined for the second week in a row, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eris is also the most prominent strain circulating globally, according to the World Health Organization. The organization recently updated its risk evaluation for the variant, finding that the public health risk posed by EG.5 is considered “low” at the global level. “While concurrent increases in the proportion of EG.5 and COVID-19 hospitalizations have been observed in some countries, no direct associations have been made between these hospitalizations and EG.5, and current hospitalizations are lower when compared to previous waves,” WHO said in the updated risk assessment.

Persons: Coronavirus, ”, Eris, Mandy Cohen, “, ” Cohen Organizations: omicron subvariant EG, Centers for Disease Control, EG, World Health Organization, WHO Locations: U.S, hospitalizations, COVID

COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations have been on the rise in the U.S. as fall approaches. Nearly 845 coronavirus deaths were reported for the week ending Aug. 19, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s up from about 520 deaths a month prior. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing in the U.S. for nine weeks, reaching more than 20,500 new hospital admissions during the week ending Sept. 9 – an increase of nearly 8% from the prior week. While the totals are smaller than in previous waves of the virus in the U.S., they mark noteworthy trends heading into the fall and winter seasons.

Persons: ” Peter Marks, ” Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, CDC, ”, Food, Drug Administration’s, Biologics, Research, EG Locations: U.S, COVID

The COVID-19 omicron subvariant EG.5 – unofficially nicknamed “eris” – was responsible for about 1 in 4 new coronavirus infections in recent weeks, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s the highest prevalence for any coronavirus strain, though omicron subvariant FL.1.5.1 is quickly rising behind it, according to CDC data. While the variant scene continues to shift in the U.S., the CDC on Thursday released its respiratory disease season outlook for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. There is also a possibility that hospitalizations will surpass last year’s level and cause strain on health care facilities should a new coronavirus variant arise. COVID-19 by itself is unlikely to cause large waves of severe disease and hospitalizations because of widespread immunity to the coronavirus from prior infections, vaccinations or both, according to the CDC.

Persons: ” –, ” Organizations: subvariant EG, Centers for Disease Control, CDC Locations: U.S

☆ Fact Check-Trudeau post announcing ‘Digital Existence Act’ stems from parody
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not post on social media platform X saying that his government was passing a “Digital Existence Act” due to the spread of a new coronavirus variant. That's why we're passing the “Digital Existence Act.”” (archive.ph/v621t)Confused users responded in the comments section saying: “Please explain how digital currency stops a virus,” and: “Is this real? Did he really tweet this.”The post is not visible on Trudeau’s official X account and there is no evidence that the alleged “Digital Existence Act” is real. The claim originates from the handle @Trudeaus_Ego, which describes its content as: “The egotistical thoughts of Prime Minister Trudeau” in its bio (twitter.com/Trudeaus_Ego). A screenshot shared online shows a parody post from an account impersonating Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing a “Digital Existence Act” due to a new variant of coronavirus.

Persons: Justin Trudeau, Trudeau, ”, Alison Murphy, Trudeau ”, Read Organizations: Canada’s, Twitter, Reuters, Omicron, Canadian Locations: Canada, Ottawa

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed off on a recommendation for updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone over the age of 6 months, setting up the shots to become available later this week. “We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in a statement. The Food and Drug Administration this week authorized the shots from Moderna and Pfizer that target the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. An FDA official said during the meeting that “there is an urgent need for alternatives to mRNA based vaccines including gene based vaccines,” like the Novavax shot. The updated shots come as the U.S. sees its eighth straight week of rising coronavirus hospitalizations.

Persons: Mandy Cohen, ”, “ We're, ” Cohen Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, CDC, Drug Administration, Moderna, Pfizer, FDA, EG, ” Health Locations: COVID, U.S

The updated shots are part of a push by public health officials to align the next COVID vaccines more closely with the actual circulating variant of the virus, similar to the way annual flu shots are designed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday authorized updated COVID vaccines made by Pfizer (PFE.N) and its German partner BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE) as well as by Moderna (MRNA.O). CDC Director Mandy Cohen is expected to approve the recommendations issued by the advisers, allowing Americans to get the updated vaccines. The first COVID vaccines in 2020 were monovalent, or single-target vaccines, aimed at the original strain of the virus. They were followed by bivalent COVID vaccine booster shots that targeted both the original and the Omicron strains.

Persons: Emily Elconin, BioNTech, Caitlin Rivers, Mandy Cohen, Rivers, bivalent, Daniel Kuritzkes, Eris, Kuritzkes, Novavax, Bhanvi, Julie Steenhuysen, Will Dunham, Caroline Humer Organizations: REUTERS, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, Pfizer, Moderna, FDA, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, CDC, Omicron, Brigham, Women's Hospital, Vaccine, EG, Thomson Locations: Waterford , Michigan, U.S, United States, Baltimore, Europe, Asia, Boston, Moderna, Bengaluru, Chicago

☆ US FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's updated COVID shots
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Signage is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, U.S., August 29, 2020. A third shot, made by Novavax (NVAX.O), is still under review by the FDA. But obviously that requires that FDA have decided the data supports it," said Jesse Goodman, a professor at Georgetown and former FDA chief scientist. Moderna and Pfizer, which is partnered with German biotech firm BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE), said the updated vaccines were expected to be available the United States in the coming days. An endorsement by CDC Director Mandy Cohen, expected shortly, should clear the way for the new shots.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Novavax, Jesse Goodman, —, Mandy Cohen, Cohen, Sriparna Roy, Mariam Sunny, Michael Erman, Shinjini Organizations: Food and Drug Administration, FDA, REUTERS, Pfizer, Moderna, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, for Disease Control, Prevention, Georgetown, EG, CDC, Thomson Locations: White Oak , Maryland, U.S, United States, Bengaluru, New York

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized updated COVID-19 shots that could roll out as soon as this week. “Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “The public can be assured that these updated vaccines have met the agency’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. The fall booster shot campaign comes as the U.S. sees its seventh straight week of rising COVID-19 hospitalizations. COVID-19 deaths appear to be rising slightly, but the provisional data from the CDC is prone to amendments and delays.

Persons: ”, Peter Marks Organizations: Drug Administration, FDA’s, Biologics, Centers for Disease Control, EG Locations: U.S

☆ FDA approves updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna as hospitalizations rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna , putting the shots on track to reach Americans within days as U.S. hospitalizations from the virus rise. The updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna won't be available to Americans just yet. The Biden administration said in August that it expects new single-strain vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax targeting XBB.1.5 to be available to the public in mid-September. The upcoming arrival of updated vaccines offers some reassurance to Americans as the nation sees an increase in Covid cases and hospitalizations. Bourla and Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel, in a separate statement, urged Americans to receive their updated Covid shot during the same appointment as their annual flu shot.

Persons: Biden, Pfizer's, Albert Bourla, Stéphane Bancel, hospitalizations Organizations: Pfizer, BioNTech, Peabody Institute Library, Drug Administration, Moderna, FDA, CDC, Covid, EG Locations: Peabody , Massachusetts, U.S

Nicknamed "Pirola" on social media, the BA.2.86 Omicron subvariant is being tracked by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Aug. 30, CDC said the BA.2.86 variant was detected in at least four U.S. states in people or wastewater. Delaware on Tuesday said it had detected a BA.2.86 infection at a hospital. Moderna on Wednesday said clinical data showed that its retooled COVID vaccine generated a nearly 9-fold increase in human antibodies that can neutralize BA.2.86. Pfizer said on Wednesday that its updated COVID shot showed neutralizing activity against BA.2.86 and EG.5 in studies conducted on mice.

Persons: Emily Elconin, David Dowdy, Dowdy, Dan Barouch, David Ho, Deena Beasley, Julie Steenhuysen, Bill Berkrot Organizations: REUTERS, Moderna, Pfizer, World Health Organization, WHO, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, CDC, EG, Omicron, East, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center, Virology, Vaccine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical, Columbia University, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, Thomson Locations: Waterford , Michigan, U.S, Europe, Asia, Delaware, East Coast, Boston, Sweden, China

☆ Moderna says updated Covid vaccine was effective against highly mutated BA.2.86 variant in trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Moderna 's new Covid vaccine produced a strong immune response against BA.2.86, a highly mutated omicron variant that health officials are watching closely, according to clinical trial data the biotech company released Wednesday. The updated shot produced an 8.7-fold increase in protective antibodies against BA.2.86, which has been detected in small numbers nationwide. Moderna is the first out of the companies producing updated Covid jabs to release data on how its shot fares against BA.2.86. Last month, Moderna also released clinical trial data suggesting that its new shot provides protection against the now-dominant EG.5, or "Eris," variant and another rapidly spreading strain called FL.1.5.1. New vaccines are set to arrive as Eris and other Covid variants fuel a rise in cases and hospitalizations across the country.

Persons: Stephen Hoge, Covid hospitalizations Organizations: Disease Control, Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, EG, CDC Locations: U.S

☆ Covid: How to check if expired tests still work as cases rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

As Covid cases surge again in the U.S., Americans are digging out unused at-home tests that they stashed earlier on in the pandemic. If the date has not changed, the FDA advises against using expired tests. Public health experts say testing remains a critical tool for protection as Covid metrics climb. However, certain local health clinics and community sites still offer at-home tests to the public at no cost. Before buying new at-home tests, it wouldn't hurt to check if any expired ones sitting in your medicine cabinet are still safe to use.

Persons: Abbott's, Andrew Pekosz, Covid hospitalizations Organizations: Drug Administration, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, CNBC, FDA, Centers for Disease Control Locations: Orlando, U.S

☆ Should we be freaking out about the new COVID variants?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Erica Star Domena | Tamara Lindstrom | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

The Eris coronavirus variant has been spreading at an increasing rate, and scientists are noticing a pattern during the warmer months. Here's what we know about the variants spreading in the US this summer.

☆ When to wear masks as Covid cases rise, new variants emerge in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

An uptick in Covid cases and hospitalizations in the U.S., and the emergence of new variants of the virus, are prompting questions about whether Americans should start masking up again. One thing's for sure: People infected with Covid should wear masks around others to prevent the spread of the virus. That includes your personal risk level, Covid rates in your region and who you might make contact with, public health experts said. Newer Covid variants like the now-dominant EG.5, or "Eris," and a handful of XBB strains have fueled the rise. New Covid shots from Pfizer , Moderna and Novavax are slated to roll out in mid-September, and will likely provide robust protection against those variants.

Persons: Michael Nason, Donna Nason, Andrew Pekosz, Francesca Torriani, Pavitra, Axios Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, CNBC, CDC, U.S, Pfizer, Moderna, University of California, University of Washington School of Medicine Locations: Bakersfield, Los Angeles , CA, California, U.S, Covid, San Diego

The coronavirus strain nicknamed “eris” was responsible for more than 1 in 5 new infections in recent weeks, according to updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. EG.5, or “eris,” is the top strain circulating in the U.S., causing nearly 22% of cases over the past two weeks, according to CDC data. Its rise in the U.S. comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased for six straight weeks. According to the CDC, BA.2.86 was responsible for less than 1% of infections over the past two weeks in the U.S. The CDC updated its risk assessment for BA.2.86 this week.

Persons: ”, It’s Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, EG, World Health Organization, WHO, CDC, U.S Locations: U.S

Coronavirus is on the rise in the U.S., prompting questions about when Americans can roll up their sleeves for the next COVID-19 vaccine. The updated shots target XBB.1.5, which was responsible for less than 5% of new coronavirus infections in recent weeks. But all the strains circulating are still descendants of omicron, so experts believe the shots will still protect against severe COVID-19 from the variants. Historically, vaccine uptake decreases each time a new coronavirus shot is offered. Just 17% of Americans as of May rolled up their sleeves for the latest round of shots offered.

Persons: it’s, Biden, ” Mandy Cohen, Novavax, – Cohen, ” Cohen, Cohen, ” Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer, FDA, EG Locations: U.S, COVID, Moderna

☆ Nearly 2 million excess deaths followed China's sudden end of COVID curbs - study
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Bernard Orr | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The study by the federally funded Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle was taken from a sample of mortality data published by some universities in China and internet searches. It found an estimated 1.87 million excess deaths from all causes occurred among people over 30 years of age between December 2022 and January 2023, and were observed in all provinces in mainland China except Tibet. In the study, researchers performed statistical analysis using information from published obituaries and data from searches on Baidu, a popular Chinese internet search engine. "Our study of excess deaths related to the lifting of the zero-COVID policy in China sets an empirically derived benchmark estimate. The World Health Organization says there have been 121,628 COVID deaths in China, out of a total global toll of almost 7 million.

Persons: Thomas Peter, cremations, China's, COVID, Bernard Orr, Lincoln Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Baidu, Health Commission, Global, World Health Organization, National Bureau of Disease Control, Prevention, Global Times, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, U.S, Seattle, Tibet

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Nvidia, Foot Locker, Safehold, Kohl's and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading. Nvidia -- Shares of the chipmaker ticked up 0.7% in heavy premarket trading. The company reported adjusted earnings of 52 cents per share, while analysts polled by Refinitiv expected 22 cents. Foot Locker -- The stock plunged more than 32% before the bell after the sneaker retailer slashed its outlook for the second time this year. Dicks Sporting Goods -- Shares were trading 2% lower a day after the company reported lower-than-expected earnings and cut its forward guidance.

Persons: Refinitiv, Apellis, Locker, Goldman Sachs, —, Samantha Subin, Jesse Pound, Sarah Min Organizations: Nvidia, Revenue, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Dicks Sporting Goods Locations: Santa Clara , California

☆ Novavax shares surge after drugmaker says new Covid vaccine was effective against Eris variant
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Shares of Novavax jumped more than 13% on Tuesday after the biotech company said its new Covid vaccine generated a broad immune response against the now-dominant Eris variant and another fast-spreading strain of the virus in small animal trials. But the trial results suggest that the shot may still be effective against newer Covid variants gaining a greater foothold in the U.S. That includes Eris and XBB.1.16.6, both of which are also descendants of omicron. "We have a lot of confidence in our updated Covid vaccine and are working diligently with global regulatory bodies to ensure our protein-based vaccine is available this fall," Filip Dubovsky, Novavax's president of research and development, said in a release. The World Health Organization designated Eris a "variant of interest," meaning it will be monitored for mutations that could make it more severe. XBB.1.16.6 is also beginning to surge, accounting for 8% of all cases nationwide as of Saturday, the CDC said.

Persons: Novavax, Filip Dubovsky Organizations: Pfizer, Moderna, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, EG, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, CDC Locations: U.S, hospitalizations

☆ Covid vaccine stocks jump as new variants emerge ahead of fall shot rollout
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Covid vaccine makers' shares rose Monday as new variants of the virus emerge in the U.S. ahead of the rollout of updated shots this fall. Shares of BioNTech , which jointly develops Covid vaccines with Pfizer , popped nearly 7%. It's been a rocky few months for those stocks as sales of Covid shots and treatments plummet in the U.S.: Shares of all four companies are down more than 20% for the year. But Wall Street's enthusiasm for Covid vaccine makers is getting a fresh boost with the upcoming launch of brand-new shots this fall and the emergence of new variants of the virus. So far, there is no evidence that BA.2.86 spreads faster or causes more serious infections than previous versions.

Persons: Novavax, It's Organizations: Pfizer, EG, U.S . Health, CNBC, Moderna, Novavax, World Health Organization, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention Locations: U.S, Denmark, Israel

☆ Biden administration to urge Americans get new COVID-19 boosters
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A 50-year-old and immunocompromised resident receives a second booster shot of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine in Waterford, Michigan, U.S., April 8, 2022. On Thursday, Moderna (MRNA.O) said initial data showed its updated COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the "Eris" and "Fornax" subvariants in humans. Moderna and other COVID-19 vaccine makers Novavax (NVAX.O), Pfizer (PFE.N) and German partner BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE) have created versions of their shots aimed at the XBB.1.5 subvariant. Pending approval from health regulators in the United States and Europe, the companies expect the updated shots to be available in the coming weeks for the autumn vaccination season. "We will be encouraging all Americans to get those boosters in addition to flu shots and RSV shots," the official said, referring to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Persons: Emily Elconin, Biden, BioNTech, Steve Holland, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, White, for Disease Control, Pfizer, Thomson Locations: Waterford , Michigan, U.S, Moderna, United States, Europe

Scientists are keeping an eye on the new lineage, named BA.2.86, because it has 36 mutations that distinguish it from the currently-dominant XBB.1.5 variant. So far there is no evidence that BA.2.86 spreads faster or causes more serious illness than previous versions. COVID infections and hospitalizations have been rising in the U.S., Europe and Asia, with more cases in recent months attributed to the EG.5 "Eris" subvariant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage that originally emerged in November 2021. But many countries have drastically reduced testing of patients and their efforts to analyze the genomes of the viruses causing new COVID cases. Updated COVID booster shots now being developed have been designed to target the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5.

Persons: Emily Elconin, Wesley Long, Eric Topol, Topol, Long, Moderna, Eris, Deena Beasley, Nancy Lapid, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, Moderna Inc, Pfizer, World Health Organization, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, CDC, EG, Omicron, Houston Methodist Hospital, Scripps Research, COVID, U.S, Pfizer Inc, Thomson Locations: Waterford , Michigan, U.S, Europe, Asia, United States, Israel, Denmark, La Jolla , California

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