Michael Lai (賴明詔), a noted US-based coronavirus expert who has assisted in Taiwan's campaign against SARS, is scheduled to assume the post of vice president of Academia Sinica today.
Lai, 61, a Taiwan-born professor at the University of Southern California who concurrently heads a World Health Organization (WHO) coronavirus research team, is replacing Sunney Chan (
Lai, who has dedicated himself to coronavirus research for some 30 years, is known worldwide as "the father of coronavirus research." Currently a professor with the University of Southern California, Medical Branch, Lai's books have been used as major textbooks on the coronavirus in most medical schools in the US.
Graduated from National Taiwan University, Lai obtained his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, with majors in virology and molecular biology.
As the coronavirus is the pathogen that causes SARS, Lai returned to Taiwan in early May to investigate the outbreaks of the pneumonia-like disease that sickened more than 8,000 people worldwide and has claimed 810 lives. Taiwan has been gripped by the mysterious, contagious disease since mid-March.
During his stay, Lai cooperated with an Academia Sinica SARS research team in developing vaccines and drugs for SARS patients.
Lai said shortly after his arrival in Taipei that there is no effective cure or preventive measures for SARS at the moment.
"Quarantine is the only way to contain its spread right now, " he said.
After assuming his post as vice president of Academia Sinica, Lai is expected to head, supervise and coordinate the institute's genosome and life sciences research.
Academia Sinica, headed by Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲), will host a news conference July 23 to formally introduce Lai to the country.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Taiwan Travelogue (臺灣漫遊錄), which earlier this week became the first Taiwanese novel to win the International Booker Prize, is to be adapted into a television series through a Taiwan-Japan coproduction, producer Chang Chen-yu (張辰漁) said yesterday. Chang, a producer at World Softest Production Film Co, wrote on Facebook that the company had been searching for projects with international appeal that retain a strong Taiwanese identity after colleagues and Japanese partners strongly recommended the novel. After reading the book, Chang said he immediately decided to pursue the screen rights. “A great story has the power to transcend time and borders, and connect countless people,”
RSS