Now schools are being closed across the UK in response to the escalating coronavirus crisis. With many of us already facing self-isolation, it seems like more extreme measures, such as the lockdowns we’ve seen in other European countries, are just around the corner.

But how can you think positively about months of isolation? Dan in Southampton wrote to Life’s Big Questions, a series co-published with BBC Future, to ask exactly that. And a philosopher in lockdown in Piedmont, Italy, has answers. Having spent a lot of time thinking about what we can learn from the coronavirus pandemic, Silvia Panizza argues that isolation offers an opportunity for reflection and change. Her own view is that we need to start seeing ourselves as part of a larger system: planet Earth. This will ultimately allow us to think differently about what it means to be free and change our lives for the better.

Meanwhile, what of the origins of this coronavirus? A new genomic analysis, currently under review, suggests that SARS-CoV-2 could be the result of two separate viruses combining. The Conversation brings you research news and analysis by the academics themselves. But some media can misrepresent scientific studies. Now, new research reveals how you can spot inaccurate coverage.

And don’t forget there’s still awe and wonder in the world. Two entirely new shark species have just been discovered off the coast of East Africa.

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