After the Epidemiology tour we were shown across the hall to the Virology wing of the laboratory. Dr. Riley led us into a "level 2" lab with many expensive-looking machines. Unfortunately, no researchers were present, so we didn't get to see any high-tech machinery in action. She talked about the different processes in which samples were tested for various viruses, including a new technique that gives results in less than 24 hours, much quicker than the previous 21-day expectancy for a negative sample. The lab also had three "hood" systems, tables where any possibly infected air was pulled through a complex vent system to remove any viruses, and then dispersed the air back outside. Though this particular tour was short lived, our group learned a lot about the "secret life" of viruses, and how researchers handle these viruses for study.
Luke H.
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