Short Wave

What You Flush Is Helping Track The Coronavirus

May 20, 2020
Lauren Sommer, NPR science correspondent and expert in environmental science, dives into the fascinating world of wastewater-based epidemiology. She explains how cities are analyzing sewage to detect coronavirus and predict spikes in community health. This innovative method could revolutionize public health monitoring, offering early warnings for outbreaks. Sommer also discusses the importance of collaboration between researchers and treatment facilities, highlighting its potential to enhance equitable healthcare access. Prepare for a new perspective on what we flush!
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ANECDOTE

Frozen Poop

  • Stephanie Loeb stores frozen human waste samples at Stanford.
  • She uses these samples to track coronavirus.
INSIGHT

Wastewater Epidemiology

  • Wastewater-based epidemiology tracks pathogens via sewage.
  • This method offers advantages over traditional testing.
INSIGHT

Sewage as a Collective Sample

  • Collective sewage samples can reveal virus trends.
  • Admiral Brett Giroir suggested this for universities.
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