Episode 6 – Viruses

8.30pm, RTÉ One – Monday 14th December

Viruses for Web

2020 will be remembered for one unprecedented global event… the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of thousands have died from COVID-19, and empty parks, streets and skies have become the eerie symbol of nationwide lockdowns which devastated global economies and local businesses. But Irish scientists are playing a key role in the fightback against this deadly virus.

Kathriona meets the researchers using Irish patient samples to analyse the genetic makeup of coronavirus to help minimise the spread and identify changes that may impact on treatments and vaccine development.

Jonathan highlights how Ireland’s world-leading TILDA Ageing study is ideally positioned to examine and better understand the impact of the pandemic and lockdown measures on older people.

And of course, despite the current negative associations, not all viruses are bad! Aoibhinn is in Teagasc Moorepark to meet Olivia McAuliffe who is working with the most abundant and deadly viruses on the planet… but using them to tackle infection and harmful bacteria in food processes.

And in Weird Science, Fergus reveals what happens when viruses turn on each other…

 

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