Chinese researchers have discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which shares the same human receptor as COVID-19, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human transmission.
A Chinese research team has identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that could pose a potential risk for animal-to-human transmission. The study, published in Cell and conducted by the Guangzhou Laboratory in collaboration with Wuhan University and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, reveals that the virus shares the same human receptor—ACE2—used by both the COVID-19 and SARS viruses.
HKU5-CoV-2 was discovered in Japanese pipistrelle bats in Hong Kong. Laboratory tests show that it can infect human cells and bind to ACE2 receptors in humans, bats, and other animals, increasing the likelihood of cross-species transmission. While it has a stronger binding ability and broader host range compared to its predecessor, researchers stress that the virus is less potent than SARS-CoV-2, and the risk of widespread human transmission remains low.
Shi Zhengli, the study’s lead scientist, is renowned for her work at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which has faced scrutiny over theories that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab leak—a claim that China has rejected. Despite the ongoing investigation into the origins of the pandemic, the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 highlights the continuing need for vigilance in monitoring emerging viruses.
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China has appointed Li Xiaolong as vice minister of the Ministry of Housing and the Human Resources Ministry, tasked with overseeing key policies in housing and workforce management.
This Sunday, March 23, negotiations will take place between the US and Russia regarding the details of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Anti-government protests erupted outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, with demonstrators calling for his resignation after his announcement to oust the head of internal security, joined by relatives of hostages worried about their loved ones' fate.
Afghanistan seeks foreign investment in mining, engaging with Chinese and Kazakh diplomats to boost resource extraction. With $1 trillion in untapped minerals, Kabul aims to become a key industry player despite infrastructure and security challenges.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia launched attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine immediately after a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they had agreed to halt such attacks.
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