&w=3840&q=100)
Another virus scare from China: Scientists find new health threats in Chinese bats
Chinese researchers have identified 22 new viruses in kidney tissues from 142 bats. Two of them resemble Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness read more
Researchers in China have uncovered at least 20 new viruses in bats, sparking 'urgent concerns' that they could spread to livestock or humans.
Using genetic sequencing, the team identified 22 viruses in kidney tissues from 142 bats in Yunnan province, collected between 2017 and 2021.
Of the newly identified 22 viruses, two are said to be extremely dangerous.
The two resemble Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans, according to The Sun.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
As per reports, the fatality rate of diseases caused by these viruses can be as high as 75 per cent.
The study also revealed unknown bacteria and a new single-celled parasite, Klossiella yunnanensis.
Significance of the discovery
This discovery comes years after the Covid-19 pandemic, which first emerged in Wuhan, China, in 2019, killing millions around the globe.
The Wuhan Virus Research Centre, known for studying bat coronaviruses, was previously linked to theories suggesting a lab leak caused the outbreak.
What are researchers warning about?
The bats in this study were found roosting near fruit orchards close to populated villages.
Researchers warn that bat urine could transmit henipaviruses, potentially contaminating fruit eaten by humans or animals, risking another outbreak.
The study identified two new henipaviruses, Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2, the first full-length genomes of this virus type found in Chinese bats.
Molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam called the findings 'concerning,' noting the viruses were in bat kidneys, linked to urine production, which could expose humans through contaminated fruit or water.
These viruses share 52-57 per cent genetic material with other henipaviruses, which have caused deadly outbreaks before.
Though there's no certainty of these viruses spilling over to humans, past incidents like the Nipah outbreak in Bangladesh, linked to bat-contaminated fruit sap, show it's possible.
Yunnan's proximity to Malaysia, where Nipah first emerged, heightens concerns among virologists about the virus's risk.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Ecologist Dr. Alison Peel noted that not all henipaviruses are harmful, but lab tests are crucial to determine their potential to infect humans.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Another Pandemic? Deadly New Bat Viruses Found In China, Scientists Warn Of 75% Fatality Rate
According to the study, two new henipaviruses found in fruit bats near farms may spread to humans or animals through urine-contaminated fruit, posing a serious zoonotic threat In a concerning development, scientists have detected 22 new viruses in bats that could pose a serious threat to global health. The discovery comes as the world continues to grapple with emerging COVID-19 variants, years after the pandemic began in Wuhan, China, in 2019. Experts warn that some of these newly identified viruses may lead to severe illness and potentially prove fatal. Researchers in China have identified at least 22 viruses in bats that could pose a future threat to both humans and animals. The viruses were detected in kidney tissues of 142 bats collected between 2017 and 2021 in Yunnan province. Notably, two of the viruses are closely related to the deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. Experts have repeatedly cautioned that factors like climate change, deforestation, and expanding urban areas are forcing wildlife and humans into closer contact. This growing overlap raises the chances of new viruses jumping to humans, as witnessed in past outbreaks of SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19. According to the Bloomberg report, Tim Mahony, director of the Centre for Animal Science at the University of Queensland, noted that the study underscores just how little is known about the range of viruses circulating in bats and in the broader environment. Mahony, who was not involved in the research, stressed the importance of such findings in understanding future health threats. The study was carried out by a team of scientists from China and the University of Sydney, who examined kidney samples from 142 bats collected in Yunnan province over a four-year period. They detected a total of 22 viruses, 20 of which were previously unknown. Among the discoveries were two henipaviruses that are genetically similar to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses—both known to cause severe respiratory illness and fatal brain inflammation in humans, with mortality rates reaching up to 75%. As reported by Bloomberg, the research team also uncovered two previously unknown bacterial species and a new parasite. Unlike most bat virus studies that typically analyse fecal samples, this investigation focused on kidney tissue—an organ linked to viral shedding through urine, a less-explored but potentially significant transmission pathway. The two newly identified henipaviruses were found in fruit bats residing near farmland, where bat urine could contaminate fruits consumed by humans or livestock. The researchers warned that this mode of exposure presents serious zoonotic risks. In their published findings, they emphasized the urgent need to monitor the potential of these viruses to cross over to humans or domestic animals. The newly identified viruses, named Yunnan Bat Henipavirus 1 and 2, were previously unknown and share 52 to 57 percent of their genetic makeup with other henipaviruses. Experts warn that these viruses could easily spread to humans through contaminated fruit or water. In addition to causing severe respiratory infections similar to COVID-19, they also have the potential to trigger brain inflammation, which could lead to long-term neurological damage. These newly discovered viruses were found in the kidneys of bats and have the potential to infect both humans and animals, posing a risk of serious illness. While researchers have not confirmed any outbreak, they are treating the findings with caution. Speaking to Bloomberg, Linfa Wang, a professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School's Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, said the findings add to the growing evidence of the wide variety of viruses harboured by bats—especially henipaviruses. While he acknowledged the need for close monitoring, Wang noted that there is no immediate cause for alarm based on current evidence. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Union Minister Jitendra Singh calls for closer collaboration among academic institutions of higher education to build sustainable startups, ET Education
Advt Advt Mumbai (Maharashtra ) [India], June 25 (ANI): After inaugurating a state-of-the-art Incubation Centre at IIM Mumbai, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh , made a clarion call for closer collaboration among academic institutions of higher education and scientific research, such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, IIMC and CSIR, to nurture sustainable startups and innovation-driven interacting with students, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that "The age of working in silos is over." He asserted that the integration of academia, industry, and government is essential for India to meet its rapid development goals. "Greater synergy between the public and private sectors is not an option--it's a necessity," he Singh highlighted the democratisation of civil services and the growing wave of women-led development over the past decade. Citing the Aditya L1 space mission, he proudly shared that it was led by women scientists, reflecting the inclusive and aspirational rise of Minister recounted a powerful story of a 16-year-old girl from a militancy-affected town who cracked the IIT entrance exam without coaching, using just a smartphone and determination--"12 hours a day for 8 months, powered by the internet," she told him. "This is the new India, where dreams transcend limitations," said the Singh also drew a contrast between the last 11 years and the preceding decade, noting that earlier generations had limited career choices. "Today's youth have a wide array of professional avenues, supported by a rise in national self-esteem, which is reflected in how Indian students abroad command respect and better offers," he said. He also noted that in recent years, girls have consistently topped the Civil Services Examination, signalling a significant shift in the country's social India's rise in research and development, Singh said, "India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has doubled in the last decade--from Rs 60,196 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,27,381 crore today--under Prime Minister Modi's leadership."He underscored that the future of India's economy will be shaped by homegrown advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Key to this has been government support, like the launch of India's first indigenous DNA-based COVID vaccine, under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).He also hailed the BioE3 Policy--Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment--as a game-changer, propelling India to the forefront of global India rising to the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world, Jitendra Singh revealed that the number of startups has grown from 350 in 2014 to over 1.5 lakh in 2025. "Startups in space tech are adding significant value," he said, noting that the government has allowed 100 per cent FDI in the space sector and set up a Rs 1,000 crore venture fund for space-based Singh debunked the myth that startups are limited to IT professionals from elite institutions. "Startups are built on "aptitude, ideas, and innovation," he stated. He reiterated that entrepreneurial potential exists across every sector, from biotech to Singh shared the success of the Aroma Mission, where more than 3,000 lavender-based startups are generating substantial income in rural India, creating employment and transforming Minister also emphasised that the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) is a strong enabler of the startup ecosystem, offering students flexibility in subject selection and a holistic learning environment to become innovators, not just job Singh pointed out that agriculture, though contributing only around 14 percent to GDP, supports the largest section of India's population. He stressed the hidden potential in this sector and the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to unlock Singh also called the present youth "fortunate and uniquely positioned" as they will be at the prime of their careers in 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of Independence."You are the generation that will lead a Viksit Bharat--a fully developed India. This is not just your opportunity, it is your responsibility," he stated, urging students to prepare themselves for the historic role they are destined to play in shaping the nation's future.
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Common Respiratory Viruses Linked to Heart Events in the Short-Term: The University of Melbourne
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], June 25: Common viral respiratory infections such as COVID-19, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are linked to an increased short-term risk of stroke and heart attack in adults, new University of Melbourne research has found. Drawing on the best available evidence from 48 studies, researchers from the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Research Children's Institute (MCRI) led a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review to investigate common respiratory viruses and their role in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. "There is growing evidence these viruses can act as triggers for heart attacks and strokes, butto date there has been a focus on influenza," Tu Nguyen, a PhD candidate in the Epidemiology-Informatics research group at Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, said. "This study provides a better picture of the role of other respiratory viruses." "We focussed specifically on laboratory-confirmed infections and found that common respiratory viruses play a role in precipitating acute cardiovascular events, but how strong the link is varies between viruses." Heart attacks and stroke remain the leading causes of premature death globally. The research, published today in the journal Cardiovascular Research, has potential implications for at-risk groups, particularly in cold and flu season. "While it's true that heart attacks and strokes are an adult disease, respiratory infections mostly affect young children, which can spread to older adults in their community," Ms Nguyen said. "Older adults are more vulnerable to serious events like heart attacks or strokes that can arise from these infections so that's why studying this relationship helps us understand these risks at the community level, and may encourage older Australians to get immunised where they can as many are vaccine preventable." Professor Jim Buttery, Head of Epidemiology Informatics Research Group at MCRI and Professor of Child Health Informatics at the University of Melbourne, said the research is important for an ageing population, and to better inform public health strategies. "This research provides us with more knowledge about why it's important for older Australians to prevent respiratory infections, where possible, given the potential risk factors," he said. "While this study brings together the most up-to-date information we have, we don't have all that much data for the Australian population, so our future research will look to fill this gap, so that we have a better picture of this link in the Australian context." The team, alongside collaborators in Western Australia and Queensland, plan to investigate and map the distribution of common infections for Australians using the power of a collaborative, ecological data platform called Snot Watch. The platform was established in 2019 to better understand how virus levels relate to Victorians' health. "With our colleagues in Western Australia and Queensland, we will now use real-world statewide data from all three states to understand these risks better and help inform vaccine and treatment decisions," Professor Buttery said.
