Coronavirus found in Paris sewage points to early warning system 

Rising levels of SARS-CoV-2 detected in wastewater before corresponding spike in clinical cases

By sampling sewage across greater Paris for more than 1 month, researchers have detected a rise and fall in novel coronavirus concentrations that correspond to the shape of the COVID-19 outbreak in the region, where a lockdown is now suppressing spread of the disease. Although several research groups have reported detecting coronavirus in wastewater, the researchers say the new study is the first to show that the technique can pick up a sharp rise in viral concentrations in sewage before cases explode in the clinic. That points to its potential as a cheap, noninvasive tool to warn against outbreaks, they say.

“This visibility is also going to help us predict a second wave of outbreaks,” says Sébastien Wurtzer, a virologist at Eau de Paris, the city’s public water utility. Wurtzer and his colleagues posted the study, which has not been peer-reviewed, on the preprint repository medRxiv on 17 April. [ . . ]

Continue at SCIENCE: Coronavirus found in Paris sewage points to early warning system | Science | AAAS

The Coolest French Creatives to Follow on Instagram

Because it seems there is never a shortage of creative talent among the French.

Whether on the runway, in the kitchen or in the artist’s studio, it appears as though there is never a shortage of creative talent among the French. Monet, Jean-Luc Goddard, Coco Chanel; just to name a few who have pioneered some of the greatest artistic movements of our time. Decades later, they continue to inspire the rest of the world with their innovation. As social distancing is confining us to our homes, it’s becoming increasingly hard to monitor screen time while staying entertained. For that reason, L’Officiel USA created a streamlined list of the coolest French creatives to follow on Instagram that will make your feed-scrolling all the more fun and inspiring.

@ramenpolanski

The pun on her Instagram handle is only the tip of the iceberg (Roman Polanski anyone?). Get ready for some vibrant, coloful, aesthetically-pleasing and funny content. She’s a photographer, video maker, and graphic designer, but mostly, she describes herself as a visual artist. This Paris-native creative director is full of personality and her account is anything but dull.

@charlottecardin

Although she is from Montreal (probably the North American city where the French feel the closest to home) this French-Canadian singer began her career as a model but turned to music after realizing modeling wasn’t her calling. Don’t let her doll-like features and big blue eyes fool you. Charlotte Cardin’s voice has a fragility, depth and soulfulness to it that makes her a singer of her own kind.

@violette_fr

She’s the global beauty director of Estée Lauder and a world-renown makeup artist famous for her “bushy-brow” and “natural makeup” looks. If you like makeup but cut-creases, bold lip looks and a hint of home decor inspiration, Violette has the perfect account to give a follow.

 

@betinadutoit_

Picture endless fields of daisies and poppies, Icelandic hot spings, sand deserts, and young girls dressed in white linens idling beneath trees. These are the kinds of visuals to expect from Betina du Toit, the Paris-based photographer whose work will lull you into a faraway universe. Born near Cape Town, South Africa, du Toit captures the quintessential in “an endless attempt to re-capture the fleeting moment when all elements come together.”

@itsnotsonia

Paris-born, LA-bred Sonia is more than just a pretty face. The French fashion model, actress and singer is a true multihyphenate whose talents can be hard to keep up with. Her most recent work includes a newly-released single with Black Atlas that we currently have on repeat.

@celestinecooney

Former Dazed and Confused fashion editor, now, a freelance stylist and brand consultant Celestine Cooney has worked for the likes of Acne and Simone de Rocha. Her Salvador-Dali-meets-high fashion aesthetic is what sets Cooney apart from other stylists.

@jaimetoutcheztoi

This well-known French couple share travel tips, fashion picks (which often include matching outfits) and let us into their Parisian daily life. Their shared Instagram account started 5 years ago, while the couple were living in Los Angeles with the desire to share their every day life after moving far from home, friends and family. They write on their website “Given the enthusiasm of our readers, we decided to pursue this adventure back home in Paris.”

@malikafavre

Malika Favre is French but lives between London and Barcelona and her work has graced covers of The New Yorker and has been featured in Vogue. Her bold, minimal, style is often compared to pop art and she has become one of UK’s most sought-after graphic designers.

@lolozouai

Born to a French mother and an Algerian father, Lolo Zouai, a 25-year-old singer released her debut album High Highs to Lows Lows , last year and has toured alongside side Dua Lipa during her Future Nostalgia tour. Her Instagram features not only her behind-the-scenes music recording process, but also her infectious love of dalmatians and the famed Pokémon, Jigglypuff.

@pommeofficial

Pomme, a French singer, with serious style refers to herself as “half pixie, half human”. Her Instagram gives you a taste of her music which is the perfect blend between pop and folk and is definitiely worth checking out for both your next playlist, and outfit inspiration.

Source: The Coolest French Creatives to Follow on Instagram – L’Officiel