Virus Busters: How scientists are working to stop the coronavirus

Scientists around the world are working fast to fight the new coronavirus. They’re developing medicines to help people who are sick. They’re also working on vaccines to stop the virus from spreading.

In this episode we’ll explain how these treatments work and we’ll give you some tips on keeping six feet from other people while taking a stroll outside. Oh, and Kara and Gilly stop by to drop some epic virus facts. Plus a Mystery Sound and a Moment of Um that looks at whether or not worms sleep.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Laurel Springs (laurelsprings.com/brainson). You can support this non-profit public radio podcast at brainson.org/fans

Please note that this episode was released on April 7, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, please head to trusted sources like the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To learn more about how viruses spread, you can listen to our first episode about this new coronavirus: Understanding coronavirus and how germs spread: https://www.brainson.org/shows/2020/03/10/understanding-coronavirus-and-how-germs-spread-for-kids

And to learn about why it’s important to stay home, listen to our second episode: Staying home: How social distancing helps fight coronavirus: https://www.brainson.org/shows/2020/03/24/staying-home-how-social-distancing-helps-fight-coronavirus

For more on how our immune system fights viruses, check out our episode: How do flu vaccines work? https://www.brainson.org/shows/2019/10/08/how-do-flu-vaccines-work

For more on how to know which sources of information are trustworthy, you can check out our four-part series Prove It:

Part one: A brief history of facts: https://www.brainson.org/shows/2018/10/02/a-brief-history-of-facts-prove-it-part-1
Part two: Science under the microscope: https://www.brainson.org/shows/2018/10/09/science-under-the-microscope-prove-it-part-2
Part three: The scoop on journalism: https://www.brainson.org/shows/2018/10/16/the-scoop-on-journalism-prove-it-part-3