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As the novel coronavirus swept across the world and killed more than 1.5 million in the past year, it has mutated into several major groups, or strains, as it adapted to its human hosts https://reut.rs/3n9wHdJ via @ReutersGraphics 1/6
. @Reuters analyzed over 185,000 genome samples from the Global Initiative on Sharing All influenza Data, the largest database of novel coronavirus genome sequences in the world, to show how the global dominance of major strains has shifted over time 2/6
Tracking mutations
A mutation is a change in an organism’s genetic material. When a virus makes millions of copies of itself and moves from host to host, not every copy is identical. These small mutations accumulate as the virus is passed on – and copied again and again 3/6
A mutation is a change in an organism’s genetic material. When a virus makes millions of copies of itself and moves from host to host, not every copy is identical. These small mutations accumulate as the virus is passed on – and copied again and again 3/6
Shifting strains
Earlier in the pandemic, there was a diverse mixture of strains among the samples reported to GISAID. As countries began to close their borders, there were fewer new strains introduced. The analysis shows there are currently seven main strains of the virus 4/6
Earlier in the pandemic, there was a diverse mixture of strains among the samples reported to GISAID. As countries began to close their borders, there were fewer new strains introduced. The analysis shows there are currently seven main strains of the virus 4/6
Why mutations matter
Many are harmless but it’s virtually impossible for scientists to predict when and how a mutation can result in a strain of a virus that is more transmissible or impervious to proposed vaccines 5/6
Many are harmless but it’s virtually impossible for scientists to predict when and how a mutation can result in a strain of a virus that is more transmissible or impervious to proposed vaccines 5/6
Cautious optimism
A study by a group of scientists from several institutions including the University of Sheffield and Harvard University found that G strains might present an easier target for a vaccine because these strains have more spike proteins on their surface 6/6
A study by a group of scientists from several institutions including the University of Sheffield and Harvard University found that G strains might present an easier target for a vaccine because these strains have more spike proteins on their surface 6/6
