The Invisible Enemy: Understanding Viruses and Diagnostic Revolution - Christmas Lectures 2021

Explore the microscopic world of viruses in this captivating Christmas Lecture by epidemiologist Jonathan Van Tam. Delve into the nature of these invisible invaders, their impact on our bodies, and the revolutionary advancements in testing that are reshaping modern medicine. Join immunologist Katie Ewer and virologist Ravi Gupta as they unravel the complexities of viruses, from their basic structure to their role in human genetics. Discover the intricate workings of our immune system, including the functions of mucus, antibodies, B cells, and killer T cells. Learn about groundbreaking developments like the AstraZeneca vaccine and the mechanics behind PCR and lateral flow tests. This comprehensive 59-minute lecture, originally broadcast on BBC4, offers a fascinating journey through the invisible realm of viruses and their profound influence on human health and medical science.

Introduction
Viruses
What are viruses
Types of viruses
Whats inside a virus
Viruses on the boundary of life
The human genome
The cell factory
The coronavirus particle
Our immune system
Isaacs experiment
mucus
Marta
Snot
Antibodies
B cells
Antibody game
Sophia
Plasma Cell
Killer T Cells
The AstraZeneca Vaccine
PCR
How many PCR strands
Giant lateral flow test
How does a lateral flow test work
Why did we need a lateral flow test
How the lateral flow test works
A tour of force on diagnostics
Conclusion