BBC Inside Science – Can we prevent the next pandemic?
Available for 34 days
A phase 3 clinical trial is underway to determine the effectiveness of an mRNA vaccine against H5N1, a flu strain of current concern. The virus, commonly found in birds around the world, is rarely transmitted to humans. However, when transmitted, the disease is often fatal, and scientists fear that if the virus were to mutate, it could lead to rapid and widespread infection. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world want to be better prepared for future threats. These latest efforts aim to develop an mRNA vaccine that could be deployed on an unprecedented scale if the worst were to happen. John Tregoning, author of Infectious: Pathogens and How We Fight Them and professor of vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, joins Tom to explain how these mRNA vaccines could revolutionize preparedness. As the 100th birthday of famous broadcaster and behavioral ecologist Sir David Attenborough approaches, Inside Science highlights a scientifically important species named after him. This week, Dr. Frankie Dunn describes his discovery of a fossil that we now know is the first animal predator. And Lizzy Gibney, senior reporter at Nature, shares the latest science news that may have slipped under the radar but is well worth your attention. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producers: Harrison Lewis and Katie Tomsett Editor: Martin Smith Production Coordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
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