Lauren Sommer
NPR science correspondent who reported on the delayed coronavirus detection plan.
Best podcasts with Lauren Sommer
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May 20, 2020 • 12min
What You Flush Is Helping Track The Coronavirus
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!
May 1, 2020 • 13min
How An Early Plan To Spot The Virus Fell Weeks Behind
Lauren Sommer, an NPR science correspondent, discusses the government's early plan to use flu surveillance for detecting coronavirus cases. She reveals how these efforts, initiated in mid-February, faced significant delays that cost valuable time in combating the virus. Sommer explores missed opportunities in COVID-19 testing and highlights challenges cities faced in adopting effective surveillance. She also sheds light on strategies for implementing sentinel testing in at-risk communities, emphasizing the need for early detection to better prepare for future outbreaks.
