There are more than 30,000 confirmed cases of Coronavirus around the world, but the number could much higher. Right now there’s a global race to produce a vaccine, as the death toll rises towards 700. Today’s podcast is about that effort.

Featuring contributions from the scientists leading the pack, this special episode explores where the virus came from in the first place - and the obstacles doctors will face before they can start human testing of a vaccine.

We also take a look at one unusual advantage scientists have against the virus, namely the 3,700 people trapped aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship moored off Japan. What started as a dream holiday has turned into a nightmare for thousands of passengers, but their ordeal may in fact help scientists understand the coronavirus more quickly.

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