Scientists identify a group of viruses just one mutation away from causing the next pandemic
Scientists warn that a specific subgroup of these viruses, known as HKU5, is showing signs of being just one small mutation away from being able to infect humans. This raises serious concerns about the potential for these viruses to spill over from animals to people, potentially triggering the next global pandemic.
What are Merbecoviruses?
Merbecoviruses are a subgenus of coronaviruses that includes MERS-CoV, which was first identified in 2012 and has a mortality rate of approximately 34%. These viruses primarily infect bats but have the potential to jump to humans, as evidenced by MERS-CoV. While most merbecoviruses have been studied to some extent, the
HKU5
subgroup has received limited attention until now.
The discovery of HKU5's potential to infect humans
The recent study focused on understanding how HKU5 viruses infect host cells. The researchers found that while most merbecoviruses appear unlikely to pose a direct threat to humans, HKU5 viruses possess concerning traits. Specifically, HKU5 viruses were shown to use a host receptor known as ACE2, the same receptor used by the more well-known SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. However, HKU5 viruses, for now, can only use the ACE2 gene in bats and do not use the human version nearly as well.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya
IC Markets
Mendaftar
Undo
This discovery is significant because it suggests that with just a small mutation, HKU5 viruses could potentially infect humans. The researchers used artificial intelligence to model how the HKU5 spike protein binds to ACE2 at the molecular level, which could help provide a better understanding of how antibodies might block the infection or how the virus could mutate.
The risk of zoonotic spillover
Zoonotic spillover refers to the process by which a virus jumps from animals to humans.
This has been the source of several past pandemics, including SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. The ability of HKU5 viruses to bind to the ACE2 receptor in bats and potentially in humans raises the possibility of zoonotic spillover.
The study also highlighted that one HKU5 virus in China has already been documented to have jumped into minks, showing there is potential for these viruses to cross species barriers. While there is no evidence that HKU5 viruses have infected humans yet, the potential is there, and that makes them worth monitoring.
The role of AI in virus research
The researchers used a program called AlphaFold 3 to model how the HKU5 spike protein binds to ACE2 at the molecular level. This approach allowed them to generate accurate predictions in minutes, a process that traditionally required months of lab work and specialized equipment. The results matched those recently documented by a research team that used traditional approaches.
This use of artificial intelligence in virus research is a significant advancement, as it allows scientists to quickly assess the potential risks of various viruses and develop strategies to counteract them.
While there is no immediate cause for alarm, the discovery that HKU5 viruses can bind to the human ACE2 receptor is a concerning development. The potential for these viruses to mutate and infect humans underscores the need for continued surveillance and research into bat coronaviruses. By understanding how these viruses function and how they might evolve, scientists can better prepare for potential future pandemics.
As we have seen with past pandemics, the jump of a virus from animals to humans can have devastating consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor these viruses closely and take proactive measures to prevent potential outbreaks. The recent study serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of zoonotic diseases and the importance of vigilance in the face of emerging infectious diseases.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
11 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Goa's emergency medical services are a model for India
Written by Vishwajit P Rane Across India, millions die not from lack of medical care, but from the inability to access it in time. The precious 'golden hour' — those critical first 60 minutes after an emergency — becomes a race against time that too many families lose. This healthcare gap hits India's poorest the hardest, where medical emergencies bring double tragedy: Fear of losing a loved one and crushing medical bills that destroy generations of progress. Before 2008, Goa faced typical emergency care challenges despite advanced infrastructure. Unpredictable delays, fragmented services, and economic barriers particularly affected migrant workers and daily labourers. Geographic complexities, narrow roads, the tourist influx, and scattered communities compounded these problems. The journey of revolutionary transformation began in September 2008 with the establishment of Goa's 108 Emergency Medical Services through partnerships with EMRI Green Health Services. Starting with 18 Basic Life Support ambulances, this initiative reimagined emergency care beyond simple transport to integrated response systems. This transformation needed more investment and a dedicated control system which got more prominence after 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned a path towards affordable and accessible healthcare for all. Today, Goa has a fleet of 103 vehicles, including Advanced Life Support ambulances, Cardiac Care units, Neo-Natal ambulances, and bike ambulances that navigate Goa's unique landscape. This diversification addresses geographic, economic, and social barriers that lead to healthcare exclusion. The state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre in Bambolim operates 24/7, with an average response time of less than 12 minutes. GPS-enabled vehicles, Computer-Aided Dispatch systems, and Electronic Patient Care Records create seamless coordination between responders and hospitals. So far, 16 Emergency Care Centres across Primary and Community Health Centres have handled over 5,24,000 emergencies, proving distributed care effectiveness. The 104 Health Helpline, launched in 2018, processed over 79,334 calls during Covid-19, serving as a vital public health communication bridge in Goa. The Community First Responder programme trains one family member per household in emergency medical assistance, creating distributed networks of first responders. This community-based approach recognises that sustainable emergency response must build local capacity, not just rely on professional services. The numbers tell a powerful story: Over 8,10,000 emergencies handled, more than 60,435 lives saved, and over 1,38,000 road accident victims transported safely. Beyond statistics, the service has gained national recognition, with multiple states studying Goa's model for adaptation. When emergency care becomes universally accessible, families gain freedom to pursue business ventures previously considered too risky. The World Health Organisation found that over 60 million Indians fall into poverty annually due to healthcare expenses — Goa's model breaks this destructive cycle. Women, especially, benefit from accessible emergency childbirth care, gaining confidence in family planning decisions. The peace of mind from healthcare security enables families to dream bigger, invest in the future, and pursue opportunities that drive prosperity. Emergency medical services work as powerful economic liberation tools. When comprehensive emergency coverage provides financial protection, small business owners, daily wage workers, and migrant labourers can engage more confidently in productive work. Communities with reliable emergency services typically experience increased economic activity as residents feel secure enough to invest locally. The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) which provides free transportation for pregnant women and sick newborns from public health facilities back to their homes after delivery or treatment have assisted over 50,660 pregnant women and facilitated more than 5,000 emergency deliveries in Goa. The STEMI initiative has substantially reduced heart attack death rates through coordinated rapid response protocols. Goa's success demonstrates a practical implementation of the Prime Minister's healthcare vision on a larger scale. The key elements that enable successful replication across India include treating emergency care as a public service rather than a market product, ensuring universal access regardless of economic status. The integration of advanced technological systems with skilled personnel creates powerful combinations that maximise effectiveness, while community empowerment initiatives build local capacity alongside professional services. Continuous improvement through evidence-based enhancement and systematic monitoring ensures sustained quality and responsiveness to evolving needs. This comprehensive approach has earned the model international recognition, positioning India as a global leader in innovative emergency healthcare delivery and attracting valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and technical cooperation with international health organisations. The state health department is now focusing on artificial intelligence applications in the health sector, expanded telemedicine integration, and enhanced climate change adaptation. Integration with broader digital health systems will enable transition from reactive emergency response toward proactive health promotion and disease prevention. Goa's Emergency Medical Services transformation addresses systematic challenges while advancing inclusive development. This initiative goes beyond traditional healthcare to become a powerful tool for social justice and economic progress in the state. The model validates treating healthcare as strategic investment in human potential rather than welfare spending. By ensuring universal access to excellent emergency care regardless of economic circumstances, the service makes real the constitutional promise of healthcare as fundamental right while contributing to poverty reduction and social mobility. As India pursues the Prime Minister's vision of a healthy, prosperous nation, Goa's experience provides valuable evidence that emergency medical services can catalyse comprehensive social transformation. The integration of immediate medical response with broader social support offers a practical blueprint for healthcare delivery that addresses both disease burdens and social factors affecting health. In India's development journey, Goa's emergency medical services emerges as an inspiring chapter where technology and humanity, efficiency and empathy, innovation and tradition create something truly special — not merely a healthcare service, but a beacon of hope lighting pathways toward a more equal, compassionate, and prosperous future for all Indians. The writer is the Health Minister of Goa
Hindustan Times
41 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
COVID cases on rise in these US states as new variant ‘stratus' spreads. Here's what to know
COVID-19 cases are once again rising across the United States, and health experts believe a new variant, called XFG or 'stratus,' may be to blame. The increase is happening earlier than expected, just before schools reopen, raising fears of more spread in classrooms, Axios reported. The Stratus variant (XFG) of COVID-19 was first detected in January in Southeast Asia,(REUTERS) The variant was first detected in January in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization had classified it as a 'variant under monitoring' by June, due to its global spread. XFG was given its cloud-themed nickname "Stratus" by evolutionary biologist T. Ryan Gregory. Also read: Trump to meet Putin in Alaska airbase tomorrow: All you need to know about the summit Experts warn of possible summer wave Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 12 states have much higher COVID-19 test positivity rates than the rest of the country. Arizona is among the worst hit, with a positivity rate above 11 per cent. Other states in the southern US, and along the West Coast, are also seeing cases rise or are likely to rise soon. Here is the list of states with the highest COVID test positivity. New Mexico (12%) Texas (12%) Oklahoma (12%) Arkansas (12%) Louisiana (12%) Nevada (11.3%) Arizona (11.3%) California (11.3%) Alaska (11.1%) Washington (11.1%) Oregon (11.1%) Idaho (11.1%) It has been observed that the US faces two distinct waves of COVID, one in the winter and another in the summer, as per USA Today. New variants, peaks in travel and decreasing immunity from prior infection and vaccination can lead to the surge, experts note. Stratus COVID variant: Symptoms The symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, headache, fever or chills, cough, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, new loss of sense of taste or smell, muscle aches, and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Also read: Prince William once spent a night sleeping on London streets, and here's what happened Stratus COVID variant: How to stay safe? People can take simple steps to be cautious, stay home if unwell and immediately get tested if symptoms appear. Wearing masks in crowded and indoor spaces can help as well, reported. Officials have encouraged people to check the eligibility for updated COVID-19 vaccines or boosters. "Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease," the WHO stated in its June report. For now, the CDC continues to monitor the situation closely, urging Americans to stay informed and take precautions. FAQs Q1. What is the 'stratus' variant? It's a new COVID-19 variant suspected to be driving recent case surges in the US. Q2. Which states are most affected? Arizona and 11 other states have the highest test positivity rates in the country. Q3. What precautions are recommended? Stay home if sick. Get tested if symptoms appear, wear masks in crowded indoor areas, and check eligibility for updated vaccines or boosters.
News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Breaking India's Non Communicable Diseases Chain: A Call For Freedom From Chronic Diseases
Noncommunicable diseases silently claim millions of Indian lives each year, but with early action, prevention, and awareness, the country can break this deadly chain. Every Independence Day, we drape ourselves in the tricolour, sing the anthem, and remind each other how hard freedom was won. But for millions of Indians living with chronic illnesses, true freedom remains out of reach. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes collectively called noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) now account for 62% of all deaths in Southeast Asia, according to the World Health Organization. Every year, nine million people in the region die from these conditions, many before their 70th birthday. Dr Sabine Kapasi, CEO at Enira Consulting, Founder of ROPAN Healthcare, and UN Advisor shares all you need to know: The threat is not only in the staggering numbers, it lies in the way these diseases silently take root. Poor diets, inactivity, pollution, and genetic predisposition create a slow, invisible chain of damage. By the time symptoms are recognised, it is often too late to reverse them. Yet, most premature NCD deaths are preventable. The COVID-19 surge in May 2021 made this painfully clear. Obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions sharply increased the risk of death. Thousands who might have survived the virus did not because their bodies were already weakened by diseases they had been silently managing for years. Globally, NCDs claim 41 million lives annually, including 14 million people aged 30 to 70. Without urgent action, the WHO warns this could rise to 55 million by 2030. For India, the stakes are also economic: reports estimate a loss of $4.58 trillion by 2030 due to NCD-related costs, with heart disease and mental health conditions making up the largest share. But there is hope. India's preventive health ecosystem is growing—startups, government programmes, and grassroots health workers are joining forces. Metabolic trackers, Oura Rings, Tata 1mg dashboards, and workplace health screenings are already spotting risks early. If we sustain this momentum, by 2047 we could win freedom from preventable diseases, redefining independence as the ability to live well. The Government's '75/25" initiative aims to bring care to 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes by December 2025. As of March 2025, treatment had reached 42 million people for hypertension and 25 million for diabetes 89% of the target. This progress is encouraging, but numbers alone cannot dismantle stigma, misinformation, or health neglect. Encouragingly, AIIMS Nagpur and UNICEF Maharashtra are now addressing an often-ignored crisis: NCDs in children. The 2019 Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey revealed alarming trends among children as young as five. Experts warn of a growing risk among children aged 5–9 and adolescents aged 10–19, proof that prevention must begin far earlier than we think. The fight against NCDs is no longer a public health issue alone, it is a national movement. Just as we once came together to win our political freedom, we must now unite to secure the freedom to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
