Chemistry of Food and Cooking "Pasta Pasta!":
Project:
Reflection:
How successful was your experiment in helping you understand your food and improve its characteristics? What would be next steps if you were to continue research on this topic? I
My experiment showed a variety of results from changing one variable, which I consider successful. Important characteristics of food are: taste, texture, smell, appearance. When I altered only a single variable, I found different results. It shows that the amount of eggs can drastically change the texture of pasta. Any experiment that represents a change of result due to change of an independent variable, is typically shown as successful. As I increased the amount of egg in the dough, the pasta became mushier, as hypothesized. In terms of understanding, this experiment showed me that variables can have a dramatic significance on outcome. In order to further expand on the success of my experiment, I would use larger quantities of each batch, this would allow for me to change the egg more.
In what way(s) are cooking and doing science similar and in what way(s) are they different? How are a cook and a food scientist similar or different?
I consider cooking as a form of science. Cooking uses different ingredients, temperatures, and orders to come up with a certain outcome. Science looks at different variables that affect an outcome. For cooking, that is taste, and for science that may be different. In cooking, different ingredients will affect consistency and spices can affect the taste. Scientists, from my perspective, focus more on the process of their experiment while cooks will want to focus on the final product. As I said, I believe cooking is a form of science, but maybe not as what science is typically depicted to be. When something in a process is being changed and observed, I consider it a scientific experiment.
My experiment showed a variety of results from changing one variable, which I consider successful. Important characteristics of food are: taste, texture, smell, appearance. When I altered only a single variable, I found different results. It shows that the amount of eggs can drastically change the texture of pasta. Any experiment that represents a change of result due to change of an independent variable, is typically shown as successful. As I increased the amount of egg in the dough, the pasta became mushier, as hypothesized. In terms of understanding, this experiment showed me that variables can have a dramatic significance on outcome. In order to further expand on the success of my experiment, I would use larger quantities of each batch, this would allow for me to change the egg more.
In what way(s) are cooking and doing science similar and in what way(s) are they different? How are a cook and a food scientist similar or different?
I consider cooking as a form of science. Cooking uses different ingredients, temperatures, and orders to come up with a certain outcome. Science looks at different variables that affect an outcome. For cooking, that is taste, and for science that may be different. In cooking, different ingredients will affect consistency and spices can affect the taste. Scientists, from my perspective, focus more on the process of their experiment while cooks will want to focus on the final product. As I said, I believe cooking is a form of science, but maybe not as what science is typically depicted to be. When something in a process is being changed and observed, I consider it a scientific experiment.
SARS-CoV-2 Project: The Present and Future:
Reflection:
How can the lens of chemistry be used to inform societal practice and policy designed to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2?
Through the lens of chemistry, we are able to understand complex systems that we can not understand with the naked eye. With the use of our modern technology, we are able to take a look at the functions of small organisms, bacteria, etc. Responding to new viruses or contagious diseases is not a simple task, even for advanced scientists with access to these technologies. Through this pandemic, our world has had to carry the burden of dealing with the economy and the virus. Because of this, it is easy for false information to be spread or to have lack of information. This can be said for everyone; it is rare that the general public know detailed information about how the virus works. This is a large part of why this has become so controversial.
The detailed aspects of chemistry can show the true nature of COVID infects others. Though there are still topics being debated among scientists, we know that it can spread through certain contact between people. If more people were exposed to this information and research, they could understand the importance of the precautions that we take. Through personal experience, the people who disagree with mask wearing, shutting down businesses, and taking other measures are not aware of how these things work.
My project is based on this idea. Though it may not be as exciting or detailed as others, I wanted to design an informational paper that is basic enough for the general public to understand. Since I began research on my project, I have had conversations with people who do not take precautions properly and change their mind. For example, I went to the grocery store with a close friend and I noticed that they were not wearing her mask properly. I kindly pointed it out, but got a bitter response. He said that when he wore a mask, he was not getting enough oxygen, he was breathing in carbon dioxide, and that the mask he was wearing wouldn’t work anyways (surgical mask). After he made that remark, I went into detail about the process of filtration, the size comparison between oxygen molecules and the size of virus and droplets that they are transferred in. I felt very smart! After that we had a discussion on the topic where I was able to explain the process of finding vaccines, the three precautions, and why it works to help protect against the virus.
I have always been cautious about COVID, even before this project I tried to do extra research or inform myself of details. I believe that even if COVID may not be too dangerous for some, there is the risk of killing others and damaging families. Through my project, I have kept that same idea (that it is important to keep others out of harm's way), but now I am able to spread this information to others.
How did your knowledge of science grow through your work on the project?
As I mentioned previously, prior to this project I knew a little bit more than the average person about COVID-19, but I didn’t see it on the molecular level. Through assignments we did in class like, “Hand Hygiene: Soap and Sanitizer” I learned about the difference between different types of washing methods and how they react with breaking down and removing bacteria and viruses (such as COVID) into micelles. Even in one simple assignment, I gained way more in depth knowledge that anyone can receive on a normal basis. During my time analyzing different scientific studies, diagrams, and other informational pieces, I understand how COVID reacts with living cells, masks, and precautions.
What is also very important is the process of developing vaccines. In which, there are complex studies and rules that need to be followed. Like, the clinical trials, which I find the most interesting. During the stages of clinical trials, a certain number of people are given a vaccine that was developed in the pre-clinical trials and a placebo; which doesn't contain anything of the sort. I find this part the most interesting because in some cause the psychology of someone's brain can alter the effects of the placebo drug. When a vaccines is effective in these large clinical trials, it can moved to the next stage of access to the vaccine.
Before my research I thought these were important, but I didn’t understand how they world. Now, I understand advanced biological and chemical concepts related to not only COVID, but other bacteria and viruses. This also includes the process of developing and giving out vaccines.
This semester in Chemistry we focused on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 because of its obvious relevance to our lives. In doing this we studied some ideas that would traditionally be studied in biology class, some that would be found in a physics class and some that would be found in a chemistry class. We also read far more news articles and spent more time looking at scientific papers than is typical for a high school chemistry class. The trade-off is that we did not cover as much chemistry content as you would typically see in a chemistry class and we did not do it in an order that is most advantageous to learning chemistry. Please evaluate this pedagogical decision and state whether you believe the benefits of this method outweigh the downsides or not.
This is a very fair, thought out choice. I cannot imagine that it would be easy to set up resources and change the curriculum as you dude, but it still covered important aspects of different subjects. The benefits equalize this decision. In the midst of a pandemic, it is extremely important to be informed properly. I appreciate the fact that I got to be taught about it, while also learning about regular topics. We studied a very strong variety of topics that I believe support a normal chemistry education. Through doing an independent project, I think I learned more about the process of biochemical sciences than I would in class.
Through the lens of chemistry, we are able to understand complex systems that we can not understand with the naked eye. With the use of our modern technology, we are able to take a look at the functions of small organisms, bacteria, etc. Responding to new viruses or contagious diseases is not a simple task, even for advanced scientists with access to these technologies. Through this pandemic, our world has had to carry the burden of dealing with the economy and the virus. Because of this, it is easy for false information to be spread or to have lack of information. This can be said for everyone; it is rare that the general public know detailed information about how the virus works. This is a large part of why this has become so controversial.
The detailed aspects of chemistry can show the true nature of COVID infects others. Though there are still topics being debated among scientists, we know that it can spread through certain contact between people. If more people were exposed to this information and research, they could understand the importance of the precautions that we take. Through personal experience, the people who disagree with mask wearing, shutting down businesses, and taking other measures are not aware of how these things work.
My project is based on this idea. Though it may not be as exciting or detailed as others, I wanted to design an informational paper that is basic enough for the general public to understand. Since I began research on my project, I have had conversations with people who do not take precautions properly and change their mind. For example, I went to the grocery store with a close friend and I noticed that they were not wearing her mask properly. I kindly pointed it out, but got a bitter response. He said that when he wore a mask, he was not getting enough oxygen, he was breathing in carbon dioxide, and that the mask he was wearing wouldn’t work anyways (surgical mask). After he made that remark, I went into detail about the process of filtration, the size comparison between oxygen molecules and the size of virus and droplets that they are transferred in. I felt very smart! After that we had a discussion on the topic where I was able to explain the process of finding vaccines, the three precautions, and why it works to help protect against the virus.
I have always been cautious about COVID, even before this project I tried to do extra research or inform myself of details. I believe that even if COVID may not be too dangerous for some, there is the risk of killing others and damaging families. Through my project, I have kept that same idea (that it is important to keep others out of harm's way), but now I am able to spread this information to others.
How did your knowledge of science grow through your work on the project?
As I mentioned previously, prior to this project I knew a little bit more than the average person about COVID-19, but I didn’t see it on the molecular level. Through assignments we did in class like, “Hand Hygiene: Soap and Sanitizer” I learned about the difference between different types of washing methods and how they react with breaking down and removing bacteria and viruses (such as COVID) into micelles. Even in one simple assignment, I gained way more in depth knowledge that anyone can receive on a normal basis. During my time analyzing different scientific studies, diagrams, and other informational pieces, I understand how COVID reacts with living cells, masks, and precautions.
What is also very important is the process of developing vaccines. In which, there are complex studies and rules that need to be followed. Like, the clinical trials, which I find the most interesting. During the stages of clinical trials, a certain number of people are given a vaccine that was developed in the pre-clinical trials and a placebo; which doesn't contain anything of the sort. I find this part the most interesting because in some cause the psychology of someone's brain can alter the effects of the placebo drug. When a vaccines is effective in these large clinical trials, it can moved to the next stage of access to the vaccine.
Before my research I thought these were important, but I didn’t understand how they world. Now, I understand advanced biological and chemical concepts related to not only COVID, but other bacteria and viruses. This also includes the process of developing and giving out vaccines.
This semester in Chemistry we focused on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 because of its obvious relevance to our lives. In doing this we studied some ideas that would traditionally be studied in biology class, some that would be found in a physics class and some that would be found in a chemistry class. We also read far more news articles and spent more time looking at scientific papers than is typical for a high school chemistry class. The trade-off is that we did not cover as much chemistry content as you would typically see in a chemistry class and we did not do it in an order that is most advantageous to learning chemistry. Please evaluate this pedagogical decision and state whether you believe the benefits of this method outweigh the downsides or not.
This is a very fair, thought out choice. I cannot imagine that it would be easy to set up resources and change the curriculum as you dude, but it still covered important aspects of different subjects. The benefits equalize this decision. In the midst of a pandemic, it is extremely important to be informed properly. I appreciate the fact that I got to be taught about it, while also learning about regular topics. We studied a very strong variety of topics that I believe support a normal chemistry education. Through doing an independent project, I think I learned more about the process of biochemical sciences than I would in class.
Written Project:
The Future of SARS-CoV-2:
Introduction:
The Corona-Virus, what seemed to begin as something that shouldn’t be of concern quickly turned into a global pandemic within months. The spread of this infectious virus is surrounded by loads of conspiracy, and misinformation. Even those of us who participate in the precautions on a daily basis may not know the nature of SARS- CoV-2. Why do we take these precautions and how will they change the future? With news of vaccines and the economy trying to recover, how can we truly know what this pandemic will hold in the future?
In this, I will go in depth on the biochemical nature of the virus. My main goal is to pinpoint the most significant factors of COVID-19 in order to analyze predictions and make my own predictions on our lives following the CoronaVirus.
Guiding Questions:
-How has the virus affected our society from a scientific point of view?
-Why do we take the precautions that we do?
-What will the virus look like in a few months?
-How will it change us in the long run?
-What outcomes are most likely to occur?
-What is the biochemical nature of SARS-CoV-2?
- What is the relevant biochemistry for preventing or treating a COVID-19 infection from SARS-CoV-2?
-How can the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 be understood chemically?
- How can the lens of chemistry be used to inform societal practice and policy designed to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2
Part One: The Now:
Throughout history, human immunities have evolved, and so have our technologies. Our access to medical opportunity is incredible compared to even just a short time ago. It is fair to say that Coronavirus can be considered somewhat new in the face of science. An effective way of finding possible solutions or preventions can be started by comparing the corona virus to what we already know. It is commonly compared to influenza; another type of virus, but what does the biology actually look like? What similarities and differences are scientists seeing in their work?
What do we know now?
Coronavirus can be spread through humans, certain mammals, and even some of the avian family. Certain viruses will look different; coronavirus has protein spikes that surrounds the outside of the cell. These proteins latch onto the human cell and undergo a change that allows them to bond within the human cell. This is how one gets infected with Covid. The next question is, “where do we contract it from?”
Like other illnesses, the corona virus is carried via small droplets that are emitted from speaking, coughing, sneezing, breathing, etc. These droplets not only spread through close contact, but can last on certain surfaces for a certain amount of time- this includes clothes and skin. This is why certain precautions are recommended from professionals.
What do we hear and see everywhere we go? “Wash your hands, wear a mask, social distance.” These are the three most popular suggestions given by healthcare professionals, but how do each of these actually work?
Masks:
Mask wearing, the most controversial topic in regards to Coronavirus. Its effectiveness is constantly up for debate. One thing that is not typically included in the dabte (in normal society) is what types of material will be more effective. A popular argument is that a mask cannot protect against aerosols containing the virus. Another is that wearing a mask can affect the intake of air and is unhealthy. Filtration efficiency depends on the size of the droplets, air particles, the density/layer of fabric, and also the size of the gap between woven fabrics. Also, having a gap between the face and the mask can have a significant impact on efficiency.
A mask is created by efficiency by how it filters out particle sizes. As you can see, the average particle size of the contents of air and what we exhale can be easily filtered through a mask. They are much smaller than the virus and more importantly, the droplets that contain the infectious virus. Certain masks, like ones with silk layers, surgical masks, or ones with fabric of better efficiency will have a higher chance of preventing inhaling the virus. Maks that contain one, thin layer of low thread count will most likely not be very effective. No mask is 100% effective, but wearing one will reduce!
Hand Washing/ Disinfecting:
Washing hands has always been a common prevention of many illnesses. It is said that properly washing your hands for up to 20 seconds can kill approximately 90% and above of germs and bacteria that infest your hands and skin. Though, how can it be prevented against viruses like COVID-19.
When it comes to the structure of SARS-CoV-2, it is genetic material surrounded by oily lipids and protein spikes that allow the virus to attach to other cells. When soap, water, and this virus interact, the soap destroys the lipid envelope. There are two parts of a soap molecule, the hydrophobic tail and the hydrophilic head. The tail of the soap molecule penetrates the membrane surrounding the genetic material and breaks it apart. The leftover micelles that are a result of the broken virus are carried away by the soap.
Social Distancing:
In public, we are told to also practice social distancing. The CDC recommends at least 6 feet of space between each person. What is the reasoning behind this? Well, when we cough, talk, etc. we emit those aerosols that contain viruses. To a certain extent, they usually do not travel over 6 feet, hence the recommended amount of space. Though, it has been shown that a sneeze (without a mask) can spread droplets to 20 feet! Again, social distrancing is not 100% preventative, it can prevent physical transmission, and droplets that come from another person.
The Ultimate Combination:
There is no specific number that can show how effective each one of these precautions are. Though, in certain studies, we can see a commonality. The combination of two or more of these methods can create decline in the amount of cases shown over time. Although none of these can be 100% preventative, together they form the ultimate combination. Not just to flatten the increased curve of cases, but also other respiratory illnesses.
Sources (Part One):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16877062/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-020-00468-6
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/novel-coronavirus-structure-reveals-targets-vaccines-treatments#:~:text=Like%20other%20coronaviruses%2C%20SARS%2DCoV,fuse%20with%20the%20cell%20membrane.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252
https://www.tomsofmaine.com/good-matters/natural-products/how-does-hand-soap-work-kill-bacteria
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/The_handiwork_of_good_health
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/health/soap-coronavirus-handwashing-germs.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html#:~:text=Social%20distancing%2C%20also%20called%20%E2%80%9Cphysical,both%20indoor%20and%20outdoor%20spaces.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7471891/
Part Two: Predictions:
Now that we can understand the precautions we are and have been taking, we need to look forward. In the world, many people want to ignore the facts and the science to “fix” our falling economy. Many want to draw conclusions based on brief news. Lots of advancements have been made in terms of understanding how the virus works and how it is responding to certain vaccines.
What Predictions are being made by others?
Other scientists believe that those who are infected with the coronavirus develop immunity after antibodies to the virus, though it lasts less than a year. Many think that this will lead to annual inclines in cases through the year 2025. The idea of travel also comes into play. Most countries and nations are in completely different places. Some have not taken minimum precautions and some have close to 0 cases. Other factors circulate around business travel from country to country. With the continued allowance of international travel, the virus will not regress for longer than hoped.
Vaccines:
It is easier said than done when it comes to not only developing but releasing a vaccine to the general public; there are many complicated steps in the process. The vaccine must undergo a series of tests and is typically given the green light at over 50% efficiency. It must also be approved by different parties. Plus more authoritarian communities will have a harder time cooperating with vaccination or sharing.
A common misconception of a vaccination is that it will cure cases, when it will mostly just prevent the infection. Obviously, because of the immense pressure being placed on our shoulders, many are scrambling to create an effective treatment for the circus. A lot of development for vaccination for COVID-19 is somewhat proming. We have seen many approaches or achieve clinical trials. This is where groups of people are given the vaccine and “placebos'' vaccine that do not contain anything. After a certain period of time they can compare those two groups of people and contraction. Though, because the process is being rushed, we have seen errors in these trials. Some countries have considered emergency use and production. Though, the transportation of these vaccines can be extremely difficult. One of the more effective shots created, the vaccine by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees celsius. This is really cold and hard to maintain when transporting from one destination to another. Especially if it becomes internationally used.
Sources (Part Two):
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02278-5
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/prinvac.pdf
https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/types
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-exactly-where-were-at-with-vaccines-and-treatments-for-covid-19
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-exactly-where-were-at-with-vaccines-and-treatments-for-covid-19#Vaccine-development
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-why-vaccines-cold-freeze-pfizer-moderna#:~:text=Freezing%20RNA%2Dbased%20vaccines%20keeps,to%20keep%20the%20vaccine%20ultracold.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/pandemic-timeline-1918.htm
Part Three: My Predictions:
Each individual who has lived through this pandemic has received some kind of trouble that has resulted from the pandemic; whether that be by illness, socially, or economically. Through these experiences, I have seen an even bigger divide in politics, failure of economical support for those with limited access, death, fear, and many negative results. I can’t say that I am happy with the decision being made by our world leaders. We have come out from our homes, and we want to ignore COVID’s significance. Objective reality is rare, even with many studies being done, what we know and are able to learn is vague. What do I see next?
Even healthcare workers and scientists cannot make strong predictions on what is coming next for our world in relation to the CoronaVirus. Based on all the information I have retained through my hours of research, I believe there are two main, possible futures that I think to be the most plausible.
Situation One:
Situation Two:
Final Thoughts/ Conclusions:
These situations are my most educated guesses. They can be called too vague or general, but based on what I've learned about the structure of the virus, how it is transmitted, how we can prevent it, others predictions, adn current solutions that are being developed. There is a huge amount of wiggle room in terms of what can happen in the future, but with also considering the economic status and how our government has responded in the past, it is very likely that we see this virus last a long time, become more causal like influenza, or we see a minimal amount of surges.
I believe that the future all depends on our nearest steps. What will America do next? If we continue to overthrow science, we will see this major decline progress. Now knowing the very basic biology of masks, social distancing, and hygiene and their importance and knowing how they can shape the future, I hope that people can recognize that we need to slow down before we pick everything back up. The most important prediction that I can make is that this pandemic isn’t something that will magically go away like people believe. Even with basic knowledge, I hope others can find ways to take the right steps to lead us into the future.
Introduction:
The Corona-Virus, what seemed to begin as something that shouldn’t be of concern quickly turned into a global pandemic within months. The spread of this infectious virus is surrounded by loads of conspiracy, and misinformation. Even those of us who participate in the precautions on a daily basis may not know the nature of SARS- CoV-2. Why do we take these precautions and how will they change the future? With news of vaccines and the economy trying to recover, how can we truly know what this pandemic will hold in the future?
In this, I will go in depth on the biochemical nature of the virus. My main goal is to pinpoint the most significant factors of COVID-19 in order to analyze predictions and make my own predictions on our lives following the CoronaVirus.
Guiding Questions:
-How has the virus affected our society from a scientific point of view?
-Why do we take the precautions that we do?
-What will the virus look like in a few months?
-How will it change us in the long run?
-What outcomes are most likely to occur?
-What is the biochemical nature of SARS-CoV-2?
- What is the relevant biochemistry for preventing or treating a COVID-19 infection from SARS-CoV-2?
-How can the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 be understood chemically?
- How can the lens of chemistry be used to inform societal practice and policy designed to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2
Part One: The Now:
Throughout history, human immunities have evolved, and so have our technologies. Our access to medical opportunity is incredible compared to even just a short time ago. It is fair to say that Coronavirus can be considered somewhat new in the face of science. An effective way of finding possible solutions or preventions can be started by comparing the corona virus to what we already know. It is commonly compared to influenza; another type of virus, but what does the biology actually look like? What similarities and differences are scientists seeing in their work?
What do we know now?
Coronavirus can be spread through humans, certain mammals, and even some of the avian family. Certain viruses will look different; coronavirus has protein spikes that surrounds the outside of the cell. These proteins latch onto the human cell and undergo a change that allows them to bond within the human cell. This is how one gets infected with Covid. The next question is, “where do we contract it from?”
Like other illnesses, the corona virus is carried via small droplets that are emitted from speaking, coughing, sneezing, breathing, etc. These droplets not only spread through close contact, but can last on certain surfaces for a certain amount of time- this includes clothes and skin. This is why certain precautions are recommended from professionals.
What do we hear and see everywhere we go? “Wash your hands, wear a mask, social distance.” These are the three most popular suggestions given by healthcare professionals, but how do each of these actually work?
Masks:
Mask wearing, the most controversial topic in regards to Coronavirus. Its effectiveness is constantly up for debate. One thing that is not typically included in the dabte (in normal society) is what types of material will be more effective. A popular argument is that a mask cannot protect against aerosols containing the virus. Another is that wearing a mask can affect the intake of air and is unhealthy. Filtration efficiency depends on the size of the droplets, air particles, the density/layer of fabric, and also the size of the gap between woven fabrics. Also, having a gap between the face and the mask can have a significant impact on efficiency.
- The virion of a SARS- Cov-2 is approximately 49-201 nanometers in diameter. Though, the aerosol it is carried in can range around 5,000 nanometers; much larger.
- The average O2 molecule is .12 nanometers
- Carbon Dioxide molecules are .23 nanometers
- And, to put in perspective, a gap between the face and mask averages at around 6,300,000 nanometers!
A mask is created by efficiency by how it filters out particle sizes. As you can see, the average particle size of the contents of air and what we exhale can be easily filtered through a mask. They are much smaller than the virus and more importantly, the droplets that contain the infectious virus. Certain masks, like ones with silk layers, surgical masks, or ones with fabric of better efficiency will have a higher chance of preventing inhaling the virus. Maks that contain one, thin layer of low thread count will most likely not be very effective. No mask is 100% effective, but wearing one will reduce!
Hand Washing/ Disinfecting:
Washing hands has always been a common prevention of many illnesses. It is said that properly washing your hands for up to 20 seconds can kill approximately 90% and above of germs and bacteria that infest your hands and skin. Though, how can it be prevented against viruses like COVID-19.
When it comes to the structure of SARS-CoV-2, it is genetic material surrounded by oily lipids and protein spikes that allow the virus to attach to other cells. When soap, water, and this virus interact, the soap destroys the lipid envelope. There are two parts of a soap molecule, the hydrophobic tail and the hydrophilic head. The tail of the soap molecule penetrates the membrane surrounding the genetic material and breaks it apart. The leftover micelles that are a result of the broken virus are carried away by the soap.
Social Distancing:
In public, we are told to also practice social distancing. The CDC recommends at least 6 feet of space between each person. What is the reasoning behind this? Well, when we cough, talk, etc. we emit those aerosols that contain viruses. To a certain extent, they usually do not travel over 6 feet, hence the recommended amount of space. Though, it has been shown that a sneeze (without a mask) can spread droplets to 20 feet! Again, social distrancing is not 100% preventative, it can prevent physical transmission, and droplets that come from another person.
The Ultimate Combination:
There is no specific number that can show how effective each one of these precautions are. Though, in certain studies, we can see a commonality. The combination of two or more of these methods can create decline in the amount of cases shown over time. Although none of these can be 100% preventative, together they form the ultimate combination. Not just to flatten the increased curve of cases, but also other respiratory illnesses.
Sources (Part One):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16877062/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-020-00468-6
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/novel-coronavirus-structure-reveals-targets-vaccines-treatments#:~:text=Like%20other%20coronaviruses%2C%20SARS%2DCoV,fuse%20with%20the%20cell%20membrane.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252
https://www.tomsofmaine.com/good-matters/natural-products/how-does-hand-soap-work-kill-bacteria
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/The_handiwork_of_good_health
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/health/soap-coronavirus-handwashing-germs.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html#:~:text=Social%20distancing%2C%20also%20called%20%E2%80%9Cphysical,both%20indoor%20and%20outdoor%20spaces.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7471891/
Part Two: Predictions:
Now that we can understand the precautions we are and have been taking, we need to look forward. In the world, many people want to ignore the facts and the science to “fix” our falling economy. Many want to draw conclusions based on brief news. Lots of advancements have been made in terms of understanding how the virus works and how it is responding to certain vaccines.
What Predictions are being made by others?
Other scientists believe that those who are infected with the coronavirus develop immunity after antibodies to the virus, though it lasts less than a year. Many think that this will lead to annual inclines in cases through the year 2025. The idea of travel also comes into play. Most countries and nations are in completely different places. Some have not taken minimum precautions and some have close to 0 cases. Other factors circulate around business travel from country to country. With the continued allowance of international travel, the virus will not regress for longer than hoped.
Vaccines:
It is easier said than done when it comes to not only developing but releasing a vaccine to the general public; there are many complicated steps in the process. The vaccine must undergo a series of tests and is typically given the green light at over 50% efficiency. It must also be approved by different parties. Plus more authoritarian communities will have a harder time cooperating with vaccination or sharing.
A common misconception of a vaccination is that it will cure cases, when it will mostly just prevent the infection. Obviously, because of the immense pressure being placed on our shoulders, many are scrambling to create an effective treatment for the circus. A lot of development for vaccination for COVID-19 is somewhat proming. We have seen many approaches or achieve clinical trials. This is where groups of people are given the vaccine and “placebos'' vaccine that do not contain anything. After a certain period of time they can compare those two groups of people and contraction. Though, because the process is being rushed, we have seen errors in these trials. Some countries have considered emergency use and production. Though, the transportation of these vaccines can be extremely difficult. One of the more effective shots created, the vaccine by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees celsius. This is really cold and hard to maintain when transporting from one destination to another. Especially if it becomes internationally used.
Sources (Part Two):
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02278-5
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/prinvac.pdf
https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/types
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-exactly-where-were-at-with-vaccines-and-treatments-for-covid-19
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-exactly-where-were-at-with-vaccines-and-treatments-for-covid-19#Vaccine-development
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-why-vaccines-cold-freeze-pfizer-moderna#:~:text=Freezing%20RNA%2Dbased%20vaccines%20keeps,to%20keep%20the%20vaccine%20ultracold.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/pandemic-timeline-1918.htm
Part Three: My Predictions:
Each individual who has lived through this pandemic has received some kind of trouble that has resulted from the pandemic; whether that be by illness, socially, or economically. Through these experiences, I have seen an even bigger divide in politics, failure of economical support for those with limited access, death, fear, and many negative results. I can’t say that I am happy with the decision being made by our world leaders. We have come out from our homes, and we want to ignore COVID’s significance. Objective reality is rare, even with many studies being done, what we know and are able to learn is vague. What do I see next?
Even healthcare workers and scientists cannot make strong predictions on what is coming next for our world in relation to the CoronaVirus. Based on all the information I have retained through my hours of research, I believe there are two main, possible futures that I think to be the most plausible.
Situation One:
- High number of unnecessary travel in December/January
- Cases surge
- Vaccine development improves, more are in clinical trials
- Vaccine is released either for emergency or general use in 2021
- Two more surges with occur in the years 2021 and 2022
Situation Two:
- Cases surge due to unnecessary travel in December/January
- Another quarantine order is put in place during spring
- Much shorter than previous one in March
- Vaccine development reaches another error
- Current precautions will stay the same through the next year
- Another surge in cases occur
- Vaccine is developed
- We see spikes in cases through 2024
Final Thoughts/ Conclusions:
These situations are my most educated guesses. They can be called too vague or general, but based on what I've learned about the structure of the virus, how it is transmitted, how we can prevent it, others predictions, adn current solutions that are being developed. There is a huge amount of wiggle room in terms of what can happen in the future, but with also considering the economic status and how our government has responded in the past, it is very likely that we see this virus last a long time, become more causal like influenza, or we see a minimal amount of surges.
I believe that the future all depends on our nearest steps. What will America do next? If we continue to overthrow science, we will see this major decline progress. Now knowing the very basic biology of masks, social distancing, and hygiene and their importance and knowing how they can shape the future, I hope that people can recognize that we need to slow down before we pick everything back up. The most important prediction that I can make is that this pandemic isn’t something that will magically go away like people believe. Even with basic knowledge, I hope others can find ways to take the right steps to lead us into the future.