Chinese scientists have discovered a new bat coronavirus that can enter human cells. This development has raised concerns of a new epidemic worldwide. The research team headed by Shi Zhengli, nicknamed ‘Batwoman’, made this dangerous discovery. This new virus, just like Covid-19, is able to bind to a human cell receptor called ACE2.
Scientists in China have discovered a new bat coronavirus that can enter human cells through the same route as the Covid-19 virus. This development has raised concerns of a new epidemic worldwide.
The research team headed by the Chinese scientist Shi Zhengli, nicknamed “Batwoman”, made this dangerous discovery. Shi Zhengli is known for his work at the Wuhan Institute, whose name was often heard at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. As it will be remembered, this institute had been on the agenda for a long time due to allegations that Covid-19 was caused by a laboratory leak.
Researchers in Guangzhou have found a new variant of a virus species that was first seen in bats in Hong Kong. This new virus, just like Covid-19, is able to bind to a human cell receptor called ACE2. This feature shows the potential for transmission of the virus from animals to humans.
This discovery comes just after the UK announced plans for large-scale exercises in preparation for a new global epidemic. The UK is accelerating its preparations against a possible new pandemic, having learned from the devastation caused by Covid-19.
The British government will train 4 thousand emergency workers a year in special training. These preparations, which will start in the autumn and will be the most comprehensive exercise in the country’s history, will also include tests of the emergency warning system spreading throughout the country.
Pat McFadden, Chairman of the Duchy of Lancaster in the UK, said: “We have to learn lessons from Covid-19. We don’t have the luxury of repeating the same mistakes. However, we should also remember that the threat we will face in the future may be different from Covid-19,”he explained.
These developments once again demonstrate the importance of being prepared for epidemics around the world. Experts emphasize that especially bat-borne viruses should be closely monitored.
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