Researchers at Boston University assert that they have created a new COVID strain with an 80% mortality rate following a series of connected tests that were initially thought to have started the global epidemic in China.
The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories at Boston University are the subject of several false accusations, which the university is disputing (NEIDL). The sources asserted that scientists at the facility had “developed a new deadly COVID strain,” according to an article that debuted on Monday in the Daily Mail of the United Kingdom. In a statement released on Monday afternoon, BU referred to the reporting as “false and erroneous” and claimed that the research rendered the virus less harmful. This information was taken up by other outlets, including Fox News.
According to Fox News, the institution reported that the variation, a fusion of the Wuhan original virus and omicron, killed 80% of the infected mice. Mice displayed only modest effects when simply exposed to omicron.
A group of researchers from Florida and Boston carried out the study at the university’s National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories.
According to Fox News reports, they took the spike protein from omicron and linked it to the strain that was initially found at the start of the pandemic, which started in Wuhan, China. Then, we observed the mice’s reactions to the hybrid strain. They stated in a study, In mice, whereas Omicron induces mild, non-fatal infection, the Omicron S-carrying virus inflicts severe illness with a fatality rate of 80%.
The new strain has five times as many contagious virus particles than the omicron variety, according to researchers. The institution emphasised that the duplicated strain was less harmful than the original strain in a statement.
First off, this study is not gain-of-function research, which means it did not amplify or worsen the Washington state SARS-COV-2 virus strain. In reality, this study reduced the danger posed by virus replication The sentence was read. Second, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), which includes of scientists and representatives of the local community, reviewed and approved the research. The study was also given the go-ahead by the Boston Public Health Commission. Additionally, the results of this study replicate and support those of earlier, related studies carried out by other institutions, including the FDA. In the end, this research will assist the general population by producing more effective, tailored treatment solutions to help combat upcoming pandemics.
Fox News reports that COVID-19 was initially thought to have originated from a wet market in Wuhan, despite the fact that many people think the virus was created in the Wuhan Institute of Virology. For how it handled the crisis in its initial, most essential phases, the World Health Organization is now facing criticism. The omicron form is very contagious, even in those who have had all of the advised vaccines. The infectivity rates of the virus are regulated by the spike protein, according to research, while other structural changes to the virus govern its timeliness.. The breed of mice utilised in the study was one of its limitations because other breeds are more anthropomorphic.
