a16z Podcast All about the Coronavirus
Jan 30, 2020
Judy Savitskaya, a bioengineering expert from the a16z Bio team, shares her insights on the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV. She explains the unique characteristics and spread of coronaviruses compared to past outbreaks like SARS and MERS. Savitskaya highlights the rapid genomic sequencing advancements that are revolutionizing treatments and epidemic responses. The discussion also unwraps the virus's origins, R0 measurement, and the urgency behind vaccine development, all crucial in navigating this fast-evolving situation.
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Virus: Alive or Dead?
- Viruses are not quite alive, nor dead, existing in a state in between.
- They only reproduce but don't metabolize, causing debate about their living status.
Coronavirus Categories
- Coronaviruses are named for their crown-like appearance under electron microscopes.
- Different types of coronaviruses, including SARS and MERS, are categorized using Greek letters.
Coronavirus Severity
- Coronaviruses cause 10-30% of common colds.
- More severe coronaviruses, like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, infect the lower respiratory tract.