Sunday, August 15, 2021

SciShow and Seeker on the Delta variant, a pandemic update

Today is Sunday, when I normally write about entertainment, but after posting Dave Chappelle's four Emmy nominations for 'SNL' and '8:46' yesterday, I am just not feeling it.* Instead, I'm sharing a pandemic update with two science videos. First, SciShow explains What You Need to Know About the Delta Variant.

Several COVID-19 variants are acting uniquely enough to qualify as a distinct strain. And you might have heard about one on the news: the Delta variant. Today we’re going to talk about what it is, why it’s here, and what you need to know about it.
SciShow uploaded this video last Friday, while Seeker uploaded Delta Variant: What You Need To Know on July 21, 2021, three-and-one-half weeks ago.

In recent months, the Delta variant has been linked to a resurgence of COVID infections and is on track to become the dominant variant worldwide. But what exactly sets this so-called super spreader variant apart from all the rest?
...
There's been a lot of potential variants of concern that have sprouted up around the world. And a lot of this is due to the fact that viruses mutate, that's what they do. But the big question is:

Are these mutations resulting in the virus being more problematic? So far, four of these have been identified as “variants of concern” by the World Health Organization: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta, which is the most recent addition to the list.

Together, these variants are shown to be either more contagious, more deadly, or more resistant to current treatments. But of the four, Delta is especially concerning. According to the WHO, it’s the “fastest and fittest” variant yet.
I don't think the three-week difference between the videos means the Seeker video is out of date. In fact, I'm planning on sharing both videos with one of my classes next month. Yes, the next semester is coming that soon. That's yet another reason I'm not feeling like researching and composing another long entertainment post. I have work to do.

*I plan on combining some science with thrills for an educational entertainment post tomorrow for National Roller Coaster Day. Stay tuned.

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