There are over 100 potential coronavirus vaccines, according to the World Health Organization. Binghamton Philosophy Professor Nicole Hassoun weighed in on why governments and corporations should freely share their knowledge on COVID-19 to promote the public good. 

Hassoun says the best ways to protect ourselves is to protect everyone. 

"If we share our knowledge we can make the most progress and save the most lives without wasting valuable time," said Hassoun.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it is investigating China  hacking coronavirus research and treatments on Wednesday. 

"It's a serious problem, right. You don't want people trying to steal information. On the other hand, if we have a kind of openness and transparency in economic research, I think we can make the most progress," said Hassoun.

Hassoun says it would be best to come up with a global plan. She also says if companies are allowed to have patents on medications and make agreements with manufacturers during this time, it could slow down the process. 

"Rather than fighting over what we know and the resources we have, I think we make the most progress by sharing our technology, our ideas, our resources," said Hassoun. "And that international cooperation really can help save more lives.”