Genetic tracking scheme for viruses could warn of dangerous outbreaks

VIRUS samples from people in the UK with severe respiratory infections, such as flu and RSV, will be routinely tested by DNA sequencing. "Other than a small amount of genome sequencing in flu cases, there really isn't any routine genomic surveillance of these other viruses", says Harrison. [Extracted from the article] Copyright of New Scientist is the property of New Scientist Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The next covid-19 vaccines.

Global vaccine inequality, waning immunity and evolving variants mean jabs are still needed, but new ones are unlikely in 2023, says Michael Le Page.

Could vaccines end the pandemic?

Nasal vaccines may stem transmission, while universal ones could target proteins in every SARS-CoV-2 variant and even other coronaviruses, reports Michael Le Page.

The risks from covid-19 reinfection.

A study has found that people who catch the coronavirus two or three times go on to have higher rates of everything from heart disease to kidney disorders, reports Michael Le Page.

Monkeypox: Key questions answered.

Cases are rising worldwide, leaving some people anxious that the virus could evolve into a pandemic alongside covid-19. Michael Le Page addresses monkeypox's risks.

Should we worry about different variants of the coronavirus merging?

“Deltacron” variants of coronavirus pose a threat, finds Michael Le Page, but they aren't the worst-case scenario

The next big wave is coming.

Cases of covid-19 are climbing sharply again, and China in particular faces a potential disaster if it fails to contain its biggest outbreak since 2020, reports Michael Le Page.

Omicron hits Hong Kong

Covid-19 cases are soaring among largely unvaccinated older groups and hospitals are overwhelmed, reports Michael Le Page

Another flavour of omicron.

The BA.2 variant of the coronavirus is spreading fast, but it shouldn't cause another worldwide wave, says Michael Le Page.

Understanding omicron.

Studies are beginning to shed light on why omicron behaves so differently to other coronavirus variants, reports Michael Le Page.

What will happen this year?

Expect more viral evolution but reduced mortality, and some continuing restrictions, report Helen Thomson, Clare Wilson and Michael Le Page

Stopping coronavirus variants.

We failed to prevent the emergence of omicron, but there are things we can do to halt the evolution of more variants, reports Michael Le Page.

The virus will evolve further

More SARS-CoV-2 variants are inevitable. Michael Le Page reveals what to expect from them

New variant gains ground.

An offshoot of the delta coronavirus variant, known as AY.4.2, appears to be more transmissible, but not more dangerous, says Michael Le Page.