AS COVID-19 continues to spread its tentacles across the globe, some scientists are theorising that the virus, also dubbed as SARS-CoV-2, is mutating. Understanding these mutations, which are essentially small genetic changes or “errors” in the entire genome of a virus made up of 30,000 letters, is significant for the development and evaluation of new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines.
According to a study from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico (that has not yet been peer-reviewed), there exists a potentially more transmissible or contagious strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to a mutation to the spike protein (S protein)—that mediates virus entry into host cells—called D614G. As per the study, the mutation Spike D614G is of urgent concern. It began spreading in Europe in early February. When introduced to new regions, it rapidly became the dominant form. Although the observed diversity among the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic sequences is low, its rapid global spread provides the virus with ample opportunity for natural selection to act upon rare but favourable mutations.
Spike protein is the main target of antibodies, and many vaccines are developed based on it. Mutations in virus may hamper the protection induced by a vaccine based on one variant of the spike protein.
Denne historien er fra May 31, 2020-utgaven av THE WEEK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 31, 2020-utgaven av THE WEEK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Trump And The Crisis Of Liberalism
Although Donald Trump's election to a non-consecutive second term to the US presidency is not unprecedented—Grover Cleveland had done it in 1893—it is nevertheless a watershed moment.
What Will It Take To Clean Up Delhi Air?
IT IS ASKED, year after year, why Delhi’s air remains unbreathable despite several interventions to reduce pollution.
Men eye the woman's purse
A couple of months ago, I chanced upon a young 20-something man at my gym walking out with a women’s sling bag.
When trees hold hands
A filmmaker explores the human-nature connect through the living root bridges
Ms Gee & Gen Z
The vibrant Anuja Chauhan and her daughter Nayantara on the generational gap in romance writing
Vikram Seth-a suitable man
Our golden boy of literature was the star attraction at the recent Shillong Literary Festival in mysterious Meghalaya.
Superman bites the dust
When my granddaughter Kim was about three, I often took her to play in a nearby park.
OLD MAN AND THE SEA
Meet G. Govinda Menon, the 102-year-old engineer who had a key role in surveying the Vizhinjam coast in the 1940s, assessing its potential for an international port
Managing volatility: smarter equity choices in uncertain markets
THE INDIAN STOCK MARKET has delivered a strong 11 per cent CAGR over the past decade, with positive returns for eight straight years.
Investing in actively managed low-volatility portfolios keeps risks at bay
AFTER A ROARING bull market over the past year, equity markets in the recent months have gone into a correction mode as FIIs go on a selling spree. Volatility has risen and investment returns are hurt.
