Shi Zhengli, the virologist at the center of COVID lab-leak theory, reveals coronavirus sequences from the Wuhan institute
in China, the virologist at the centre of the claims has presented data on dozens of new coronaviruses collected from bats in southern China. At a conference in Japan this week, Shi Zhengli, a specialist on bat coronaviruses, reported that none of the viruses stored in her freezers are the most recent ancestors of the virus SARS-CoV-2.
The latest analysis, which has not been peer reviewed, includes data from the whole genomes of 56 new betacoronaviruses, the broad group to which SARS-CoV-2 belongs, as well as some partial sequences. All the viruses were collected between 2004 and 2021. The results support her assertion that the WIV lab did not have any bat-derived sequences from viruses that were more closely related to SARS-CoV-2 than were any already described in scientific papers, says Jonathan Pekar, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Edinburgh, UK. “This just validates what she was saying: that she did not have anything extremely closely related, as we’ve seen in the years since,” he says.
Over the years, the collaboration between Shi and Daszak collected more than 15,000 swabs from bats in the region. The team tested these for coronaviruses, and re-sequenced the genomes of those that tested positive. The collection expands the known diversity of coronaviruses. “She found sequences that can at the very least provide more context to our understanding of coronaviruses,” says Pekar.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
COVID 'most likely' leaked from Wuhan lab, social distancing 'not based on science,' select committee findsThe Congressional Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic released its final 520-page report on Monday, revealing details the origin of the virus.
Read more »
House Republicans' COVID-19 report points finger at Wuhan lab, FauciRooted in fact-based, transparent reporting, Newsy is an award-winning opinion-free network owned by the E.W. Scripps Company that is relentlessly focused on “the why” of every story and seeks to enable a more intimate and immersive understanding of the issues that matter.
Read more »
House panel concludes COVID likely leaked from lab — following Trump vow to make China pay 'reparations'Today's Video Headlines: 12/03/24
Read more »
Kraven the Hunter Video Previews Marvel Movie’s R-Rated Fight SequencesThe Kraven the Hunter video has officially dropped for the upcoming Marvel movie starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Read more »
Citi breaks down 4 sequences of Trump tradesCiti breaks down 4 sequences of Trump trades
Read more »
10 Coolest Time Travel Sequences In Movies & TVDoc and Marty looking off-screen in Back to the Future
Read more »