Covid lockdowns, such as school closures, canceled sports activities and stay-at-home orders, prematurely aged teen brains by as much as four years, researchers from the University of Washington found. Watch in for more details!

Isolation during the Pandemic accelerated brain aging in teens

#Gravitas | For a long time, we have been asking when the next pandemic will come, where it will come from, and if it will be from China again. Will yet another global health crisis emerge from China, the birthplace of the COVID pandemic? A new study is raising alarm bells about the danger of viruses in fur farms across China. They have found a dangerous new bat coronavirus, as well as dozens of new "high-risk" viruses in animals - viruses that can cross over to humans.

Next Covid From China: Killer Virus Found in Chinese Fur Farms

China's fur-farmed animals are hosting a range of viruses, and some of them also show a high risk of crossing over to humans, new research has revealed. The study published in the journal Nature states that there are dozens of viruses on these farms, including 36 previously unknown ones.

These viruses are circulating among animals such as minks, rabbits, foxes and raccoon dogs.

"For viruses, these are good conditions, as having multiple opportunities to infect many individuals in various host species can help a virus to evolve and jump to a new species. Following adaptation, one of those new species the virus jumps into might be humans," study co-author John Pettersson of Uppsala University, Sweden, told Newsweek.

Researchers took lung and intestine samples from 461 animals that died across China between 2021 and 2024 and conducted a genetic analysis. 412 of these animals were from fur farms.

They discovered a whopping 125 viruses in these samples. Of these, 36 were novel and 39 presented a "high risk" of jumping between species, including humans.&nbsp;Thirteen of the high-risk viruses are entirely new.

The discovered viruses included several types of bird flu found in guinea pigs, minks and muskrats. The researchers also came across seven types of coronaviruses. However, none of them were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

<h2>Viruses that jump from animals to humans</h2>

They also found paramyxoviruses linked to causing measles and mumps in humans. This family of viruses can easily cross from species to species.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/california-is-seeing-the-return-of-a-wild-animal-after-100-years-weve-been-invaded-756020">California is seeing the return of a wild animal after 100 years. 'We’ve been invaded'</a>

Pettersson said that the reason why some viruses can easily make the jump from one species to another is not fully clear. It depends on various factors, such as evolutionary rate, host-virus evolution and more, he told Newsweek.

"We need more studies to have a better understanding of virus-host jumps," he said.

Another startling discovery was the presence of &nbsp;11 zoonotic viruses, ones that have already been seen in humans. These included hepatitis E and Japanese encephalitis.

Raccoon dogs carry the maximum number of potentially high-risk viruses at 10. They are native to East Asia and look like small foxes.

Notably, previous research has warned against the risks of fur farming, as it is linked to viral cross-species transmission.&nbsp;

China's fur-farmed animals are hosting a range of viruses, and some of them also show a high risk of crossing over to humans, new research has revealed. The study published in the journal Nature states that there are dozens of viruses on these farms, including 36 previously unknown ones.

China's fur-farmed animals are hosting a range of viruses, and some of them also show a high risk of crossing over to humans, new research has revealed. The study published in the journal Nature states that there are dozens of viruses on these farms, including 36 previously unknown ones. These viruses are circulating among animals such as minks, rabbits, foxes and raccoon dogs. "For viruses, these are good conditions, as having multiple opportunities to infect many individuals in various host species can help a virus to evolve and jump to a new species. Following adaptation, one of those new species the virus jumps into might be humans," study co-author John Pettersson of Uppsala University, Sweden, told Newsweek. Researchers took lung and intestine samples from 461 animals that died across China between 2021 and 2024 and conducted a genetic analysis. 412 of these animals were from fur farms. They discovered a whopping 125 viruses in these samples. Of these, 36 were novel and 39 presented a "high risk" of jumping between species, including humans. Thirteen of the high-risk viruses are entirely new. The discovered viruses included several types of bird flu found in guinea pigs, minks and muskrats. The researchers also came across seven types of coronaviruses. However, none of them were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Viruses that jump from animals to humans They also found paramyxoviruses linked to causing measles and mumps in humans. This family of viruses can easily cross from species to species. Also Read: California is seeing the return of a wild animal after 100 years. 'We’ve been invaded' Pettersson said that the reason why some viruses can easily make the jump from one species to another is not fully clear. It depends on various factors, such as evolutionary rate, host-virus evolution and more, he told Newsweek. "We need more studies to have a better understanding of virus-host jumps," he said. Another startling discovery was the presence of 11 zoonotic viruses, ones that have already been seen in humans. These included hepatitis E and Japanese encephalitis. Raccoon dogs carry the maximum number of potentially high-risk viruses at 10. They are native to East Asia and look like small foxes. Notably, previous research has warned against the risks of fur farming, as it is linked to viral cross-species transmission.

Pandemic scare! 125 viruses found lurking in China's fur farms; several new and high risk

A new, nasally administered Covid vaccine candidate could be a game changer as it offers broad protection against the deadly virus and its variants, while also vaccinating those who are averse to needles, its developers have said.

Administered through the nasal passage, the dose has been licensed to the vaccine maker, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, and is expected to go into clinical trials soon.

The dose, called CDO-7N-1, is an intranasal live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which uses a method known as codon deoptimisation.&nbsp;

Watch: What reasons did AstraZeneca give while withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine globally?

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With just one shot, CDO-7N-1 was found to induce robust immune response in mice, hamsters and macaques, said its developers, who published their findings in Nature Communications journal on Monday (Aug 26).

The lab test animals were protected from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as its variants like beta, delta and omicron XBB.1.5, said the researchers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-faces-rising-claims-for-covid-19-vaccine-damages-over-14000-seek-compensation-751001">Also read: UK faces rising claims for COVID-19 vaccine damages; over 14,000 seek compensation</a>

“This is a live attenuated intranasal vaccine, inducing potential mucosal immunity as well as systemic immunity with just a single dose,” said Prof &nbsp;Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, who has been working on the vaccine for four years.

“The vaccine induces strong memory responses in the nasal mucosa, offering long-term protection for up to a year or more. It’s been designed to be administered as single dose, ideally as a booster vaccine, as a safe alternative to needles with no adverse reactions in the short or long term,” he said.

This is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains the entire virus, thereby providing broad immunity, in contrast to a single antigen, which is used in many other vaccine platforms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plea-filed-in-indias-top-court-seeking-investigation-into-covishield-side-effects-717027">Also read: Plea filed in India’s top court seeking investigation into Covid vaccine Covishield's side effects</a>

The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern, and has neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-1, said Dr Xiang Liu, the lead author of the study, adding it protects against transmission, prevents reinfection and the spread of the virus, while also reducing the generation of new variants.

“Unlike the mRNA vaccine, which targets only the spike protein, CDO-7N-1 induces immunity to all major SARS-CoV-2 proteins and is highly effective against all major variants to date," said Liu.

“Importantly, the vaccine remains stable at 4°C for seven months, making it ideal for low- and middle-income countries.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A new, nasally administered Covid vaccine candidate could be a game changer as it offers broad protection against the deadly virus and its variants, while also vaccinating those who are averse to needles, its developers have said.

A new, nasally administered Covid vaccine candidate could be a game changer as it offers broad protection against the deadly virus and its variants, while also vaccinating those who are averse to needles, its developers have said. Administered through the nasal passage, the dose has been licensed to the vaccine maker, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, and is expected to go into clinical trials soon. The dose, called CDO-7N-1, is an intranasal live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which uses a method known as codon deoptimisation. Watch: What reasons did AstraZeneca give while withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine globally? × With just one shot, CDO-7N-1 was found to induce robust immune response in mice, hamsters and macaques, said its developers, who published their findings in Nature Communications journal on Monday (Aug 26). The lab test animals were protected from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as its variants like beta, delta and omicron XBB.1.5, said the researchers. Also read: UK faces rising claims for COVID-19 vaccine damages; over 14,000 seek compensation “This is a live attenuated intranasal vaccine, inducing potential mucosal immunity as well as systemic immunity with just a single dose,” said Prof Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, who has been working on the vaccine for four years. “The vaccine induces strong memory responses in the nasal mucosa, offering long-term protection for up to a year or more. It’s been designed to be administered as single dose, ideally as a booster vaccine, as a safe alternative to needles with no adverse reactions in the short or long term,” he said. This is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains the entire virus, thereby providing broad immunity, in contrast to a single antigen, which is used in many other vaccine platforms. Also read: Plea filed in India’s top court seeking investigation into Covid vaccine Covishield's side effects The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern, and has neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-1, said Dr Xiang Liu, the lead author of the study, adding it protects against transmission, prevents reinfection and the spread of the virus, while also reducing the generation of new variants. “Unlike the mRNA vaccine, which targets only the spike protein, CDO-7N-1 induces immunity to all major SARS-CoV-2 proteins and is highly effective against all major variants to date," said Liu. “Importantly, the vaccine remains stable at 4°C for seven months, making it ideal for low- and middle-income countries.” (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccine: Single-dose nasal drop protects against virus and variants, can be a gamechanger

The United States is experiencing its worst summer Covid wave in more than two years, leading to increased infections and hospital visits. The wastewater dashboard of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that viral activity levels in the wastewater have hit the highest since July 2022. The wastewater activity surged to 8.82 on August 10, slightly less than the highest ever recorded in July 2022 at 9.56.

As per US media reports, new vaccines targeting the latest virus variant KP.2 may hit the markets as early as September, subject to approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

<h2>Hospitalisation rate increases</h2>

The CDC data showed that the Covid hospitalisation rate had increased to four&nbsp;people for every 100,000 by July end, up from 1 in May end.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwitqamg7fuHAxWBUvUHHQz6MQ0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/another-covid-like-scare-from-china-experts-tell-wion-what-exactly-it-is-662463" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/another-covid-like-scare-from-china-experts-tell-wion-what-exactly-it-is-662463&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitqamg7fuHAxWBUvUHHQz6MQ0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Another Covid-like scare from China? Experts tell WION what exactly it is</a>

“This is a very significant surge. The levels are very high. They’re the highest we’ve ever seen during a summer wave,” Dr&nbsp;Marlene Wolfe, an assistant professor of environmental health and public health at Emory University and a program director for WastewaterSCAN, was quoted as saying by CNN.

“We’re detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 100 percent of our samples across the country right now,” Wolfe added.

<h2>Reason behind surge in Covid wave</h2>

The new surge is being blamed on waning immunity among people as well as a trio of variants that evolved from their parent virus JN.1.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwitqamg7fuHAxWBUvUHHQz6MQ0QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-%E2%80%98i-had-a-lot-of-dizziness%E2%80%99-montreal-resident-shares-his-suffering-with-long-covid-for-three-years-739075" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-%25E2%2580%2598i-had-a-lot-of-dizziness%25E2%2580%2599-montreal-resident-shares-his-suffering-with-long-covid-for-three-years-739075&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitqamg7fuHAxWBUvUHHQz6MQ0QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">‘I had a lot of dizziness’: Montreal resident shares his suffering with Long Covid for three years</a>

The situation has turned more volatile as children return to schools in many parts of the country. It is not clear when the country may see the peak.

<h2>Vaccines in early September</h2>

A report in the Washington Post revealed that new mRNA shots have been prepared by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, especially to target the KP.2 variant.

Once approved by the FDA, they may be made available for use by the first week of September. However, it&nbsp;was not clear when the FDA will approve the new shots.

A protein-based vaccine is also being developed by Novavax, but it may take longer to hit the market.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is experiencing its worst summer Covid wave in more than two years, leading to increased infections and hospital visits. The wastewater dashboard of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that viral activity levels in the wastewater have hit the highest since July 2022.

The United States is experiencing its worst summer Covid wave in more than two years, leading to increased infections and hospital visits. The wastewater dashboard of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that viral activity levels in the wastewater have hit the highest since July 2022. The wastewater activity surged to 8.82 on August 10, slightly less than the highest ever recorded in July 2022 at 9.56. As per US media reports, new vaccines targeting the latest virus variant KP.2 may hit the markets as early as September, subject to approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hospitalisation rate increases The CDC data showed that the Covid hospitalisation rate had increased to four people for every 100,000 by July end, up from 1 in May end. Also read: Another Covid-like scare from China? Experts tell WION what exactly it is “This is a very significant surge. The levels are very high. They’re the highest we’ve ever seen during a summer wave,” Dr Marlene Wolfe, an assistant professor of environmental health and public health at Emory University and a program director for WastewaterSCAN, was quoted as saying by CNN. “We’re detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 100 percent of our samples across the country right now,” Wolfe added. Reason behind surge in Covid wave The new surge is being blamed on waning immunity among people as well as a trio of variants that evolved from their parent virus JN.1. Also read: ‘I had a lot of dizziness’: Montreal resident shares his suffering with Long Covid for three years The situation has turned more volatile as children return to schools in many parts of the country. It is not clear when the country may see the peak. Vaccines in early September A report in the Washington Post revealed that new mRNA shots have been prepared by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, especially to target the KP.2 variant. Once approved by the FDA, they may be made available for use by the first week of September. However, it was not clear when the FDA will approve the new shots. A protein-based vaccine is also being developed by Novavax, but it may take longer to hit the market. (With inputs from agencies)

US hit by worst Covid wave since 2022, hospitalisation rate soars

Ask people around you, which was the worst year they have ever lived in, and most of them will likely say year 2020. Covid broke the world, killed millions of people, devastated the economy, wreaked havoc on our mental health, caused irreversible damage to our psyche and more. Things are still getting back on track and the world doesn't seem to be getting any better.&nbsp;

However, believe it or not, Earthlings have witnessed a worse time than this. The 1918 flu pandemic killed 50 million to 100 million, yet this is not it. In 1349, the Black Death wiped out half the population of Europe, but this is still not the worst time witnessed by humans.&nbsp;

Medieval historian Michael McCormick says the year 536 kickstarted the worst period to be alive. A historian and archaeologist who chairs the Harvard University Initiative for the Science of the Human Past, says, "It was the beginning of one of the worst periods to be alive, if not the worst year" in Europe.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in 536?</h2>

In this year, a mysterious fog enveloped Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, all of which went dark for 18 months. It was dark throughout, irrespective of the time of day. Temperatures in the summer of 536 were recorded at 1.5°C to 2.5°C.&nbsp;Byzantine historian Procopius stated in History of the Wars, Books III and IV that “the sun gave forth its light without brightness, like the moon, during this whole year”.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japan-witnessing-phenomenon-of-evaporated-people-what-is-it-749685">Japan witnessing phenomenon of 'evaporated' people. What is it?</a>

This triggered the beginning of the coldest decade in the past 2300 years. China witnessed snowfall in the summer. The cold killed crops and with no food, people starved.&nbsp;

Scientists haven't been able to pinpoint the reason behind the clouds that shrouded most of Earth during this time. But a team led by McCormick and glaciologist Paul Mayewski at the Climate Change Institute of The University of Maine (UM) in Orono has now found it.&nbsp;

The team carried out an ultraprecise analysis of ice from a Swiss glacier. At a Harvard workshop, the team reported that a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in Iceland kickstarted the fog. It spewed ash across the Northern Hemisphere early in 536.

The years 540 and 547 also saw two massive volcanic eruptions. Then the bubonic plague struck the Roman port of Pelusium, in Egypt in 541. It spread rapidly and wiped out one-third to one-half of the population of the Eastern Roman Empire, resulting in the downfall of the empire.&nbsp;

This set in economic stagnation in Europe which lasted till 640. 
&nbsp;

Ask people around you, which was the worst year they have ever lived in, and most of them will likely say year 2020. Covid broke the world, killed millions of people, devastated the economy, wreaked havoc on our mental health, caused irreversible damage to our psyche and more.

Ask people around you, which was the worst year they have ever lived in, and most of them will likely say year 2020. Covid broke the world, killed millions of people, devastated the economy, wreaked havoc on our mental health, caused irreversible damage to our psyche and more. Things are still getting back on track and the world doesn't seem to be getting any better. However, believe it or not, Earthlings have witnessed a worse time than this. The 1918 flu pandemic killed 50 million to 100 million, yet this is not it. In 1349, the Black Death wiped out half the population of Europe, but this is still not the worst time witnessed by humans. Medieval historian Michael McCormick says the year 536 kickstarted the worst period to be alive. A historian and archaeologist who chairs the Harvard University Initiative for the Science of the Human Past, says, "It was the beginning of one of the worst periods to be alive, if not the worst year" in Europe. What happened in 536? In this year, a mysterious fog enveloped Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, all of which went dark for 18 months. It was dark throughout, irrespective of the time of day. Temperatures in the summer of 536 were recorded at 1.5°C to 2.5°C. Byzantine historian Procopius stated in History of the Wars, Books III and IV that “the sun gave forth its light without brightness, like the moon, during this whole year”. Also Read: Japan witnessing phenomenon of 'evaporated' people. What is it? This triggered the beginning of the coldest decade in the past 2300 years. China witnessed snowfall in the summer. The cold killed crops and with no food, people starved. Scientists haven't been able to pinpoint the reason behind the clouds that shrouded most of Earth during this time. But a team led by McCormick and glaciologist Paul Mayewski at the Climate Change Institute of The University of Maine (UM) in Orono has now found it. The team carried out an ultraprecise analysis of ice from a Swiss glacier. At a Harvard workshop, the team reported that a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in Iceland kickstarted the fog. It spewed ash across the Northern Hemisphere early in 536. The years 540 and 547 also saw two massive volcanic eruptions. Then the bubonic plague struck the Roman port of Pelusium, in Egypt in 541. It spread rapidly and wiped out one-third to one-half of the population of the Eastern Roman Empire, resulting in the downfall of the empire. This set in economic stagnation in Europe which lasted till 640.

Volcanic eruption in 536 spewed so much ash that Sun didn't shine for 18 months

Researchers from the Universities of Arizona, Oxford, and Leeds examined dozens of previous studies on long COVID to investigate the number and range of people affected, the underlying disease mechanisms, the numerous symptoms that patients develop, and current and future treatments.

Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 condition, is described as symptoms that last for three months or longer following acute COVID-19. The illness can harm several organ systems, resulting in reduced function and symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment (often known as ‘brain fog’), breathing difficulties, and discomfort.

Long COVID can affect almost anyone, including all age groups and children. It is more prevalent in females and those of lower socioeconomic status, and the reasons for such differences are under study. The researchers found that while some people gradually get better from long COVID, in others the condition can persist for years. Many people who developed long COVID before the advent of vaccines are still unwell.

“Long COVID is a devastating disease with a profound human toll and socioeconomic impact,” said Janko Nikolich, MD, PhD, senior author of the paper, director of the Aegis Consortium at the U of A Health Sciences, professor and head of the Department of Immunobiology at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson, and BIO5 Institute member.

“By studying it in detail, we hope to both understand the mechanisms and to find targets for therapy against this, but potentially also other infection-associated complex chronic conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.”

If a person has been fully vaccinated and is up to date with their boosters, their risk of long COVID is much lower. However, 3%-5% of people worldwide still develop long COVID after an acute COVID-19 infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long COVID affects an estimated 4%-10% of the U.S. adult population, and 1 in 10 adults who had COVID develop long COVID.

The review study also found that a wide range of biological mechanisms are involved, including persistence of the original virus in the body, disruption of the normal immune response, and microscopic blood clotting, even in some people who had only mild initial infections.

There are no proven treatments for long COVID yet, and current management of the condition focuses on ways to relieve symptoms or provide rehabilitation. Researchers say there is a dire need to develop and test biomarkers such as blood tests to diagnose and monitor long COVID and to find therapies that address the root causes of the disease.

People can lower their risk of developing long COVID by avoiding infection – wearing a close-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces, for example – taking antivirals promptly if they do catch COVID-19, avoiding strenuous exercise during such infections, and ensuring they are up to date with COVID vaccines and boosters.

“Long COVID is a dismal condition, but there are grounds for cautious optimism,” said Trisha Greenhalgh, lead author of the study and professor at Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. “Various mechanism-based treatments are being tested in research trials. If proven effective, these would allow us to target particular subgroups of people with precision therapies. Treatments aside, it is becoming increasingly clear that long COVID places an enormous social and economic burden on individuals, families, and society. In particular, we need to find better ways to treat and support the ‘long-haulers’ – people who have been unwell for two years or more and whose lives have often been turned upside down.”

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Researchers from the Universities of Arizona, Oxford, and Leeds examined dozens of previous studies on long COVID to investigate the number and range of people affected, the underlying disease mechanisms, the numerous symptoms that patients develop, and current and future treatments.

Researchers from the Universities of Arizona, Oxford, and Leeds examined dozens of previous studies on long COVID to investigate the number and range of people affected, the underlying disease mechanisms, the numerous symptoms that patients develop, and current and future treatments. Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 condition, is described as symptoms that last for three months or longer following acute COVID-19. The illness can harm several organ systems, resulting in reduced function and symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment (often known as ‘brain fog’), breathing difficulties, and discomfort. Long COVID can affect almost anyone, including all age groups and children. It is more prevalent in females and those of lower socioeconomic status, and the reasons for such differences are under study. The researchers found that while some people gradually get better from long COVID, in others the condition can persist for years. Many people who developed long COVID before the advent of vaccines are still unwell. “Long COVID is a devastating disease with a profound human toll and socioeconomic impact,” said Janko Nikolich, MD, PhD, senior author of the paper, director of the Aegis Consortium at the U of A Health Sciences, professor and head of the Department of Immunobiology at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson, and BIO5 Institute member. “By studying it in detail, we hope to both understand the mechanisms and to find targets for therapy against this, but potentially also other infection-associated complex chronic conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.” If a person has been fully vaccinated and is up to date with their boosters, their risk of long COVID is much lower. However, 3%-5% of people worldwide still develop long COVID after an acute COVID-19 infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long COVID affects an estimated 4%-10% of the U.S. adult population, and 1 in 10 adults who had COVID develop long COVID. The review study also found that a wide range of biological mechanisms are involved, including persistence of the original virus in the body, disruption of the normal immune response, and microscopic blood clotting, even in some people who had only mild initial infections. There are no proven treatments for long COVID yet, and current management of the condition focuses on ways to relieve symptoms or provide rehabilitation. Researchers say there is a dire need to develop and test biomarkers such as blood tests to diagnose and monitor long COVID and to find therapies that address the root causes of the disease. People can lower their risk of developing long COVID by avoiding infection – wearing a close-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces, for example – taking antivirals promptly if they do catch COVID-19, avoiding strenuous exercise during such infections, and ensuring they are up to date with COVID vaccines and boosters. “Long COVID is a dismal condition, but there are grounds for cautious optimism,” said Trisha Greenhalgh, lead author of the study and professor at Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. “Various mechanism-based treatments are being tested in research trials. If proven effective, these would allow us to target particular subgroups of people with precision therapies. Treatments aside, it is becoming increasingly clear that long COVID places an enormous social and economic burden on individuals, families, and society. In particular, we need to find better ways to treat and support the ‘long-haulers’ – people who have been unwell for two years or more and whose lives have often been turned upside down.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

New study highlights impact of long COVID

New variants of COVID-19 have started to spread across the UK. According to the latest data, a Covid wave driven by a new subvariant, FLiRT, has spread through schools, workplaces and crowds of football fans at the Euros.

Is football triggering the resurgence of COVID in the UK?

New variants of Covid have started to spread across the UK. According to the latest data, a Covid wave driven by a new subvariant, FLiRT,&nbsp;has spread through schools, workplaces and crowds of football fans at the Euros.

The data collected till July 14, indicates a rise in Covid cases and hospitalisations.&nbsp;

The UK Health Security Agency has reported that the average daily cases have nearly doubled since the beginning of June, from 250 a day to 483.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-covid-back-with-summer-wave-as-cases-rise-in-uk-and-us-736910" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/is-covid-back-with-summer-wave-as-cases-rise-in-uk-and-us-736910&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBle_Q8caHAxWSR2wGHbmQCgIQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw02paY8svsp6zCwL7XCZztc&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-covid-back-with-summer-wave-as-cases-rise-in-uk-and-us-736910" target="_blank">Is&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;back with summer wave as cases rise in&nbsp;UK&nbsp;and US?</a>

The hospitalisations have increased significantly this summer. As per the NHS data for the month of June the number was&nbsp;2,947 patients,&nbsp;up from 1,878 on May 30.

“The most recent observation report suggests that the number of hospitalisations as a result of Covid-19 has increased in the past week. While the UK Health Security Agency is closely monitoring the available data,” said Dr Alexander Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at the health agency.

Covid revival due to football crowds

According to reports, the European football championships are also believed to have contributed to the rising Covid numbers due to&nbsp;nationwide gatherings in pubs and living rooms.

However, the complete effect of this is yet to be felt as much of the increased transmission during the semi final – and especially the final – will not yet have fed through into new infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-not-prepared-for-inevitable-next-pandemic-says-ex-chief-scientific-adviser-725426" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-not-prepared-for-inevitable-next-pandemic-says-ex-chief-scientific-adviser-725426&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBle_Q8caHAxWSR2wGHbmQCgIQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw14teM0FWJl4SvtxrLlBjNM&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-not-prepared-for-inevitable-next-pandemic-says-ex-chief-scientific-adviser-725426" target="_blank">UK&nbsp;not prepared for 'inevitable' next pandemic</a>

It may be mentioned here, in last Euro semi-final in July 2021, transmission rates in England rose by&nbsp;nine times – raising concerns that UK could see a spike in cases followed by the final match against Spain.

"It is obvious that Covid is still spreading, likely due to new, more infectious variants. The KP.3 variant, fading immunity, and crowded events during the Euros are factors that are likely to continue driving more infections,” said Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University.

What are the symptoms of Covid variant FLiRT?

The most common symptoms of the virus are the same as they were back in 2020: 
• A high temperature 
• A continuous cough 
• A loss of sense of smell or taste

(With inputs from agencies)

New variants of Covid have started to spread across the UK. According to the latest data, a Covid wave driven by a new subvariant, FLiRT, has spread through schools, workplaces and crowds of football fans at the Euros.

New variants of Covid have started to spread across the UK. According to the latest data, a Covid wave driven by a new subvariant, FLiRT, has spread through schools, workplaces and crowds of football fans at the Euros. The data collected till July 14, indicates a rise in Covid cases and hospitalisations. The UK Health Security Agency has reported that the average daily cases have nearly doubled since the beginning of June, from 250 a day to 483. Also read: Is Covid back with summer wave as cases rise in UK and US? The hospitalisations have increased significantly this summer. As per the NHS data for the month of June the number was 2,947 patients, up from 1,878 on May 30. “The most recent observation report suggests that the number of hospitalisations as a result of Covid-19 has increased in the past week. While the UK Health Security Agency is closely monitoring the available data,” said Dr Alexander Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at the health agency. Covid revival due to football crowds According to reports, the European football championships are also believed to have contributed to the rising Covid numbers due to nationwide gatherings in pubs and living rooms. However, the complete effect of this is yet to be felt as much of the increased transmission during the semi final – and especially the final – will not yet have fed through into new infections. Also read: UK not prepared for 'inevitable' next pandemic It may be mentioned here, in last Euro semi-final in July 2021, transmission rates in England rose by nine times – raising concerns that UK could see a spike in cases followed by the final match against Spain. "It is obvious that Covid is still spreading, likely due to new, more infectious variants. The KP.3 variant, fading immunity, and crowded events during the Euros are factors that are likely to continue driving more infections,” said Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University. What are the symptoms of Covid variant FLiRT? The most common symptoms of the virus are the same as they were back in 2020: • A high temperature • A continuous cough • A loss of sense of smell or taste (With inputs from agencies)

Is Covid's resurgence in UK linked to football crowds?

July 25 is the birthday of Rosalind Franklin, the almost-forgotten woman scientist who was part of the team that unravelled the mysteries of human DNA, but she did not get&nbsp;deserved credit for it during her lifetime. 
 
Besides sequencing the DNA, short for Deoxyribonucleic acid which is the building block of life, Franklin was also behind a number of pioneering scientific discoveries and experiments spanning across biology, chemistry and physics.

<h2>Who was Rosalind Franklin?</h2>

Rosalind Franklin was a British scientist whose work with&nbsp;X-ray crystallography, along with James Watson and Francis Crick, helped in the understanding of DNA as well as RNA or ribonucleic acid. Her work also helped in the study of structures of viruses as well as natural materials like coal and graphite.

Born in 1920 into a wealthy and influential British-Jewish family, she studied at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country including Cambridge University. 
 
As written in her tombstone, her discoveries on viruses "remain of lasting benefit to mankind".

But her best-known work remains the imaging of DNA through X-ray diffraction imaging.&nbsp;

As reported in a profile by Nature magazine, she "worked across biology, chemistry and physics".&nbsp;

Besides studying coal and carbon, she was an expert on viruses affecting both humans and plants including tobacco mosaic virus and poliovirus. Her work in DNA sequencing eventually helped modern medical science in tracing deadly viruses including the one that caused the recent Covid pandemic.

<h2>A forgotten heroine</h2>

Science, like many other fields, was a male-dominated domain in the 20th century, which led to Franklin&nbsp;facing sexism, sidelining and gender bias. It had been reported that while she worked with Maurice Wilkins on the imaging of DNA at King's College London, the latter passed on her data with Watson and Crick without her permission. Eventually, much of the DNA discoveries were named after Watson and Crick as we know today.

Franklin, who died of ovarian cancer at the young age of 37 in 1958, was not recognised in line with her contributions to science during her lifetime.

But currently, she is considered a pioneer in molecular biology, physics and chemistry. There have been frequent calls to honour her posthumously with a Nobel Prize, but that is yet to happen.

She was among the trailblazers who made the fields of genetics and molecular biology what they are today. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

July 25 is the birthday of Rosalind Franklin, the almost-forgotten woman scientist who was part of the team that unravelled the mysteries of human DNA, but she did not get deserved credit for it during her lifetime.

July 25 is the birthday of Rosalind Franklin, the almost-forgotten woman scientist who was part of the team that unravelled the mysteries of human DNA, but she did not get deserved credit for it during her lifetime. Besides sequencing the DNA, short for Deoxyribonucleic acid which is the building block of life, Franklin was also behind a number of pioneering scientific discoveries and experiments spanning across biology, chemistry and physics. Who was Rosalind Franklin? Rosalind Franklin was a British scientist whose work with X-ray crystallography, along with James Watson and Francis Crick, helped in the understanding of DNA as well as RNA or ribonucleic acid. Her work also helped in the study of structures of viruses as well as natural materials like coal and graphite. Born in 1920 into a wealthy and influential British-Jewish family, she studied at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country including Cambridge University. As written in her tombstone, her discoveries on viruses "remain of lasting benefit to mankind". But her best-known work remains the imaging of DNA through X-ray diffraction imaging. As reported in a profile by Nature magazine, she "worked across biology, chemistry and physics". Besides studying coal and carbon, she was an expert on viruses affecting both humans and plants including tobacco mosaic virus and poliovirus. Her work in DNA sequencing eventually helped modern medical science in tracing deadly viruses including the one that caused the recent Covid pandemic. A forgotten heroine Science, like many other fields, was a male-dominated domain in the 20th century, which led to Franklin facing sexism, sidelining and gender bias. It had been reported that while she worked with Maurice Wilkins on the imaging of DNA at King's College London, the latter passed on her data with Watson and Crick without her permission. Eventually, much of the DNA discoveries were named after Watson and Crick as we know today. Franklin, who died of ovarian cancer at the young age of 37 in 1958, was not recognised in line with her contributions to science during her lifetime. But currently, she is considered a pioneer in molecular biology, physics and chemistry. There have been frequent calls to honour her posthumously with a Nobel Prize, but that is yet to happen. She was among the trailblazers who made the fields of genetics and molecular biology what they are today. (With inputs from agencies)

Rosalind Franklin birthday: Story of the forgotten heroine of science who helped sequence DNA

Sri Lanka's cabinet has issued an apology to the Muslims for forcing cremations on Covid victims. The then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa banned burials despite facing heat from the UN Human Rights Council and other forums for violating Muslim funeral norms.

Sri Lanka apologises to Muslims

Sri Lanka apologises to Muslims over forced cremations during Covid pandemic

Sri Lanka apologises for forcing cremations of Muslim Covid victims

Britain let down its citizens by leaving the nation ill-prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic because of significantly flawed planning and failures by ministers and scientific experts, a public inquiry concluded in a scathing report on Thursday. Watch to know more.

UK: Britons failed by flawed planning, Covid inquiry finds

US President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 during his campaign trail in Las Vegas and has mild symptoms, the White House said in a statement. It added that he will self-isolate in Delaware from where he'll continue to carry out all of his duties fully.

US elections 2024: President Biden tests positive for COVID-19

US President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19

US President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 during his campaign trail in Las Vegas and has mild symptoms, the White House said in a statement. It added that he will self-isolate in Delaware from where he'll continue to carry out all of his duties fully. Watch in for more details!

US Elections: President Biden cancels campaign speech, isolates in Delaware

Biden tests positive for COVID-19, cancels campaign speech isolates in Delaware

The European Commission was wrong to redact details of multi-billion-euro deals it struck to secure Covid vaccines during the coronavirus pandemic, an EU court said on Wednesday.

The commission failed to show how divulging indemnification details would harm the commercial interests of the pharmaceutical groups supplying the vaccines, the EU General Court ruled.

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It also failed a "public interest" test by keeping secret the names of the EU officials involved, the court said.

The ruling hands a victory to EU lawmakers and individuals who had requested the details from 2.7 billion euros' ($2.95 billion)) worth of Covid vaccine purchase agreements the commission had negotiated in 2020-2021.

The commission -- run by President Ursula von der Leyen, who is in trouble separately for allegedly keeping secret and deleting text messages with the boss of Pfizer over vaccine purchases -- had offered only redacted versions of the contracts it had signed.

It argued that releasing the blacked-out details would jeopardise the commercial relationships with the pharmaceutical companies, notably where it came to liability and indemnification in the event of vaccine defects.

The commission had also argued that it needed to keep private the identities and words used by members of its team who negotiated the deals.

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But the EU court upheld "in part" the lawsuits lodged by those seeking access to those details "and annuls the Commission's decisions in so far as they contain irregularities".

"The Commission did not demonstrate that wider access to those clauses would actually undermine the commercial interests of those undertakings," it said.

Also, it found that those behind the lawsuit had demonstrated the public interest of having access to the personal details of the commission's vaccine-negotiating team.

"It was only by having the names, surnames and details of the professional or institutional role of the members of the team in question that they could have ascertained whether or not the members of that team had a conflict of interests," the court said.

The commission has until late September to lodge an appeal before the European Court of Justice if it wants to challenge the ruling of the General Court.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The European Commission was wrong to redact details of multi-billion-euro deals it struck to secure Covid vaccines during the coronavirus pandemic, an EU court said on Wednesday.

The European Commission was wrong to redact details of multi-billion-euro deals it struck to secure Covid vaccines during the coronavirus pandemic, an EU court said on Wednesday. The commission failed to show how divulging indemnification details would harm the commercial interests of the pharmaceutical groups supplying the vaccines, the EU General Court ruled. Also read: Biden calls Kamala Harris a potential 'president' candidate for United States It also failed a "public interest" test by keeping secret the names of the EU officials involved, the court said. The ruling hands a victory to EU lawmakers and individuals who had requested the details from 2.7 billion euros' ($2.95 billion)) worth of Covid vaccine purchase agreements the commission had negotiated in 2020-2021. The commission -- run by President Ursula von der Leyen, who is in trouble separately for allegedly keeping secret and deleting text messages with the boss of Pfizer over vaccine purchases -- had offered only redacted versions of the contracts it had signed. It argued that releasing the blacked-out details would jeopardise the commercial relationships with the pharmaceutical companies, notably where it came to liability and indemnification in the event of vaccine defects. The commission had also argued that it needed to keep private the identities and words used by members of its team who negotiated the deals. Also read: Over 60 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza Strip But the EU court upheld "in part" the lawsuits lodged by those seeking access to those details "and annuls the Commission's decisions in so far as they contain irregularities". "The Commission did not demonstrate that wider access to those clauses would actually undermine the commercial interests of those undertakings," it said. Also, it found that those behind the lawsuit had demonstrated the public interest of having access to the personal details of the commission's vaccine-negotiating team. "It was only by having the names, surnames and details of the professional or institutional role of the members of the team in question that they could have ascertained whether or not the members of that team had a conflict of interests," the court said. The commission has until late September to lodge an appeal before the European Court of Justice if it wants to challenge the ruling of the General Court. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

EU court: Commission failed to disclose enough information on Covid vaccine deals

At the start of the Covid pandemic, a British businessman who also happens to be the dad of a rugby star deliberately coughed on the face of a disabled female employee.

Now, a tribunal has asked him to cough up more than 26,000 pounds&nbsp;($33,710) in damages to the woman.

<h2>Who is the businessman who coughed in face of staffer?</h2>

The Welsh businessman in question is Kevin Davies, the owner of Cawdor Cars, a company that deals in cars and property. He is also the father of Gareth Davies, the British Lions and Wales rugby star.

<h2>What did Kevin Davies do to the female employee?</h2>

Just days before the first Covid lockdown in Britain, 62-year-old Kevin Davies coughed on purpose on the face of the female employee.

This happened after she had asked colleagues to keep social distancing with her, as she is an arthritis patient who also had an auto-immune condition.&nbsp;

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Davies made fun of her and, according to an employment tribunal that heard the case, "coughed in her direction deliberately and loudly", saying she was being ridiculous.

The incident happened a week before the first Covid lockdown, on March 17, 2020.&nbsp;

The woman had worked for Davies' company in the property division from 2017 to 2020. After the coughing incident, she resigned.

<h2>What did the tribunal say?</h2>

The employment tribunal judge condemned the gross behaviour of the businessman.&nbsp;

“She resigned at least in part because she was victimised; this was a major and significant factor in her decision. She felt that she was being eased out partly because of her complaints. She was correct,” said the tribunal judge Tobias Vincent Ryan.

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The payout ordered by the judge amounted to £26,438.84. Cawdor Cars will pay £18,000 in damages "for injury to feelings".&nbsp; Davies will pay £3,841.94 for unfair dismissal and £4,596.90 in interest, as per the judgement.

<h2>What did the woman say about the coughing incident?</h2>

The woman said she was a nervous wreck after the incident.

"He knew of my medical condition. He knew I had no immune protection because of the medication I had to take, and he deliberately coughed in my face," she said after the fine was announced by the tribunal.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Were Covid Vaccines dangerous for your health?

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"I was shaking. I'm not a silly, fluffy person. I've had to put up with a lot in my life,&nbsp; but it really got me," she added.

The businessman's son Gareth Davies, according to reports, is also called Gareth Cawdor because of his links with his father's business.

Gareth has 77 international caps for Wales and has twice toured with the British and Irish Lions, The Guardian said in a report.

(With inputs from agencies)

At the start of the Covid pandemic, a British businessman who also happens to be the dad of a rugby star deliberately coughed on the face of a disabled female employee.

At the start of the Covid pandemic, a British businessman who also happens to be the dad of a rugby star deliberately coughed on the face of a disabled female employee. Now, a tribunal has asked him to cough up more than 26,000 pounds ($33,710) in damages to the woman. Who is the businessman who coughed in face of staffer? The Welsh businessman in question is Kevin Davies, the owner of Cawdor Cars, a company that deals in cars and property. He is also the father of Gareth Davies, the British Lions and Wales rugby star. What did Kevin Davies do to the female employee? Just days before the first Covid lockdown in Britain, 62-year-old Kevin Davies coughed on purpose on the face of the female employee. This happened after she had asked colleagues to keep social distancing with her, as she is an arthritis patient who also had an auto-immune condition. Also read: AstraZeneca withdraws its Covid vaccine citing commercial reasons Davies made fun of her and, according to an employment tribunal that heard the case, "coughed in her direction deliberately and loudly", saying she was being ridiculous. The incident happened a week before the first Covid lockdown, on March 17, 2020. The woman had worked for Davies' company in the property division from 2017 to 2020. After the coughing incident, she resigned. What did the tribunal say? The employment tribunal judge condemned the gross behaviour of the businessman. “She resigned at least in part because she was victimised; this was a major and significant factor in her decision. She felt that she was being eased out partly because of her complaints. She was correct,” said the tribunal judge Tobias Vincent Ryan. Also read: `High likelihood` Covid leaked from Wuhan Lab: US told UK, three other allies at height of pandemic The payout ordered by the judge amounted to £26,438.84. Cawdor Cars will pay £18,000 in damages "for injury to feelings". Davies will pay £3,841.94 for unfair dismissal and £4,596.90 in interest, as per the judgement. What did the woman say about the coughing incident? The woman said she was a nervous wreck after the incident. "He knew of my medical condition. He knew I had no immune protection because of the medication I had to take, and he deliberately coughed in my face," she said after the fine was announced by the tribunal. Watch: Gravitas | Were Covid Vaccines dangerous for your health? × "I was shaking. I'm not a silly, fluffy person. I've had to put up with a lot in my life, but it really got me," she added. The businessman's son Gareth Davies, according to reports, is also called Gareth Cawdor because of his links with his father's business. Gareth has 77 international caps for Wales and has twice toured with the British and Irish Lions, The Guardian said in a report. (With inputs from agencies)

British businessman 'coughed in face' of staffer during Covid pandemic. Now he will cough up hefty penalty

Scientists have warned that the&nbsp;'crossbreeding'&nbsp;between different viruses may lead to the emergence of a completely new, altered virus with potentially more threatening characteristics. Such viruses may even trigger another COVID-19-like pandemic, said the virologists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). This natural evolution of viruses occurs as different&nbsp;virus&nbsp;species create new pathogens inside vertebrates.

“Using a new computer-assisted analysis method, we discovered 40 previously unknown nidoviruses in various vertebrates from fish to rodents, including 13 coronaviruses,”&nbsp;said DKFZ group leader Stefan Seitz.

<h2>The unexplored world&nbsp;of viruses</h2>

According to researchers, most&nbsp;of the&nbsp;viruses are still unknown to humans as scientific studies have focused more on viruses that cause diseases in humans, domestic animals and crops.

But, with the new AI-assisted method, scientists&nbsp;were able to&nbsp;peruse 300,000 data sets and&nbsp;could&nbsp;derive insightful data in one go.

<h2>What are Nidoviruses?</h2>

Nidoviruses consist of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and bear common characteristics that distinguish them from all other RNA viruses and document their relationship.

The researchers found that when host animals&nbsp;are infected&nbsp;with different viruses&nbsp;at the same time, a new virus may emerge altogether&nbsp;as a result of&nbsp;a recombination of viral genes.

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“Apparently, the nidoviruses we discovered in fish frequently exchange genetic material between different virus species, even across family boundaries,”&nbsp;says Stefan Seitz.

This evolution among viruses is more glaring and radical when two viruses from&nbsp;totally&nbsp; different families interact.

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Such evolution may lead the virus to cause fatal and dangerous diseases to the host animal.

“A&nbsp;genetic exchange, as we have found in fish viruses, will probably also occur in mammalian viruses,”&nbsp;explains Stefan Seitz.

Such natural crossbreeding processes among viruses may easily&nbsp;take place&nbsp;in bats that are known to carry&nbsp;a large number of&nbsp;viruses inside their bodies.

Researchers suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus may also have developed among bats only.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have warned that the 'crossbreeding' between different viruses may lead to the emergence of a completely new, altered virus with potentially more threatening characteristics.

Scientists have warned that the 'crossbreeding' between different viruses may lead to the emergence of a completely new, altered virus with potentially more threatening characteristics. Such viruses may even trigger another COVID-19-like pandemic, said the virologists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). This natural evolution of viruses occurs as different virus species create new pathogens inside vertebrates. “Using a new computer-assisted analysis method, we discovered 40 previously unknown nidoviruses in various vertebrates from fish to rodents, including 13 coronaviruses,” said DKFZ group leader Stefan Seitz. The unexplored world of viruses According to researchers, most of the viruses are still unknown to humans as scientific studies have focused more on viruses that cause diseases in humans, domestic animals and crops. But, with the new AI-assisted method, scientists were able to peruse 300,000 data sets and could derive insightful data in one go. What are Nidoviruses? Nidoviruses consist of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and bear common characteristics that distinguish them from all other RNA viruses and document their relationship. The researchers found that when host animals are infected with different viruses at the same time, a new virus may emerge altogether as a result of a recombination of viral genes. Also read: Microplastics found in blood clots linked to heart attacks and strokes “Apparently, the nidoviruses we discovered in fish frequently exchange genetic material between different virus species, even across family boundaries,” says Stefan Seitz. This evolution among viruses is more glaring and radical when two viruses from totally different families interact. Also read: Scientists develop technique that can create diamonds in just 15 minutes Such evolution may lead the virus to cause fatal and dangerous diseases to the host animal. “A genetic exchange, as we have found in fish viruses, will probably also occur in mammalian viruses,” explains Stefan Seitz. Such natural crossbreeding processes among viruses may easily take place in bats that are known to carry a large number of viruses inside their bodies. Researchers suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus may also have developed among bats only. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers find genetically altered Nidoviruses may trigger the next pandemic

In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO Member States have concluded intensive negotiations to boost global capacities for future pandemics, however, the countries failed to reach a consensus and had some 'divergent views'. The member states&nbsp;will now submit the outcomes of the discussions for consideration by the upcoming World Health Assembly scheduled to kick off&nbsp;on Monday (May 27).

As the world grappled with the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, one glaring issue stood out - vaccine inequity. Despite the scientific achievement of developing multiple vaccines in record time, access to these life-saving doses remains vastly unequal across the globe, deepening the disparities in health outcomes between wealthy and low-income nations.

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"Two parallel negotiation processes were undertaken to make a series of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) and to develop a first-ever pandemic agreement, convention or other legal instrument," WHO said.&nbsp;

“The world must not take its focus off the job at hand, which is to ensure the world is better protected from the next pandemic. This will require continuous commitment and action from all parties to build the world’s collective defenses," said Precious Matsoso, co-chair of South Africa.&nbsp;

<h2>Decade of progress undone&nbsp;</h2>

The COVID-19 pandemic has undone nearly a decade of progress in global life expectancy, according to the latest edition of the World Health Statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO). A report, unveiled on Friday (May 24), highlighted the setbacks experienced between 2019 and 2021, where life expectancy at birth dropped by 1.8 years to 71.4 years, reverting to levels last seen in 2012.

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Similarly, healthy life expectancy (HALE) decreased by 1.5 years to 61.9 years. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted, "In just two years, the COVID-19 pandemic erased a decade of gains in life expectancy. That's why the new Pandemic Agreement is so important: not only to strengthen global health security, but to protect long-term investments in health and promote equity within and between countries.”

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The Americas and South-East Asia saw the most decline, with life expectancy falling by approximately three years and healthy life expectancy by 2.5 years. In contrast, the Western Pacific Region experienced minimal impact, with losses of less than 0.1 years in life expectancy and 0.2 years in HALE.

COVID-19 quickly became a leading cause of death worldwide, ranking third in 2020 and second in 2021, resulting in nearly 13 million deaths over two years.

(With inputs from agencies)

In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO Member States have concluded intensive negotiations to boost global capacities for future pandemics, however, the countries failed to reach a consensus and had some 'divergent views'.

In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO Member States have concluded intensive negotiations to boost global capacities for future pandemics, however, the countries failed to reach a consensus and had some 'divergent views'. The member states will now submit the outcomes of the discussions for consideration by the upcoming World Health Assembly scheduled to kick off on Monday (May 27). As the world grappled with the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, one glaring issue stood out - vaccine inequity. Despite the scientific achievement of developing multiple vaccines in record time, access to these life-saving doses remains vastly unequal across the globe, deepening the disparities in health outcomes between wealthy and low-income nations. Also Read | Israel unlikely to halt Rafah invasion after ICJ ruling as Netanyahu opts to remain silent "Two parallel negotiation processes were undertaken to make a series of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) and to develop a first-ever pandemic agreement, convention or other legal instrument," WHO said. “The world must not take its focus off the job at hand, which is to ensure the world is better protected from the next pandemic. This will require continuous commitment and action from all parties to build the world’s collective defenses," said Precious Matsoso, co-chair of South Africa. Decade of progress undone The COVID-19 pandemic has undone nearly a decade of progress in global life expectancy, according to the latest edition of the World Health Statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO). A report, unveiled on Friday (May 24), highlighted the setbacks experienced between 2019 and 2021, where life expectancy at birth dropped by 1.8 years to 71.4 years, reverting to levels last seen in 2012. Also Read | Lloyd Austin to undergo 'non-surgical' procedure linked to bladder issue, deputy Hicks to assume duties Similarly, healthy life expectancy (HALE) decreased by 1.5 years to 61.9 years. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted, "In just two years, the COVID-19 pandemic erased a decade of gains in life expectancy. That's why the new Pandemic Agreement is so important: not only to strengthen global health security, but to protect long-term investments in health and promote equity within and between countries.” Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Top UN court orders Israel to halt Rafah offensive in Gaza × The Americas and South-East Asia saw the most decline, with life expectancy falling by approximately three years and healthy life expectancy by 2.5 years. In contrast, the Western Pacific Region experienced minimal impact, with losses of less than 0.1 years in life expectancy and 0.2 years in HALE. COVID-19 quickly became a leading cause of death worldwide, ranking third in 2020 and second in 2021, resulting in nearly 13 million deaths over two years. (With inputs from agencies)

Nations fail to agree over 1st ever pandemic agreement; Covid erases decade of progress in life expectancy

According to INSACOG sources cited by news agency PTI on Tuesday, India has documented 324 instances of COVID-19 so far. Of those, 290 cases are of KP.2 and 34 cases are of KP.1, sub-variants of JN1 (a branch of the Omicron variant) that are responsible for the spike in cases in Singapore.&nbsp;

The report highlighted that there is no rise in hospitalisation or serious instances, therefore there is no need for alarm or panic. Mutations will continue to occur rapidly, as is typical of viruses such as SARS-CoV2.

According to data gathered by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), there have been 34 KP.1 cases reported from seven states and union territories, with 23 of those cases coming from West Bengal. Maharashtra has reported four KP.1 cases, Gujarat and Rajasthan have reported two, while Goa, Haryana, and Uttarakhand have reported one.

Out of all the states that have reported KP.2 cases, INSACOG has identified around 290 cases nationwide, with 148 of those cases coming from Maharashtra alone. Other states and Union territories that record KP.2 sub-variants include:

<ul>
	<li>West Bengal - 36</li>
	<li>Gujarat - 23</li>
	<li>Rajasthan - 21</li>
	<li>Uttarakhand - 16</li>
	<li>Odisha - 17</li>
	<li>Goa - 12</li>
	<li>Uttar Pradesh - 8</li>
	<li>Karnataka - 4</li>
	<li>Haryana - 3</li>
	<li>Madhya Pradesh - 1&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Delhi - 1</li>
</ul>

The report also said that hospital samples are selected in a systematic manner to detect any shift in the severity of the virus-related condition, and that INSACOG is capable of identifying the appearance of any new variant.

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidIELYnoqUgBja" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/is-covid-back-singapore-advises-wearing-masks-amid-rise-in-cases-jabs-recommended-for-vulnerable-722825" target="_blank">Is Covid back? Singapore advises wearing masks amid sharp rise in cases, recommends jabs for vulnerable</a>

It is pertinent to note that Singapore is currently dealing with a new wave of COVID-19, as reported by the authorities, who counted over 25,900 cases between May 5 and May 11. Every week, the instances are almost doubling. A health alert from the government advises people to wear masks once more.

According to Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH), the estimated number of COVID-19 infections for the week of May 5–11 increased to 25,900, a 90% rise from the 13,700 cases recorded the week before.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2, remain the most common COVID-19 variations worldwide, with KP.2 designated as a Variant Under Monitoring. Scientists have also given KP.1 and KP.2 the nickname 'FLiRT', which comes from the technical nomenclature of their mutations. 
 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to INSACOG sources cited by news agency PTI on Tuesday, India has documented 324 instances of COVID-19 so far. Of those, 290 cases are of KP.2 and 34 cases are of KP.

According to INSACOG sources cited by news agency PTI on Tuesday, India has documented 324 instances of COVID-19 so far. Of those, 290 cases are of KP.2 and 34 cases are of KP.1, sub-variants of JN1 (a branch of the Omicron variant) that are responsible for the spike in cases in Singapore. The report highlighted that there is no rise in hospitalisation or serious instances, therefore there is no need for alarm or panic. Mutations will continue to occur rapidly, as is typical of viruses such as SARS-CoV2. According to data gathered by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), there have been 34 KP.1 cases reported from seven states and union territories, with 23 of those cases coming from West Bengal. Maharashtra has reported four KP.1 cases, Gujarat and Rajasthan have reported two, while Goa, Haryana, and Uttarakhand have reported one. Out of all the states that have reported KP.2 cases, INSACOG has identified around 290 cases nationwide, with 148 of those cases coming from Maharashtra alone. Other states and Union territories that record KP.2 sub-variants include: West Bengal - 36 Gujarat - 23 Rajasthan - 21 Uttarakhand - 16 Odisha - 17 Goa - 12 Uttar Pradesh - 8 Karnataka - 4 Haryana - 3 Madhya Pradesh - 1 Delhi - 1 The report also said that hospital samples are selected in a systematic manner to detect any shift in the severity of the virus-related condition, and that INSACOG is capable of identifying the appearance of any new variant. Also read: Is Covid back? Singapore advises wearing masks amid sharp rise in cases, recommends jabs for vulnerable It is pertinent to note that Singapore is currently dealing with a new wave of COVID-19, as reported by the authorities, who counted over 25,900 cases between May 5 and May 11. Every week, the instances are almost doubling. A health alert from the government advises people to wear masks once more. According to Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH), the estimated number of COVID-19 infections for the week of May 5–11 increased to 25,900, a 90% rise from the 13,700 cases recorded the week before. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2, remain the most common COVID-19 variations worldwide, with KP.2 designated as a Variant Under Monitoring. Scientists have also given KP.1 and KP.2 the nickname 'FLiRT', which comes from the technical nomenclature of their mutations. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 324 cases of COVID-19 sub-variants KP.1 and KP.2. Here's what you need to know

China's top COVID expert, Dr. Zhang Wenhong, warns that climate change will increase disease spread. He is researching climate's impact on disease spread to prepare for the next global pandemic.

Gravitas | China's Top Covid Expert Warns Climate Change Will Increase Spread of Diseases

The Singapore's health ministry has implemented a mask mandate again amid a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. The health authorities have recorded more than 25,900 cases of Covid from May 5 to 11. Watch in for more details!

Singapore monitoring new Covid-19 wave as infections rise

The Singapore's health ministry has implemented a mask mandate again amid a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. The health authorities have recorded more than 25,900 cases of Covid from May 5 to 11.

Singapore faces new Covid-19 wave, government advises citizens to wear mask amid rise in cases

While a study conducted by researchers at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) found that nearly one-third of those who received Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin reported Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI) after a one-year follow-up, the Hyderabad-based company cited research flaws. Watch to know more.

India: BHU study raises questions over Covaxin jab, says '1 in 3 reported adverse effects'

The cost of the Covid Inquiry is projected to be over £196 million. The cost per day is estimated to be £136907. Watch to know more.

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UK's Covid investigation an 'eye-watering bill' or a lesson?

There's a new covid variant called KP.2 under the name FLiRT that has emerged in the US, UK and India. These new variant mutants are collectively called FLiRT.

India reports maximum number of 'FLiRT' COVID cases

What has China done to Wuhan journalist Zhang Zhan? In 2020, Zhang was documenting the outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan. Her videos were exposing what China has trying to hide. Zhang was arrested, charged with spreading false information, and jailed for four years. The citizen journalist was supposed to walk out of prison on Monday, but no one is being able to verify her release.

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