Can UV Light Kill The Virus?

Fending Off Pandemic Loneliness

Shots Sergei Karpukhin/Tass via Getty Images Could Ultraviolet Light Work To Disinfect Indoor Air? As the U.S. grapples with how to interrupt the spread of the coronavirus, entrepreneurs and researchers are taking a new look at a century-old technology for fending off infectious diseases: energetic waves of ultraviolet light, known as germicidal UV or GUV.  UV light is already being used to decontaminate surfaces on public transit and in hospitals where infectious droplets may have landed as well as to disinfect N95 masks for reuse.  Now, with concern mounting that the coronavirus may be easily transmitted through microscopic floating particles in the air, some researchers and physicians hope the technology can be used to help disinfect high-risk indoor settings.  Read more about how UV light disinfects, and what it might take to bring it to an office or shop near you.   Newsletter continues after sponsor message Janice Chang for NPR Loneliness Doesn't Seem To Be Increasing In The Pandemic. Here's Why Since the coronavirus hit the U.S. this year, the predominant public health advice is essentially to keep away from other people. When all the social distancing started, psychologists feared it would trigger a wave of loneliness, which was already at a high level in the U.S. But several new studies suggest that huge increase in loneliness hasn't come to pass — at least, not yet. And the researchers studying the pandemic's emotional fallout say we may have tapped deeper wells of resilience than expected.   "That sense of solidarity that people are feeling when they are collectively going through a challenge together — seems to be a real strong protective factor," says research psychologist Jonathan Kanter.  Read about the creative ways people are  supporting each other through this crisis. BONUS: How six problem-solvers tackled pandemic challenges in their neighborhoods Leo Patrizi/Getty Images  The Pros And Cons Of Navigating Pregnancy In The COVID Era In some ways, and for some women, the pandemic makes pregnancy easier. If you're lucky enough to be able to work from home, it can be a relief to not have to navigate commutes and office life while carrying another person in your body. But there is also growing concern that pregnant women may be at higher risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19. So how worried should expecting parents be about any extra risks the coronavirus might pose to the mom or developing fetus?  The answer and advice may continue to change, public health officials say, as the evidence rolls in. But expectant parents do need to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from exposure. They have to double down on practices that we all need to follow: mask wearing, social distancing, and limiting contact with people outside their household. And those rules apply to anyone they live with. Read more about what it's like to be pregnant today, and how expectant parents can stay safe. More of this week's health stories from NPR “I’ve never seen anything like this” — Life inside a Georgia hospital Can you trust that imported surgical mask? Maybe... In Rwanda, robots make getting tested for the coronavirus easy — and cool We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots and follow us on Twitter at @NPRHealth. Your Shots editor, Carmel Wroth What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy