Indian News Queensland | CORONA CRISIS
QUT researchers working on nano technology to contain COVID-19 spread
T
he coronavirus disease named COVID-19 is caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus). This virus is closely related to SARS-CoV, which had caused a milder pandemic in 20032004, although it affected way fewer countries than COVID-19 has. The virus SARS-COV-2 is transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes or exhales (shown in picture 1). The droplets land on surfaces and these surfaces become the carriers for the infection. Therefore, a person can be infected in two ways – by breathing in the virus that is expelled by a person in close proximity, who has COVID-19 or by touching a contaminated surface and then touch-
ing one’s eyes, nose or mouth. To minimise the spread of the disease, the Commonwealth Department of Health has prioritised ways to control the disease: • Identify cases through diagnostic testing • Isolate known cases • Trace and quarantine contacts of known cases • Improve hygiene through hand washing and cleaning surfaces • Restrict travel • Social distancing Researchers are working to identify treatments and develop vaccines against this virus. The fastest
way to treat COVID-19 is to repurpose existing drugs rather than develop new ones. Some of the drugs which have previously been used against diseases such as Ebola, HIV and malaria are being tested. These drugs -- remdesivir, lopinavirritonavir and hydroxychloroquine -- are still under investigation, and WHO strictly states that there are no specific vaccines or medicines for COVID-19 yet and that these drugs should not be prescribed to the public to treat COVID-19. Smart Structures and Bio-Interface Group researchers (seen in photo below) led by Prof Prasad Yarlagadda, and his colleague Prof. Kirsten Spann (virologist) and their team are working towards stopping the
Smart Structures and Bio-Interface Research Group
spread of the SARS-CoV-2 by using engineered nano-structures that will inactivate viruses that fall on metal surfaces. Examples of common contamination points are lift buttons, hand rails, door handles, etc., as shown in picture 2. Our study and other reported studies indicated that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on metal surfaces for up to three days. The research at QUT is still in its initial stages. However, it looks promising, as survival of viruses can be reduced from days to hours. This technology may provide a solution to surface transmission, especially in hospitals and healthcare settings and also can be used to combat against any kind of bacteria and/or viruses that may surface in
near future. With many unanswered questions about SARS-CoV-2, the research community needs to immediately prioritise research areas in the fight against the current COVID-19 outbreak. An accelerated and coordinated research effort is needed from the wider scientific community in many sectors, from vaccine and antiviral development to digital technology, new technological developments to minimisig the spread of COVID-19 and other similar viruses in communities. By Prof. Prasad KDV Yarlagadda OAM Science and Engineering Faculty Queensland University of Technology
(Pic 1) COVID-19 spreading mechanisms (Image - Mohammad Hassan - Pixabay)
Gold Coast creative set to Veteran actor Rage Against the (V)irus Rishi Kapoor dies in Mumbai G old Coast creative Aarti Bajaj has been announced as a successful applicant of the HOTA, Home of the Arts Rage Against the (V)irus program.
forming the dance form. The entire masterclass will be edited into three sessions, which will then be streamed on online platforms. Each session will be approximately one hour.
The rapid-response grant was established by HOTA to deliver creative content in collaboration with local artists to be enjoyed by the community from the comfort of their own homes.
The project, due to be completed by mid-May, allows for social distancing restrictions by only requiring two people – artistic director Aarti Bajaj, and the videographer.
“On being selected as one of the successful applicants from hundreds of other extremely talented artists on the Gold Coast gives me a sense of responsibility that we must continue with our efforts as a community to keep the “ARTS alive” under all circumstances,” said Ms Bajaj. Ms Bajaj’s project entitled “An Insight into Indian Classical and Contemporary Dancing” is a threesession masterclass offering insight into Indian classical and contemporary dance, including the origin, history, literature, different forms of Indian classical dancing and basic hand gestures, footwork and the 9 different expressions used in per-
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“The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in uncertainty, anxiousness and loss of purpose amongst people around the globe,” said Ms Bajaj. “To be creative and to find a creative outlet or a platform has become a rare opportunity during these challenging times. It is absolutely encouraging to see a major arts establishment such as HOTA establish a program like Rage Against the (V) irus.” Ms Bajaj is the creative director of Gold Coast based 9 Expressions - School of Performing Arts, and Wild Dreamer Productions, the production company responsible for VOID, HYPED!! and the Indian dance spectacular, MEERA,
V
eteran actor Rishi Kapoor has passed away, confirmed Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan on social media. “T 3517 – He’s GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed!,” Amitabh tweeted on April 30.
Post return to India, his health has frequently been in focus. The actor was admitted to hospital in February. Amid speculations about his health, he had been hospitalised in New Delhi in early February, while on a visit to New Delhi. IANS
Rishi was hospitalised on April 29 morning after complaining that he was not feeling well.
which recently celebrated its one year anniversary following a debut at Home of the Arts in November 2018, and a New Zealand tour.
According to reports, the 67-yearold actor was admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. Wife Neetu Kapoor was at his side.
More information about Aarti Bajaj, Wild Dreamer Productions and 9 Expressions can be found online at wilddreamerproductions.com and www.9expressions.com, and Facebook: www.facebook.com/ WildDreamerProductions.
In 2018, Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, following which the actor was in New York for nearly a year to undergo treatment. He returned to India in September 2019 after recovering.
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Rishi Kapoor (IANS)
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