Viruses That Jump to Humans Don't Need Special Mutations, Study Finds

Summary: You might think viruses that start pandemics need special mutations to jump from animals to humans. But a new study shows they don't! Most of these viruses are totally normal before they infect us. The real problem is that humans are destroying habitats and getting too close to wild animals and livestock.

The researchers also looked at the DNA of past viruses. They found no evidence that COVID-19 was made in a lab or specially mutated before it spread. However, they did find proof that a different flu pandemic in 1977 likely came from a lab mistake during a failed vaccine trial! To stop future pandemics, we need to focus on protecting wildlife habitats and tracking animal viruses instead of worrying about secret super-mutations.

For more details, see sciencealert at sciencealert.com/viruses-that-jump-to-humans-dont-need-special-mutations-study-finds (opens in new tab)