Scientists who work in the field are wondering how their research will be affected by the shutdowns put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, Undark reports.
It notes that while many workers have been told to work from home, that's not possible for, say, marine biologists like the University of Rhode Island's Bethany Jenkins, who studies ocean ecosystems. Her research trip this spring was cancelled, according to Undark. Such cancellations, it adds, may not only lead researchers to miss out on key observations, but, as studies are delayed, may also affect the careers of students and junior researchers as well as grant funding.
But many researchers say that these interruptions, though disappointing, are necessary to protect people's health and lives, Undark adds. "We're really hoping that this passes, as I'm sure the rest of the world is, so we can get back out there," Wildlife Conservation Society's Emily Darling tells it. "But this is a fast-moving crisis, and we need to take care of people first."