We’re constantly reminded of Covid’s many downsides: job losses, deaths, loneliness and a general change in the way we live. But while you may not have noticed it, the pandemic has also brought some good to the world, according to The Atlantic. 

  1. It’s revolutionised vaccine development 

Scientists developed vaccines in record time, partly thanks to new mRNA technology. Once dismissed as a scientific idea, synthetic messenger RNA has proven to work. As the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention explains:

“To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.” It’s been rigorously tested and previously used so it’s safe. The new mRNA coding helped several pharmaceutical companies to manufacture vaccines for the first time – and could see us fast-track treatment of future diseases. 

  1. It’s made us more techno-savvy 

Before the pandemic, we didn’t think that big meetings, birthday parties and even court cases could be held online. Now all these virtual events are the order of the day. The other upside of using technology is that it has made public events and conferences more accessible, saving us travel time and money. Attending a posh gallery opening from across the country in our sweats, imbibing the wine of our choice? We’ll drink to that.

This article appeared as part of The Wrap, 8 April 2021. Sign up to receive our weekly updates.

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