The omicron variant stands out from many of the other versions of the virus that causes Covid-19. Its genetic lineage is fairly unique with no known predecessor, raising the question of where it came from. Omicron’s unique combination of mutations also seem to enhance its transmissibility.
Vaccine optimism
A number of officials have expressed optimism that the world will have a Covid-19 vaccine in record time. By some estimations, it could be as soon as the end of the year. I asked several researchers whether this optimism is warranted and what could still derail the effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine.