Is This New Variant More Than 30 Mutations in the Spike Protein?

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Aman: The new variant has a lot of mutations, but in particular, it's got more than 30 changes in the spike protein. Scientists are alarmed just because what these mutations are and the number of them. It seems like maybe it's spreading quite fast. And the mutations suggest maybe it might be able to escape antibodies and vaccines. But scientists are concerned that the spread could indicate there is more widespread transmision than we are aware of.

In a quickly developing story a new variant, first detected in Botswana, is triggering rapid action among researchers. The variant - currently named B.1.1.529 has more than 30 changes to the spike protein - and the concern is that these mutations may result in increased transmissibility, severity of disease or even antibody evasion.

In this episode of Coronapod, we discuss what we know so far, how scientists are searching for answers and what this could mean for the pandemic.

News: Heavily mutated coronavirus variant puts scientists on alert

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