PANDEMIC REPORT: T-cell COVID test | Supporting vaccine decision-making | In-home detox

A novel T-cell test for COVID-19

OAKDALE, MN—Infectious disease testing laboratory Infectolab Americas has validated a novel T-cell test for COVID-19. The novel T-cell test for SARS-CoV-2 can help monitor cellular immunity against COVID-19 and offers greater detail to the immune status of long-haul patients.

In-home detox program

ST. LOUIS, MO—During the pandemic lockdowns, many Americans began drinking or increased their drinking to help them cope. Dr. Arturo Taca, Jr. co-founded INSynergy Personalized Addiction Care, designing an in-home detox program to keep patients safe and allow them to start treatment as soon as possible.

Supporting vaccine decision-making

MADISON, WI—Professors at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Computer, Data and Information Sciences (CDIS) are developing a vaccine fairness recommendation engine that will support equitable decision-making about vaccinations. The work will inform efforts to address vaccine access and hesitancy.

Patents for Humanity COVID-19 award

UNITED STATES—The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the final deadline for submission of applications for its Patents for Humanity COVID-19 award. The Office expanded its awards program to recognize innovators who use game-changing technology to meet global humanitarian challenges. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 30, 2021.