COVID-19 and the immune system

+ outdoor coronavirus spread, 'forever chemicals' US Edition - Today's top story: An autoimmune-like antibody response is linked with severe COVID-19 [View in browser]( US Edition | 14 October 2020 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Physicians treating severe cases of COVID-19 have focused on halting the damage caused by the coronavirus. But they face another vexing challenge: an overreaction of the immune system in fighting off the virus. An immunologist explains [cutting-edge research on how the immune system reacts to this disease]( which, he argues, can lead to more targeted treatments. Also in this week’s science and research news: the latest figures on [excess deaths in the U.S.](, emerging tools for [fighting deepfakes](, and an explanation of how and when the [coronavirus can spread even outside](. Martin La Monica Deputy Editor Are patients with severe COVID-19 victims of their own immune response? JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/Getty Images [An autoimmune-like antibody response is linked with severe COVID-19]( Matthew Woodruff, Emory University Patients suffering from severe COVID-19 may be experiencing a rogue antibody response similar to that seen in autoimmune diseases. The findings offer new approaches for COVID-19 therapy. AI-powered detectors are the best tools for spotting AI-generated fake videos. The Washington Post via Getty Images [In a battle of AI versus AI, researchers are preparing for the coming wave of deepfake propaganda]( John Sohrawardi, Rochester Institute of Technology; Matthew Wright, Rochester Institute of Technology Fake videos generated with sophisticated AI tools are a looming threat. Researchers are racing to build tools that can detect them, tools that are crucial for journalists to counter disinformation. A girl views the body of her father, who died of COVID-19, while mourners who can’t visit in person are onscreen. Joe Raedle/Getty Images News via Getty Images [279,700 extra deaths in the US so far in this pandemic year]( Ronald D. Fricker Jr., Virginia Tech Health statisticians keep careful tabs on how many people die every week. Based on what's happened in past years, they know what to expect – but 2020 death counts are surging beyond predictions. Other good finds - [Being outdoors doesn’t mean you’re safe from COVID-19 – a White House event showed what not to do]( - [PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are widespread and threaten human health – here’s a strategy for protecting the public]( - [What you – and doctors – should watch for if you have COVID-19]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451