Researchers find 6 new coronaviruses in bats

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Viral pandemics are closely connect human health to that of wildlife and the environment. With the increasing frequency at which these interactions are being made, researchers are hoping to reduce the pandemic potential by studying the viruses present in animals. Given the overall molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2, researchers speculate this virus to originate in mammals like bats or pangolin. Recently, six more coronaviruses have been identified in Myanmar-based bats: PREDICT-CoV-90, -47, -82, -92, -93, and -96. The research first discovered these viruses in 2016 and 2018, but has yet to find an association between SARS-CoV-2, SARS, or MERS. While these viruses were determined to be unable to transmit from animals to humans, Suzan Murray says that it is better to identify these diseases early on so that future potential threats can be avoided.  

To read the full article by Chris Ciaccia from Fox News, click here.

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