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First image of Omicron shows many more mutations than Delta variant

The new COVID variant Omicron has many more mutations than the Delta variant, according to a first “image” of this new variant initially detected in South Africa, produced and published by the prestigious Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome.

On the three-dimensional “image,” which looks like a map, “we can clearly see that the Omicron variant presents many more mutations than the Delta variant, concentrated above all in one area of the protein that interacts with human cells”, the team of researchers said in a statement Sunday.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

“This does not automatically mean that these variations are more dangerous, just that the virus has further adapted to the human species by generating another variant,” the researchers said.

“Other studies will tell us if this adaptation is neutral, less dangerous or more dangerous,” they added.

The research team focused on the search for mutations in “the three-dimensional structure of the spike protein”, Claudia Alteri, professor of clinical microbiology at Milan State University and a researcher at Bambino Gesu, told AFP.

The image was produced “from the study of the sequences of this new variant made available to the scientific community” coming mainly “from Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong.”

“This image, which represents a map of all the variations, describes the mutations of Omicron but does not define its role,” she said.

“It will now be important to define through laboratory experiments whether the combination of these mutations can have an impact on transmission or on the effectiveness of vaccines, for example,” she added.

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International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice

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Menstrual Hygiene Day: Putting an end to period poverty

Fatoumatta Fatty’s commute on an old, malfunctioning wheelchair takes up to two hours during rainy season in The Gambia, but she is happy joining her co-workers at a sanitary pad production centre, where she takes pride in making products that help women overcome “period poverty” across the country.

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Health

First image of Omicron shows many more mutations than Delta variant

The new COVID variant Omicron has many more mutations than the Delta variant, according to a first “image” of this new variant initially detected in South Africa, produced and published by the prestigious Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome.

On the three-dimensional “image,” which looks like a map, “we can clearly see that the Omicron variant presents many more mutations than the Delta variant, concentrated above all in one area of the protein that interacts with human cells”, the team of researchers said in a statement Sunday.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

“This does not automatically mean that these variations are more dangerous, just that the virus has further adapted to the human species by generating another variant,” the researchers said.

“Other studies will tell us if this adaptation is neutral, less dangerous or more dangerous,” they added.

The research team focused on the search for mutations in “the three-dimensional structure of the spike protein”, Claudia Alteri, professor of clinical microbiology at Milan State University and a researcher at Bambino Gesu, told AFP.

The image was produced “from the study of the sequences of this new variant made available to the scientific community” coming mainly “from Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong.”

“This image, which represents a map of all the variations, describes the mutations of Omicron but does not define its role,” she said.

“It will now be important to define through laboratory experiments whether the combination of these mutations can have an impact on transmission or on the effectiveness of vaccines, for example,” she added.

Read more:

Morocco halts incoming passenger flights for two weeks over Omicron variant

Saudi Arabia suspends flights to and from seven southern African states over COVID

Israel closes borders to all foreigners over COVID-19 Omicron variant

COVID-19 variant Omicron brings back travel curbs worldwide: All you need to know

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health

International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice

Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have served at UN field missions across the world. Their contributions are being highlighted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed on Monday.

Continue Reading

Health

UN agencies warn of rising hunger risk in 18 ‘hotspots’

Hunger is set to worsen in 18 “hotspots” worldwide including Sudan, where fighting is putting people at risk of starvation, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned in a report published on Monday.

Continue Reading

Health

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Putting an end to period poverty

Fatoumatta Fatty’s commute on an old, malfunctioning wheelchair takes up to two hours during rainy season in The Gambia, but she is happy joining her co-workers at a sanitary pad production centre, where she takes pride in making products that help women overcome “period poverty” across the country.

Continue Reading

Trending