Scientists discuss potential huge volcanic activity in Iceland. Updates on the ongoing COVID-19 public inquiry. Author explores the race to defeat the deadly virus. Importance of public trust in science for vaccine development. Government's handling of the crisis and treatment of scientists.
The threat of an imminent volcanic eruption in Iceland has led to evacuations, with scientists monitoring the situation closely to provide warnings and track magma movements.
The ongoing COVID-19 public inquiry is examining the role of key scientific advisors in decision-making, aiming to reveal any disparities between scientific consensus and public communication.
Deep dives
Impending Volcanic Eruption in Iceland Leads to Evacuation of Grindavik
Residents of Grindavik, a small town in Iceland, have been forced to evacuate due to the threat of an imminent volcanic eruption. The eruption, resulting from the Fagradalsfjall volcano, has been preceded by a series of earthquakes over the past three weeks. The town's residents are anxious as they try to collect their belongings and brace for the potential destruction of their homes and businesses. Scientists have been closely monitoring the situation, installing monitoring equipment to track the movements of magma and provide any possible warning to the local community.
An Overview of COVID-19 Public Inquiry and Key Scientific Advisors' Testimonies
The ongoing COVID-19 public inquiry is set to hear from key scientific advisors who were present during crucial decision-making moments of the pandemic. Among them, Sir Patrick Vallance and Sir Chris Whitty, two prominent figures in advising the government, will provide insights into their roles and the communication of scientific advice to policymakers. The inquiry aims to shed light on the decision-making process and examine any potential shortcomings. This deep dive into scientific testimony will also explore the gaps or disparities between scientific consensus and the way it was portrayed to the public.
David Quammen's 'Breathless': Outlining the Journey of COVID-19
Author David Quammen's latest book, 'Breathless: The Scientific Race to Defeat a Deadly Virus,' delves into the intense battle against the COVID-19 virus. His book highlights the ecology and evolution of the virus, aiming to provide readers with a better understanding of the mechanisms behind its rapid spread and ability to mutate. Quammen's analysis of the scientific efforts to combat the virus creates a suspenseful story, revealing the complexities of the pandemic while emphasizing the importance of scientific expertise and public trust in effectively responding to such crises.
An underground river of magma and thousands of tremors have been observed across the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland. We speak to the scientists monitoring the Fagradalsfjall volcano who explain how this might be ushering in a new era of huge volcanic activity in the country.
Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and Sir Patrick Vallance, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK government are due to appear at the Covid-19 Inquiry next week. It’s the next stage of the public inquiry that began proceedings in July last year. Now it’s focussing on the key questions surrounding how science and the scientific community informed government strategy before, during and after the pandemic. BBC Health Reporter Jim Reed has been attending the inquiry and explains what we know from the evidence that’s been given so far – and what to expect next week.
David Quammen discusses his book ‘Breathless: The Scientific Race to Defeat a Deadly Virus’. It's a thriller-style narrative revealing how scientists responded to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s our final shortlisted book for the Royal Society Science Book Prize. The winner will be announced next week.
Presenter: Victoria Gill
Producers: Hannah Robins, Harrison Lewis, Alice Lipscombe-Southwell
Editor: Richard Collings
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
BBC Inside Science is produced in collaboration with the Open University.
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