All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Most changes have little to no impact on the virus’ properties. However, some changes may affect the virus’s properties, such as how easily it spreads, the associated disease severity, or the performance of vaccines, therapeutic medicines, diagnostic tools, or other public health and social measures.
WHO, in collaboration with partners, expert networks, national authorities, institutions and researchers have been monitoring and assessing the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 since January 2020. During late 2020, the emergence of variants that posed an increased risk to global public health prompted the characterisation of specific Variants of Interest (VOIs) and Variants of Concern (VOCs), in order to prioritise global monitoring and research, and ultimately to inform the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO and its international networks of experts are monitoring changes to the virus so that if significant mutations are identified, we can inform countries and the public about any changes needed to react to the variant, and prevent its spread. Globally, systems have been established and are being strengthened to detect “signals” of potential VOIs or VOCs and assess these based on the risk posed to global public health. National authorities may choose to designate other variants of local interest/concern.
Current strategies and measures recommended by WHO continue to work against virus variants identified since the start of the pandemic.
Naming SARS-CoV-2 variants
which will be easier and more practical to discussed by non-scientific audiences.
News
Inside the Nano-Universe: New 3D X-Ray Imaging Transforms Material Science
A cutting-edge X-ray method reveals the 3D orientation of nanoscale material structures, offering fresh insights into their functionality. Researchers at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) have developed a groundbreaking technique called X-ray linear dichroic orientation tomography [...]
X-chromosome study reveals hidden genetic links to Alzheimer’s disease
Despite decades of research, the X-chromosome’s impact on Alzheimer’s was largely ignored until now. Explore how seven newly discovered genetic loci could revolutionize our understanding of the disease. Conventional investigations of the genetic contributors [...]
The Unresolved Puzzle of Long COVID: 30% of Young People Still Suffer After Two Years
A UCL study found that 70% of young people with long Covid recovered within 24 months, but recovery was less likely among older teenagers, females, and those from deprived backgrounds. Researchers emphasized the need [...]
Needle-Free: New Nano-Vaccine Effective Against All COVID-19 Variants
A new nano-vaccine developed by TAU and the University of Lisbon offers a needle-free, room-temperature-storable solution against COVID-19, targeting all key variants effectively. Professor Ronit Satchi-Fainaro’s lab at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medical and [...]
Photoacoustic PDA-ICG Nanoprobe for Detecting Senescent Cells in Cancer
A study in Scientific Reports evaluated a photoacoustic polydopamine-indocyanine green (PDA-ICG) nanoprobe for detecting senescent cells. Senescent cells play a role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance, with potential adverse effects such as inflammation and tissue [...]
How Dysregulated Cell Signaling Causes Disease
Cell signaling is crucial for cells to communicate and function correctly. Disruptions in these pathways, caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors, can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, improper immune responses, or errors in [...]
Scientists Develop Super-Strong, Eco-Friendly Plastic That Bacteria Can Eat
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a biodegradable composite material that could play a significant role in addressing the global plastic waste crisis. Billions of tons of plastic waste clutter our planet. Most [...]
Building a “Google Maps” for Biology: Human Cell Atlas Revolutionizes Medicine
New research from the Human Cell Atlas offers insights into cell development, disease mechanisms, and genetic influences, enhancing our understanding of human biology and health. The Human Cell Atlas (HCA) consortium has made significant [...]
Bioeconomic Potential: Scientists Just Found 140 Reasons to Love Spider Venom
Researchers at the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) have discovered a significant diversity of enzymes in spider venom, previously overshadowed by the focus on neurotoxins. These enzymes, found across 140 different families, [...]
Quantum Algorithms and the Future of Precision Medicine
Precision medicine is reshaping healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. At the forefront of this revolution, the integration of quantum computing and machine learning [...]
Scientists Have Discovered a Simple Supplement That Causes Prostate Cancer Cells To Self-Destruct
Menadione, a vitamin K precursor, shows promise in slowing prostate cancer in mice by disrupting cancer cell survival processes, with potential applications for human treatment and myotubular myopathy therapy. Prostate cancer is a quiet [...]
Scientists reveal structural link for initiation of protein synthesis in bacteria
Within a cell, DNA carries the genetic code for building proteins. To build proteins, the cell makes a copy of DNA, called mRNA. Then, another molecule called a ribosome reads the mRNA, translating it [...]
Vaping Isn’t Safe: Scientists Uncover Alarming Vascular Risks
Smoking and vaping impair vascular function, even without nicotine, with the most significant effects seen in nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. Researchers recommend avoiding both for better health. Researchers have discovered immediate impacts of cigarette and e-cigarette [...]
Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir for PrEP Reduces HIV Infections by 96%
Twice-yearly injections of the capsid inhibitor drug lenacapavir can prevent the vast majority of HIV infections, according to a Phase 3 clinical trial published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. HIV pre-exposure [...]
Did Social Distancing Begin 6,000 Years Ago? Neolithic Villagers May Have Invented It
Social distancing may have roots 6,000 years ago, as research shows Neolithic villages like Nebelivka used clustered layouts to control disease spread. The phrase “social distancing” became widely recognized in recent years as people [...]
Decoding Alzheimer’s: The Arctic Mutation’s Role in Unusual Brain Structures
Researchers have uncovered how certain genetic mutations lead to unique spherical amyloid plaques in inherited forms of Alzheimer’s, offering insights that could advance our understanding of the disease and improve therapeutic strategies. An international collaboration [...]
