Since the first reports of novel pneumonia (COVID-19) in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, there has been considerable discussion on the origin of the causative virus, SARS-CoV-23 (also referred to as HCoV-19).

Connor Sternberg had his first surgery before he breathed his first breath. Doctors worked to close a small hole at the base of his spine through which his spinal cord protruded, a severe form of a birth defect known as spina bifida. Although spina bifida is relatively common—affecting about one out of every 1,500 babies—this was no run-of-the-mill operation: Connor was still in his mother's womb.