UpdatedFri, Jan 15, 2021 at 4:20 pm CT Replies(15) The coronavirus's characteristic spikes help it attach to cells in the nose and even penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Those spikes have mutated in several new variants, making the virus even more contagious and possibly more vaccine-resistant. (Shutterstock) ILLINOIS — Researchers at Southern Illinois University say they have discovered a new mutation of the coronavirus already prevalent in the United States. According to a preliminary paper submitted Monday for peer review, the so-called 20C-US strain accounts for about half of all U.S. cases. Calling it "home-grown and widespread," researchers said it may already be the dominant strain of the virus in the country.