Science News Roundup: Omicron variant may have picked up a piece of common-cold virus
Following is a summary of current science news briefs.
Omicron variant may have picked up a piece of common-cold virus
The Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 likely acquired at least one of its mutations by picking up a snippet of genetic material from another virus - possibly one that causes the common cold - present in the same infected cells, according to researchers. This genetic sequence does not appear in any earlier versions of the coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, but is ubiquitous in many other viruses including those that cause the common cold, and also in the human genome, researchers said.
Also Read: U.S. imposes travel ban from eight African countries over Omicron variant
(With inputs from agencies.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Omicron