New Studies Suggest COVID-19 Evolves Naturally: Report
Faizan Hashmi Published March 04, 2021 | 04:46 PM
New studies have suggested that COVID-19 evolved naturally and is far more widespread than previously believed
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2021 ) :New studies have suggested that COVID-19 evolved naturally and is far more widespread than previously believed.
"At least four recent studies have identified coronaviruses closely related to the pandemic strain in bats and pangolins in Southeast Asia and Japan, a sign that these pathogens are more widespread than previously known and that there was ample opportunity for the virus to evolve," The Wall Street Journal said.
Another study has found that a change in one amino acid -- an organic compound to form proteins -- on the spike protein of the virus can allow the virus to infect human cells, the newspaper added.
"These latest pieces of research add to evidence that the virus, called SARS-CoV-2, likely originated in bats and then evolved naturally to infect humans, possibly through an intermediary animal," it said.
The studies also make clear why a team of experts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) who finished their field study in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last month urged looking further afield for data and evidence in other countries, China news service reported.
The WHO expert team, comprising experts from Australia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Britain, the United States and Vietnam, arrived in China's Wuhan on Jan. 14 to work with Chinese scientists on origin-tracing of the novel coronavirus.
In early February, the international team concluded their month-long research and presented their initial findings at a press conference in China, ruling out the hypothesis that the virus escaped from a laboratory, and calling for science-based approaches.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan Day Reception in Pakistan Embassy Abu Dhabi
LHC sets aside ECP's notice on vote recount plea in NA-79
New pulses varieties imperative to cater domestic food requirements: Dr Khalid H ..
ASI suspended for manhandling mobile snatcher
Addit’l FS receives journalists from UAE, KSA
Literary activities continue in book fair by ICT admin
Russia, Ukraine to exchange displaced children after rare talks
MNAs for favorable wheat procurement terms to benefit farmers
Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 WC 2024 ambassador
Raja Qamar, Chairman RBISE visit Intermediate exam centers, review arrangements
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique assures action after DHQ Gujrat in ..
LHC sets aside notice issued by ECP on vote recount plea in NA-133
More Stories From Health
-
Vaccines save at least 154 million lives in 50 years: WHO
4 hours ago -
UHS to issue MBBS degrees within three months after final result
7 hours ago -
Rawalpindi woman gives birth to six babies
5 days ago -
DC calls for intensive anti-polio drive in ICT
6 days ago -
World Hemophilia Day observed to underscore importance of providing comprehensive care
7 days ago -
Six in a family with heart on the 'right side'
7 days ago
-
Diabetic disease increasing rapidly : Dr. Noor Elahi Memon
7 days ago -
World Hemophilia Day observed
7 days ago -
ATC dismisses bail petition of doctor involved in illegal kidneys transplant
15 days ago -
Dr. Shehzad warns against deviation from WHO guidelines on anti-smoking
15 days ago -
Health activists express concerns over attempts to derail tobacco control
17 days ago -
UHS declares MBBS first prof, MS urology exam results
26 days ago