More clinical trials in African countries can help ensure that any vaccines or treatments developed cater to the continent’s genetic diversity.
CELLOU BINANI/AFP via Getty Images
More countries on the African continent must urgently get involved in clinical trials so that the data collected will accurately represent the continent at a genetic level.
Why do scientists care about mutations on the coronavirus?
Alexandr Gnezdilov Light Painting
The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly mutating. What do these mutations reveal about this virus’s evolution? And will this knowledge help us to develop a long-lasting vaccine?
One of Nairobi’s low-income areas.
Alex Pix/Shutterstock
The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, spreads faster than the H1N1 influenza virus and is much deadlier. SARS-CoV-2 is particularly skilled at keeping cells from calling out for help.
If only COVID-19 testing was as simple as a pregnancy test.
Taechit Taechamanodom
Traditional vaccines can take years to create. Rather than immunizing people with viral proteins, the new approach gives the molecular instructions that allows the body to make its own vaccine.
Scientific research on the novel coronavirus has progressed at unprecedented speed.
Mongkolchon Akesin / Shutterstock
While there is no cure for COVID-19, dozens of clinical trials are underway to test retroviral medicines and potential vaccines targeting the novel coronavirus.
There are many ways to make a vaccine. In a time of crisis, the more paths towards success the better.
Adriana Duduleanu / EyeEm via Getty Images
Under pressure to develop a coronavirus vaccine, researchers have turned to protein synthesis, genetics and hybrid viruses. It is likely a mix of these approaches will be used to fight the coronavirus.
Michelle Grattan interviews immunologist and Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty about controlling the coronavirus pandemic, and the prospects of developing a vaccine.
Getting vaccinated against the flu, washing your hands and social distancing are three ways you can help reduce the impact of both the flu and coronavirus.
Inspired by amber and hard candy, researchers figured out a new, needle-free, shelf-stable way to preserve vaccines, making them easier to ship and administer around the world.
It is critical to learn more about SARS-CoV-2, including its source and why transmission appears to be more efficient than with previous coronaviruses.
(Shutterstock)
Researchers around the world are working together to control the coronavirus outbreak, now known as COVID-19. This is what’s behind the global effort to develop a vaccine.
Studies show that people are more likely to get the flu shot if they have a plan.
xtock/Shutterstock.com
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand