A “Science Café” meeting was held on January 27th, 2020 at Faculty of Science, Mahidol University to discuss the corona virus outbreak which is now the center of public attention worldwide. Originated in Wuhan City of Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China, the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or Wuhan virus) has spread across 19 countries and territories worldwide, with over 6,152 confirmed cases and 132 deaths as of January 29th, 2020, since its emergence about 1 month ago. In Thailand, 14 cases have been confirmed, and maximum health alert has been implemented countrywide.
The discussion was led by Associate Professor Dr. Arunee Thitithanyanont M.D., a lecturer from the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, a virologist specialized in molecular epidemiology and evolution of virus, Dr.Anan Jongkaewwattana Ph.D., Veterinary Health Innovation and Management Research Group, The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and Dr.Rapeephan R. Maude, M.D., M.Sc., DTM&H, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. The discussion from our panel enlightened us on the vital information regarding ‘Coronavirus’, spanning the fundamental science behind the virus to its translation in a clinical setting. This better equipped the community with an understanding of living and coping with a pandemic disease in hope to combat it in the future.
Sethavudh Kaewviset
International Cooperation Office &
Simran Venkatraman, Molecular Medicine Program
Reviewed by Associate Professor Dr.Rutaiwan Tohtong
Deputy Dean for Corporate Commutation
SC Webmaster Team
