By now, most of us are familiar with the main symptoms of a Covid-19 infection—fever, cough, and respiratory distress. But doctors are learning that the virus may also attack the heart and brain. A small study in the journal JAMA Cardiology finds that more than 20 percent of coronavirus patients develop heart damage. However, exactly how that occurs is unknown. Heart cells could be damaged by the virus itself, by a lack of oxygen, or by an immune system over-reaction. Each cause would require a different treatment.
Similarly, the causes of the brain effects of Covid-19 are also a mystery. Some patients report confusion and headaches. A report in the journal Radiology finds that patients may experience brain inflammation and swelling as well as respiratory symptoms.
And finally… last year we told you about a “smart” toilet seat that could diagnose congestive heart failure. Now scientists at Stanford University have put diagnostic tools in the toilet itself. The smart toilet can analyze urine and stool samples for a variety of diseases such as colorectal and urological cancers, and can be programmed to send a message to doctors if it detects something wrong.
Leave a Reply