virology, genetics & genomics

Data from three studies indicate that fully vaccinated patients are able to stave off severe disease from the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 variants.

Genetic analyses suggest that the virus came from a patient who survived the 2013–2016 West African outbreak.

The P.1 variant, which has also been detected in five US states, could be responsible for cases of reinfection, according to a preprint.

B.1.525 shares a mutation with the B.1.351 variant first detected in South Africa that seems to allow the virus to dodge the immune system.

Researchers identify deletions in the N-terminal domain of the spike protein that allow the coronavirus to avoid antibody neutralization and that may contribute to the emergence of new variants.

With many millions of people waiting several weeks to receive a second COVID-19 vaccine dose in some countries, experts consider the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 could evolve vaccine resistance.

Here’s our brief guide to the most noteworthy mutations in the novel coronavirus.

Scientists across the world are closely tracking the spread of mutations in the coronavirus and investigating whether they could render current vaccines less effective.

It’s too early to know whether the L452R version of SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious like the B.1.1.7 UK variant that is also spreading around the US.

Variant B.1.1.7, though likely more contagious than other strains, does not appear to be more deadly.

A study explains how Zika was present among mosquitoes in Africa for decades without causing the harm to human health seen outside the continent in recent years.

Rather than introducing small chunks of DNA as other viruses do, some giant viruses can contribute more than 1 million base pairs to a host’s genome, broadening the ways in which viruses may shape eukaryote evolution.

Repeat COVID-19 cases could offer clues about people’s immunity to the novel coronavirus and how to vaccinate against it.

A modeling study counters initial interpretations that the cluster began with someone who flew to Seattle in mid-January.

Researchers are trying to figure out where it came from, whether it’s evolving, and just how big a threat it will be.

One amino acid change within a viral structural protein makes the difference between mild cases of brain damage and severe microcephaly in mice.

Researchers find evidence of antibiotic resistance genes in the DNA of viruses that infect bacteria.

Cross-species trysts likely spread human papillomavirus (HPV) to Homo sapiens, according to new research.

A “multicomponent” virus isolated from mosquitoes infects in stages and reassembles once the pieces are inside the host.