Maria van Kerkhove, Acting Director at the WHO, reflects on five years since COVID-19, analyzing the pandemic's lingering impact on health, education, and the economy. She emphasizes the urgency for advancements in pandemic preparedness and biotechnology. The discussion also dives into the hunt for a potential hidden Planet X, spotlighting the revolutionary capabilities of the new Vera Rubin Observatory. Insights on xenon gas's potential benefits for Alzheimer's treatment add a fascinating twist, showcasing the intersection of neuroscience and astronomy.
Experts highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and response frameworks to better prepare for future pandemics five years after COVID-19's onset.
The UK must invest in engineering biology to prevent falling behind in biotech innovation and capitalize on emerging sustainable practices.
Deep dives
Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The impact of COVID-19 has been profound, affecting nearly every aspect of life globally. With an estimated 20 million lives lost and significant disruptions to education and mental health, the pandemic's legacy continues to influence society today. Five years since the initial outbreak, experts emphasize that while some preparedness measures have improved, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding surveillance and response frameworks for future pandemics. The complexity of ongoing global emergencies and misinformation complicates efforts to maintain advancements in pandemic preparedness.
Engineering Biology: A Window of Opportunity
The UK is urged to capitalize on its advancements in engineering biology, a field utilizing organisms to revolutionize industrial processes. The House of Lords report indicates that the country risks falling behind if necessary investments are not made to grow the biotech sector, which is rapidly advancing elsewhere. With applications in sustainable practices and waste management, like using bacteria to convert fatbergs into useful products, there is a call for stronger support for small UK companies. Stakeholders advocate for improved regulatory environments and investment to scale up innovations and stimulate economic growth in this burgeoning field.
Xenon's Potential in Alzheimer's Treatment
Recent research has suggested that the noble gas xenon may play a role in combating Alzheimer's disease by enhancing the activity of microglial cells in the brain. Studies on genetically engineered mice that mimic Alzheimer's pathology show that xenon exposure promotes microglial migration and efficiency, leading to reductions in harmful amyloid plaques. Although more research is required to confirm its cognitive benefits, these initial findings indicate xenon's potential as a therapeutic agent. Its unique properties, such as its safety in anesthetic applications, offer promising avenues for further exploration in neurodegenerative conditions.
The Search for Planet Nine
Astronomers continue to seek evidence of a hypothetical Planet Nine beyond Pluto, which may explain peculiar gravitational effects observed in the orbits of distant celestial bodies. This potential planet, larger than Earth and possibly a gas giant, might exist due to the gravitational influence it exerts on trans-Neptunian objects. The Vera Rubin Observatory, set to commence operations soon, is expected to play a crucial role in this discovery by surveying the sky more comprehensively than previous telescopes. Its innovative design will enable astronomers to observe changes over time, potentially providing the critical data needed to locate this elusive celestial body.
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: It's 5 years since COVID began and the WHO hosted their first press conference. But how much have we learned and are we prepared for the next pandemic? Also, a report from the UK House of Lords points to a rapidly closing window of opportunity to capitalise on "engineering biology" - but what is that? And, is there a hidden planet lurking out past Pluto? A new telescope will soon enable astronomers to find out... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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