Yes we Can-Mask: UBC researchers devise a biodegradable N95 facemask

May 27, 2020 --  Welcome to the Humpday Edition of your Daily CurveFlattener, reported today by Chronicle correspondent Jeremy Visser in Toronto. 

Researchers at the University of British Columbia are designing an N95 mask that will be biodegradable, locally sourced and produced entirely in Canada. , Inevitably, it was dubbed the Canadian-Mask or "Can-Mask." With uncertainty around border issues, locally produced PPE will be a reassuring development; however, the environmental implications may seem especially significant.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic has gone global, countries have seen a recent reduction in CO2 emissions due to travel restrictions and an economy in lockdown. But for many practical purposes, the result has put us a couple steps backwards on the issues of deforestation, poaching, and clean energy investment. A compostable face mask will somewhat correct the balance.

COVID CHRONICLE 05/27/2020

• While Covid-19 has been helping the environment, it appears the environment doesn't help Covid-19. A study posted in CMAJ showed that there were only weak negative associations between humidity and epidemic growth, and no association between altitude and temperature. 
• An article published in the Lancet details the first-in-human study of the Ad5 vectored Covid-19 vaccine. A phase 1 trial showed the vaccine to be tolerable and immunogenic in healthy adults and will move onto phase 2 trials.
• In more news on Covid-19 treatment, remdesivir has shown evidence of shorter recovery time for patients with Covid-19. The randomized, controlled trial results were published today in The New England Journal of Medicine.

STORIES CHRONICLE IS WORKING ON TODAY

I will be speaking with Dr. Kim Papp on the results of a phase III trial of Izekizumab on pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. You can read all about it in an upcoming issue of Pediatric Chronicle.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE LISTENING TO... 

Makari's Control. There are unfortunate accidents such as touching your face while not having sanitizer near, or simmering your stew for 35 minutes before adding your broth. Then there are happy accidents, such as finding Makari on Spotify. This alternative/progressive band from South Florida have a very calming sound with lots of imagery of space and nature, which is perfect when you're stuck inside the house at a computer desk.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE (RE)READING... 

Watchmen by Alan Moore. When a comic (Moore prefers this term over graphic novel) makes Time magazine's Top 100 Best Novels list, you know it's good. A gritty and grim read, the 12-issue series focuses on the twisted psychological of caped crusaders that takes place in a timeline that feels even darker than our current quarantine world. While Moore hates film adaptations of his work, the late and great Darwyn Cooke did a prequel series "Minutemen alongside the other "Before Watchmen" comics that are must-reads as well.

TONIGHT WE ARE COOKING... 

Golden French Lentil Stew. This warming, vegan dish is loaded with some of my favourite things to cook with: lentils, carrots, onion, turmeric and swiss chard, It tastes even better as leftovers (and there will be tons.)

HOW IS YOUR WEEK GOING?

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That's it. Stay in touch, stay safe and enjoy your long weekend. Editorial Director Allan Ryan will be bringing you your news tomorrow.