One topic at the intersection of COVID-19 updates and concern for racial justice is the distribution of vaccines. Assuming we eventually identify one or more safe and effective immunizations to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is unlikely we will be able to nearly instantaneously manufacture the two to three hundred million doses we'd need just to cover the US population. In theory, we could just stockpile doses until there's enough for everyone, but then we miss out on some of the benefit as more people get infected … [Read more...] about Science Corner: A Shot in the Priority Order
coronavirus
Science Corner: Understanding Superspreading
Mathematical models of the spread of infectious diseases are a big reason I have the job I have now. When I first encountered them in grad school, a whole new world of scientific possibilities opened up. Suddenly there was an overlap between my math & computer skills and the biology which fascinated me. As it became apparent that my laboratory skills were lacking, it was a relief to know I could still contribute to improving public health with the skills I did have. Seeing the various applications and extensions of … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Understanding Superspreading
Science Corner: The Future of Going Back
It's been a few weeks since we've discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, so it seems like we should touch base there. Having disrupted the exponential growth of cases (at least for now), thoughts are turning towards how to move forward. The burden of staying at home is substantial and not equally distributed, so wanting to get out again is understandable. At the same time, with most of the population still unexposed and thus susceptible and a vaccine still along ways off, the mitigation of spread is still highly contingent on … [Read more...] about Science Corner: The Future of Going Back
Science Corner: Sunrise Service
If you want to read about some science that has nothing to do with our current situation, may I suggest a story about vocal cooperation among dolphins or some fruit fly research revealing just how versatile proteins can be. Meanwhile, many Christians around the world face the prospect of celebrating Easter in isolation in one of the more practical and large scale intersections of science and religion I can recall. That seems to merit some comment. (And I promise, next week nothing virus-related.) … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Sunrise Service
Science Corner: Loving One’s Neighborhood
Since my job is in the public health sphere, and since I have training on the biology of infectious diseases, it seemed like I should comment on the coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, I wasn't sure I had anything to add. I don't have special access to case counts the rest of you don't; my recommendations aren't any different than what you'd find on the CDC website or in reporting like this segment from CBS Sunday Morning. What I do have, I suppose, is a little insight into our public health system which I thought … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Loving One’s Neighborhood