In addition to the many attempts to develop vaccines, scientists in New York and Toronto are independently looking at the possibility of injecting 'cocktails' of antibodies to treat Covid-19 patients (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jul/22/antibody-mix-trialled-as-potential-coronavirus-treatment). The antibodies are extracted from the bloods of recovering patients. A wide range of these proteins seem to be produced when sars-cov-2 is recognised as a foreign invader by the bodies of different people. Some of these antibodies, given resources and time, could be produced on an industrial scale and would (following safety checks -currently at the laboratory animal stage but needing to be extended to clinical trials) be given to people whose infection had been recognised at an early stage. This would make it much less likely that a serious infection would follow. It is also evident that these cocktails of antibodies could be given to vulnerable groups (e.g. people in care homes) to protect them from infection by the virus.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
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