Science, Space and Technology News 2024
New genetic analysis methods have revealed 40 previously unknown viruses, showing how genetic exchanges among these can lead to significant changes in their behavior and increase their threat to human health. This breakthrough offers potential for both predicting and preventing future viral outbreaks.coronavirus — can trigger major epidemics: Viruses that nobody had on their radar. They are not really new, but they have changed genetically.
One discovery is particularly interesting with regard to the emergence of new viruses: In host animals that are simultaneously infected with different viruses, a recombination of viral genes can occur during virus replication. “Apparently, the nidoviruses we discovered in fish frequently exchange genetic material between different virus species, even across family boundaries,” says Stefan Seitz.
After gene exchange between nidoviruses, the spike protein with which the viruses dock onto their host cells often changes. Chris Lauber, first author of the study, was able to show this by means of family tree analyses. Modifying this anchor molecule can significantly change the properties of the viruses to their advantage — by increasing their infectiousness or enabling them to switch hosts.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Buzzing Discovery: European Scientists Uncover New Bee Species in an Unexpected PlaceScience, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »
Scientists Uncover Unique New 1D Superconducting StateScience, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »
Scientists uncover new molecular drivers of Alzheimer'sAt least 5.8 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, in part because scientists do not yet have a full understanding of what causes the disease.
Read more »
Scientists Uncover Surprising Efficiency of “Messy” SupercapacitorsScience, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »
Scientists Uncover Powerful Link Between Dietary Choices And Brain HealthEvolutionary ecologist and ornithologist as well as a science writer and journalist. I'm active on many social medias (linked here) and I curate my writing on Medium and Substack.
Read more »
Scientists Uncover How Saturated Fats Trigger Alzheimer’sScience, Space and Technology News 2024
Read more »