7 Days in Science – May 29, 2020
by Holly Large
Dandelion Pollen
A microscopic view of spiny pollen from Taraxacum officinale ssp. Ceratophorum, a native wild dandelion subspecies in the southern Rocky Mountains.
Credit: University of Missouri
The clinical-stage biotechnology company Vaxart, Inc. is working to "unlock the potential of oral vaccines", whereby a vaccine is administered via an oral tablet as opposed to an injection. The company believe that this approach could dramatically improve patient acceptance and increase vaccination rates. Here's what they're working on in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak.
As some of the stricter COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are being eased, some have already experienced a second wave of cases. But might there be a way to predict new epicenters of infection and nip them in the bud before they are able to establish themselves and spread further? Some scientists think so, and the answer lies beneath our feet – wastewater.
