The COVID-19 Pandemic

This book provides an overview of the science and technology that helps us understand the trajectory, i.e., genomics, epidemiology, and health care of the COVID-19 pandemic, its virus, and pathogenicity. Topics that are covered include how the virus is impacting our health care system and the economy. Simulation modeling used to predict the spread of the virus and risk of infection in America and globally is included, as well as the critical role of communication in pandemic response. An important focus is synthetic biology, notably employed in the development and production of effective diagnostics that can be rapidly deployed and development of vaccines in unlimited quantity. US and global production of vaccine is discussed. Most importantly, treatment of patients infected with the virus that includes telemedicine and virtual reality for remote intensive care settings is a significant aspect of the discussion. Biotechnology plays a major role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and advances utilized in the engineering sciences are introduced.