Reply(1) One of the things we set out to do was to develop a less invasive, more cost-effective, more accessible test, said Angela Slitt, the professor leading the research team. (Courtesy University of Rhode Island)
KINGSTON, RI Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have developed a new coronavirus test that uses saliva, rather than often-invasive nasal swabs. The swab is set to be implemented for testing across URI campuses soon.
The team developing the new test was led by Angela Slitt, a professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical studies at URI. It has been in development since last spring, and uses branched DNA assay technology unlike polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests. While PCR tests are very sensitive and effective, the process is more involved and require sophisticated technology to synthesize the test swabs. Slitt s team started looking into alternatives when the state hit a major supply chain hurdle as the pandemic was getting underway.
The San Diego Zoo is closed for visitors due to the coronavirus, but zookeepers are hosting a virtual spring break to bring their animals to families while they shelter in place across the U.S. Virtual Mission: Spring Break is live and will be online through April 19. coronavirus Apr 1, 2020
More than two dozen University of Texas students have tested positive for the coronavirus after taking a spring break trip to Mexico, public health officials said. A group of about 70 people who are in their 20s took a chartered plane to Cabo San Lucas about 10 days ago, the Austin Public Health Department said Tuesday. So far, 28 people…
SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The University of Rhode Island expects to announce next month the successor to president David M. Dooley, who is retiring in June after 12 years of leading the state’s largest public college.
In a recent letter to the URI community, Search Committee chair Thomas M. Ryan wrote that after receiving applications from more than 200 people, the committee “narrowed the number of candidates to just over 20 highly qualified leaders. They come from all regions of the country, have diverse backgrounds and serve as deans, provosts and presidents of premier higher education institutions.”
Ryan, a URI graduate and former chairman and CEO of CVS, wrote that “this level of interest to lead our institution is a direct result of the leadership and vision that has transformed URI during the past decade and the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff to achieve these ambitious goals. We are fortunate that President David M. Dooley set a bold agenda 12 years ago.”
Rhode Island round-up: Updates on politics and more Dan McGowan
If you have friends or relatives who would like their own free copy of this daily briefing about Rhode Island, tell them they can
LEADING OFF
Happy Friday and welcome to Rhode Map, your daily guide to everything happening in the Ocean State. I’m Dan McGowan and I’ve never been so excited about daylight saving time. Follow me on Twitter
.
ICYMI: Rhode Island was up to 130,120 confirmed coronavirus cases on Thursday, after adding 429 new cases. The most-recent overall daily test-positive rate was 1.8 percent, and the first-time positive rate was 19 percent. The state announced four more deaths, bringing the total to 2,563. There were 141 people in the hospital, and 100,610 residents were fully vaccinated.
formerly of Kenton
Services for Lowell Albert Cahill will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Kenton Church of the Nazarene officiated by the Rev. David Dooley. Burial will follow in Grove Cemetery in Kenton. Visitation will precede the service from 12-1 p.m., at the church. The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements. Masks will be required and Covid-19 protocols will be followed at all services.
Lowell A. Cahill passed away at 8:44 am, Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Memorial Gables in Marysville, Ohio.
Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Lowell who cared for his wife who suffered from the disease for many years.