Japan universities develop speedier analysis of coronavirus mutations
Osaka University and Hokkaido University in Japan have developed a system capable of analyzing genetic mutations of the novel coronavirus much quicker than conventional methods.
Researchers say they hope the system will expedite the development of novel therapeutics and preventative measures for COVID-19. The virus has claimed more than 3.10 million lives worldwide as of late April, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Supplied electron micrograph shows a variant of the novel coronavirus. (Photo courtesy of Japan s National Institute of Infectious Diseases)(Kyodo)
Using the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, a technique to amplify small segments of DNA, the researchers succeeded in establishing a simple and efficient way to generate infectious clones of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, for analysis.
New coronavirus variant found in traveler from Philippines: Japan
A man who arrived in Japan from the Philippines in February was infected with a new variant of the novel coronavirus, the health ministry said Friday in the first confirmation of such a case.
The variant is distinct from those first discovered in Britain, South Africa and Brazil, and is thought to pose a similar level of threat.
Supplied electron micrograph shows a variant strain of the novel coronavirus originating from Britain. (Photo courtesy of Japan s National Institute of Infectious Diseases)(Kyodo)
345 people in Japan infected with coronavirus variants: ministry
Japan s health ministry said Wednesday that 345 people in 21 of the country s 47 prefectures were found to have been infected with novel coronavirus variants first detected in Britain, Brazil and South Africa.
Based on data by Tuesday, the ministry said domestic testing found 271 people were infected with a variant, while 74 were discovered similarly infected by going through airport quarantine checks.
Supplied electron micrograph shows a variant strain of the novel coronavirus originating from Britain. (Photo courtesy of Japan s National Institute of Infectious Diseases)(Kyodo)
The Japanese government is concerned about the risk that variants may spread rapidly through the country and that currently available vaccines may be less effective against them, even as its vaccine roll-out started recently.
Nearly 400 infected with new coronavirus variant found in Japan
Nearly 400 people in Japan have been infected with a new variant of the novel coronavirus different from those found in Britain, South Africa and Brazil, Japan s National Institute of Infectious Diseases said Tuesday.
While differing from those discovered earlier in the three countries, the new strain found in Japan shares some commonality with those from South Africa and Brazil, the institute said. It is suspected that the commonality may cause more reinfection and that current vaccines may be less effective against it.
Supplied photo taken on Feb. 27, 2020 shows PCR tests being carried out at a laboratory at Japan s National Institute of Infectious Diseases. (Photo courtesy of Japan s National Institute of Infectious Diseases) (Kyodo)
Over 230 cases of highly infectious variant strains of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in 19 of the 47 prefectures in Japan, government data showed on March 4, with health experts warning of a potential "fourth wave" of infections should they continue to spread across the country.