Short Wave How COVID-19 Has Changed Science
Jan 5, 2021
Ed Yong, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into how COVID-19 has revolutionized scientific research. He discusses the surge in studies aimed at understanding the virus and reflects on the establishment of new testing labs and innovations like CRISPR for diagnosis. Yong highlights the tension between quality and quantity in pandemic research, revealing the pitfalls of rapid publishing. Finally, he encourages a shift in research focus, advocating for a broader approach to health that addresses systemic biases in science.
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Doudna's COVID Pivot
- Jennifer Doudna, a Nobel laureate, pivoted her research to COVID-19.
- She and her colleagues established a testing lab and developed CRISPR-based diagnostics.
Preprints and the Pandemic
- The pandemic accelerated the use of preprint servers for faster scientific dissemination.
- This speed, while beneficial, also allowed flawed research to spread rapidly.
Overlooked Respiratory Viruses
- The pandemic highlighted the neglect of respiratory virus research beyond influenza.
- Increased attention and funding are needed to address this critical area.