Thinking Fast and Slow

The research found that angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was the receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2. In the normal human lung, ACE2 is expressed on type I and II alveolar epithelial cells. Among them, 83% of the type II alveolar cells have ACE2 expression. Men had a higher ACE2 level in their alveolar cells than women. Asians have a higher level of ACE2 expression in their alveolar cells than the White and African American populations. The binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 on ACE2 causes an elevated expression of ACE2, which can lead to damages on alveolar cells. Damages to alveolar cells can, in turn, trigger a series of systemic reactions and even death. The research also confirmed that Asian males are more susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The receptor‐binding ability of SARS‐CoV‐2 is 10 to 20 times stronger than that of SARS‐CoV. Scientists found that 98% of the patients in their study had fevers, of which 78% had a temperature higher than 38°C. They reported that 76% of the patients had coughs,