Text Size:A- A+
New Delhi:New research is being initiated in various parts of the world to study the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that has so far killed 287,529 people and infected over 4,269,704 globally.
Here are some of the latest findings on the virus from teams across the world.
Scientists have found a bat coronavirus that is similar to the SARS-CoV-2. This finding can help understand how coronaviruses evolve naturally.
While researchers consider bats the most likely natural hosts for SARS-CoV-2, origin of the virus is still unclear.
In a study published in the Current Biology, researchers have described a recently identified bat coronavirus that has some regions of the genome similar to the SARS-CoV-2.
While the coronavirus, named RmYN02, is not a direct evolutionary precursor of SARS-CoV-2, the findings suggest that the seemingly unusual insertion of new genetic traits can occur naturally in coronavirus evolution.
Researchers also said that the study provides strong evidence against SARS-CoV-2 being a genetically-manipulated virus leaked from a laboratory.
The researchers identified RmYN02 from an analysis of 227 bat samples collected in Yunnan province of China, between May and October of 2019. RNA from the samples was sent for metagenomic next-generation sequencing in early January 2020, soon after the discovery of SARS-CoV-2.
A close genetic relative of SARS-CoV-2 is another virus, called RaTG13, which was previously identified on bats in the Yunnan province. However, RmYN02 is even more closely related to SARS-CoV-2 in some parts of the genome.
The researchers have noted that RmYN02 is not likely to infect human cells, as the region of the genome that helps the SAR-CoV-2 to bind with human cells is not similar.
Also read: Delhi HC says can challenge extended Covid quarantine, but asks people not to rush to courts
Scientists from the University of Kentucky in the US have launched a clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of azithromycin, ivermectin and camostat mesylate in fighting SARS-CoV-2.
The three drugs will be tested either as stand-alone therapies or in combination with the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine.
The team plans to scale up a larger clinical trial with the most promising therapies after data on this experiment is collected.
The trial will be conducted among patients who have not developed severe symptoms that would require progression to ICU care. Patients must also have at least one high-risk feature, including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, have an underlying heart condition, or be over the age of 50.
Participants who enroll in the trial will be randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: one group will receive hydroxychloroquine alone; a second group will receive hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin; a third group will receive hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin; and a fourth group will receive camostat mesylate.
Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug, while azithromycin is an antibiotic. Ivermectin is a medication used to treat many types of parasite infestations and camostat mesylate is used to treat pancreatitis.
An observational study of 48 children, teenagers and young adults in the US and Canada has shown that they can suffer from severe complications due to Covid-19, contrary to the earlier belief that younger populations were usually asymptomatic.
The study, published in the JAMA Pediatrics, is the first to describe the characteristics of seriously-ill pediatric Covid-19 patients in North America.
The study followed 48 patients from newborns to 21 years old who were admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the US and Canada for Covid-19 in March and April. A number of PICUs in the US were repurposed to the care of critically-ill adult patients with Covid-19.
Over 80 per cent had chronic underlying conditions, such as immune suppression, obesity, diabetes, seizures or chronic lung disease. Of these, 40 per cent depended on technological support due to developmental delays or genetic anomalies.
More than 20 per cent experienced failure of two or more organ systems due to Covid-19, and nearly 40 per cent required a breathing tube and ventilator. At the end of the follow-up period, nearly 33 per cent of the children were still hospitalised due to Covid-19, with three still requiring ventilator support and one on life support. Two of the children admitted during the three-week study period died.
The study provides a baseline understanding of the early disease burden of Covid-19 in pediatric patients, the researchers have said.
Also read: Air travel is gradually returning, but coronavirus complications remain
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing norms may be an added stress factor for pregnant women that can have a direct, lifelong effect on an unborn childs mental health, a study has found.
Published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, researchers in the study have identified prenatal stress factors experienced by pregnant women.
As much as there is anxiety during pregnancy in normal times, the on-going pandemic is an added stress factor asking expectant mothers to adapt to social distancing norms, the researchers have said.
The findings underscore the importance of providing interventions to reduce maternal depression, anxiety, or stress in the prenatal period.
Patients with Covid-19 can develop bowel abnormalities, including ischemia a condition in which blood flow gets reduced according to a new study published in Radiology.
Reports have documented that gastrointestinal symptoms, liver injury and vascular findings are common in Covid-19 patients. However, abdominal imaging findings have not yet been widely reported.
For this study, researchers included 412 patients consecutively admitted to a single quaternary care centre, from 27 March to 10 April, who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2.
The patients included 241 men (58.5 per cent) and 171 women (41.5 per cent), with an average age of 57 years. The team found that 17 patients had cross-sectional abdominal imaging, including 44 ultrasounds, 42 CT scans, and 1 MRI.
Bowel abnormalities were seen on 31 per cent of CT scans (3.2 per cent of all patients) and were more frequent in intensive care unit (ICU) patients than other in-patients.
Abnormalities included thickening of the bowel, as well as pneumatosis (gas in the bowel wall). Surgery in four patients revealed unusual yellow discoloration of bowel in three of the patients, and dead bowel in two patients.
The abnormalities were more common in sicker Covid-19 patients who went to the ICU.
Also read: Finding more plasma donors for Covid therapy isnt just science, its a demand-supply chain
ThePrint is now on Telegram. For the best reports & opinion on politics, governance and more, subscribe to ThePrint on Telegram.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Read this article:
Scientists identify new bat coronavirus that sheds light on how SARS-CoV-2 evolved - ThePrint
- 'Yes, Eddie Van Halen Was Anxious': Wolfgang Sheds Light On His Father's Controversial Decision For Van Halen - Ultimate Guitar - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Amazon Is Selling This $180 Metal Storage Shed for Only $80 Right Now, and It's 'Perfect' for Stashing Yard Tools - Men's Journal - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Firefighters swiftly contain maintenance shed blaze in Henderson - KSNV - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Italian researcher sheds light on the lasting psychiatric impact of childhood trauma - News-Medical - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- New glacier discovery sheds light on Earth's origins - MSN - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- UVA research sheds light on triggers of out-of-body experiences - Cville Right Now - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- New HoYoverse Listing Sheds Light on Next Game from Genshin Impact Developer - ComicBook.com - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- A tragic death; its aftermath that sheds light - The Long Island Advance - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- U.S. Smuggling Trial Sheds Light on Iranian Arms Trafficking - The Maritime Executive - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Circuit Clerks Office sheds light on a Scam that has been circulating via Text - Z93 Country - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- AI sheds light on bird collisions at offshore wind farms - group.vattenfall.com - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Unravelling the origins of cosmic rays: MSU research sheds light on century-old mystery - Innovation News Network - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Italian researcher sheds light on the lasting psychiatric impact of childhood trauma - MSN - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Discovery of Gpr45 gene activity in brain cilia sheds light on genetic roots of overeating - Medical Xpress - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- First named pterosaur from Japan sheds light on ancient flying reptiles - Phys.org - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Underwater Images of Coins Sheds Light on San Jos Galleon, the Holy Grail of Shipwrecks - GreekReporter.com - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Broward Sheriff report sheds new light on inmate fight that led to deputies arrests - Sun Sentinel - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Parents forced 3-year-old boy to live in dirty shed without electricity and running water for weeks, cops say - Law and Crime News - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Seminole County Fire Department: 9 dogs killed in a shed fire that spread to a kennel in Altamonte Springs - Headline Surfer - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- Will Neymar Stay at Santos? His Father Sheds Light on the Brazilian Stars Future - beIN SPORTS - June 12th, 2025 [June 12th, 2025]
- In the News: David Alexander Sheds Light on Social Pressures - Newsroom | University of St. Thomas - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Sunday Fire Causes Extensive Damage to Town of Herman Shed - whbl.com - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Genetic discovery sheds light on infection-triggered neuropathy - News-Medical - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Veteran sheds light on the importance of mental health research - VA News (.gov) - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Expos sheds light on shocking truth behind popular fashion brand's operations: 'We have no choice' - The Cool Down - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- The Fed sheds one of its three big threats - Financial Times - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Rafael Nadal sheds tears in emotional French Open ceremony with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray - Yahoo Sports - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- NBA Insider Sheds Light on 16-Year Veterans Future - Sports Illustrated - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Machine Gun Kelly sheds light on welcoming baby with Megan Fox - The News International - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Shopper sheds light on disturbing reality behind trendy thrift store model: 'The reality is hardly this simple or rosy' - The Cool Down - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- IBM Research Sheds New Light on AI Agents' Impact Across Org Structures, Business Functions - Cloud Wars - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Crews respond to early morning shed fire in York County - FOX43 - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- In a three-hour interview with Joe Rogan, Aaron Rodgers sheds no light on his football future - NBC Sports - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Rafael Nadal sheds tears as the 'big four' reunite for Spaniard's farewell party at his beloved Roland Garros - MSN - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- A new map of Africa sheds light on the origins of enslaved people - Science News Explores - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Kyle Richards Sheds New Light on Seeing Mauricio with That Woman: Very Intuitive - Bravo - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- US Man Addicted To Fast Food Sheds 124 Kg, Reveals Simple Hobby That Transformed His Life - NDTV - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Shed catches fire, billows thick smoke - WGAL - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- The Last Of Us Director Sheds New Light On The First Game's Ending - GameSpot - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- People warned to 'never' risk removing wasp nests from sheds themselves as they emerge this spring - Nottinghamshire Live - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Bill Belichick Sheds Light On Jordon Hudson's 'Business' Role With Him - Sports Illustrated - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Deion Sanders sheds tears of pride as Shilo defends Shedeur from hate in emotional family showdown - MotorcycleSports - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Walmart is selling a 'quality' $399 outdoor storage shed for $133, and shoppers say it's 'nice and spacious' - autoblog.com - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- OPINION: How President Raymonds Performance Before the U.S. House Committee Sheds a Concerning Light on the Haverford Community - haverfordclerk.com - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Sheds Citi Stake, Trims Other Big Bank Holdings - MSN - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- 'Fallout' Star Sheds Light on Show's Future With Big Admission - Men's Journal - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Rant and Rave: Reader sheds tears of joy over production of Jane Eyre - The Seattle Times - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sheds stoic approach as he leads Thunder to Game 7 win - Star-Herald - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- First study of its kind sheds light on pregnancy in the Viking Age - Phys.org - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- This Powerful Exhibit Sheds Light on 35 Years of Working Class Realities - The Phoblographer - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Changes to LL11 Aim to Benefit Boards & Building Owners - New Laws Move NYC Away from Sidewalk Sheds - Cooperator News New York - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- I shed two stone on weight-loss drugs then got Ozempic tongue - The Independent - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- What Is Surgical Body Contouring? Expert Sheds Insights On Trend Reshaping Fitness - Zee News - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Scientists discover Archaeopteryx fossil that sheds light on the first flight - The Economic Times - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Suspect caught naked with Vaseline inside a shed at Slidell Lowe's store, police report - The Daily Advertiser | Lafayette, Louisiana - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Essex crews stop shed fires spreading to homes in Loughton - BBC - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Fresh information in Netflix documentary sheds new light on the killing of Jason Corbett - The Irish Times - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Gold Drops Rs 3,750 This Week, Silver Sheds Rs 826 as Market Volatility Weighs on Bullion Prices - MSN - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Will Smith's friend sheds light on their friendship - Geo.tv - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Cassies first day on the witness stand sheds more light on freak-offs - TheGrio - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Texas mother finds her 2 kids dead in a shed. Police investigate. - mySA - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Marvel sheds new light on Death of Silver Surfer #1 - AIPT - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Shed old skin: Learn the Year of the Snakes power - FVS News - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Provo man charged with killing ex-girlfriend, hiding her bound body in shed - KSL.com - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Drew McIntyre Sheds Light On Massive Support He Has Received Behind-The-Scenes In WWE From The Rock - Wrestling Headlines - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) sheds 3.4% this week, as yearly returns fall more in line with earnings growth - Yahoo Finance - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- House of David sheds light on Jonathan's wife as viewers wonder what happened to her - The Mirror US - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- DOGE in the Dumps: Dogecoin Sheds Most of Its Post-Election Gains - Decrypt - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Your Gear Shed Doesn't Have to Look Pretty to Be Practical - Outside - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- UPDATED: Man arrested after body of missing Springville woman is found in Provo shed - Daily Herald - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Rare frescoes unearthed in Pompeii shed light on ancient rituals - Reuters - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- 53-year-old man arrested after missing woman's body found in Provo shed - FOX 13 News Utah - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- What to Know About Tax Filing As the IRS Sheds Workers - RealClearMarkets - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Joy Reid Sheds Tears On Her Firing While MSNBC Gets Major Backlash - The Root - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Theres a body in the shed: Missing woman found dead, 53-year-old man arrested - ABC4.com - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- An Antarctic mega-iceberg is driftingHow ancient ice history sheds light on its journey - Study Finds - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- New details: Permitted fire spreads out of control to two sheds, boat and pickup in Falmouth - CapeCod.com News - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Karrion Kross sheds his character to speak his mind, delivering a heartfelt message to WWE fans - The Times of India - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- New research sheds light on disturbing health trends observed around oil and gas wells: 'Important need for additional studies' - The Cool Down - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- 'The Traitors': Carolyn Wiger Sheds Light On Fiery Roundtable With Danielle Reyes & Where They Stand - Access Hollywood - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]