--:--:--
⬤ MEDIUM 24 Jun 2026, 01:21 UTC

One tiny mutation may explain how bat viruses become human threats

Scientists found that one tiny genetic change can completely alter how a coronavirus behaves in different species. Comparing SARS-CoV-2 with a closely related bat-only virus, they showed that a single amino-acid difference affects whether the immune system fights back or gets suppressed. This may help explain how some animal viruses make the leap to humans and become far more dangerous.
\
Terms of Service