SensNews May 2020

7 Sensor100 2020 While infections were historically an important factor in early death rates, with the eradication of diseases like smallpox, measles and polio, longer lifetimes result in degenerative diseases becoming the major factor in death among the elderly. Hopefully the Covid-19 pandemic will turn out to be a short-term blip to continued improvements in life expectancy. Last month we reported a number of efforts to develop rapid tests for both active coronavirus and the antigens it causes. Some of this work is continuing, but the reality is that the bulk of the test market has inevitably gone to the major players: Roche Diagnostics, Abbott, Cepheid and Sie- mens. Cambridge Innovation Institute are offering a free webinar | Labo- ratory Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: Review of Testing Methodologies on June 2, 2020. Meanwhile the current focus of activity is on gradual release of the lock- down, while cautiously watching R(t) and the possible emergence of a sec- ond peak. Test, track and trace is the strategy being pursued in the UK . Longer term, the only real solution will be a vaccine, and a number of he- roic development efforts are underway. We possibly don't know enough about this virus to know if these efforts will be successful - remember no one has developed a vaccine to the common cold. And on that cheerful note, stay well.