A new study found that a virus similar to “Corona” discovered in British bats “can mutate and infect humans.” The researchers said that the virus can adapt to be transmitted to humans, knowing that it is not yet clear whether it has any potential to cause harm.
Scientists examined the droppings of dozens of bats in the UK for the virus. They found nine types of viruses, one of which is “just one mutation away” from having a structure similar to what makes Covid so contagious, reports Al-Rai daily.
“The risks are not known but require more rigorous monitoring,” said Professor François Balloux, from University College London.
He added, “None of the experiments were dangerous in any way. We did not use any live virus. All laboratory experiments were conducted using completely safe pseudoviruses.”
While he didn’t say exactly where the samples were taken from, the researchers did highlight Bristol, Birmingham and Brighton.
Two viruses were discovered for the first time, RhGB07 and RfGB02, and scientists found that RhGB07 had the ability to bind to a protein found on the surface of human cells when tested in the laboratory.