Fundamental research, except for the medical field, is set behind by the continuing pandemic. Three main directions are shaping up in the scientists’ effort to defeat the COVID-19 virus: (i) immunization by vaccine, (ii) healing infected patients with specific medicines, or (iii) prevention of extreme symptoms via strengthening the person’s immune system, while avoiding the cytokine storm. Public opinion focused on which vaccine may be better, how long it would protect its recipient and, most importantly, when does it become available to the residents of a certain country? Does coronavirus treatment with EXO-CD24 show real promise? Under development at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Medical Center, EXO-CD24 has been demonstrated to moderate immune response, and to help preventing cytokine storm.

Issue DOI: 10.37281/DRCSF/2.1

Cover photo: Dr. János Demeter

The cover picture shows Genesis1:11™ Rocket Capsule (Penetrator). Genesis1:11™ is a high-technology toolset  which supports plantation and forestation on distant planets. The technology includes but is not limited to semi-capsuled ecosystems and various physical and precision software tools enabling to inject microorganisms and to grow plant roots in extraterrestrial soils. This offers a means to contribute to the creation of the remote planet’s atmosphere owing to root respiration and microbial activity. By this, it contributes to a sustainable future for humankind in remote places, having extreme climatic and environmental conditions

Issue DOI: 10.37281/DRCSF/1.2

The cover picture shows one of the most busy four-lanes roads in Guayaquil- Ecuador under quarantine.

Given this context, the focus of our first issue has changed, offering a feature article on the effects on air pollution (TSP) prior and after traffic restrictions and curfew against COVID-19 spread, in Ecuador’s three most populated cities. Environmental monitoring was performed next to high traffic roads in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. After the implementation of traffic restrictions, the most striking drop in suspended particulate contained by air was measured in Cuenca, where 96.47% decrease in PM2.5 was assessed, relative to the emission observed prior to road traffic ban.

Issue DOI: 10.37281/DRCSF/1.1