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.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahe...
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shippi...
Two Indian-flagged tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying 92,700 metric tons of liquefied petrole...
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jo...
A sandstorm swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, worsening conditions for displaced civilians already livin...
A sandstorm swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, worsening conditions for displaced civilians already living in fragile shelters amid the ongoing conflict, according to local reports.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
China’s annual “Two Sessions” in Beijing have again drawn global attention, as lawmakers and advisers gather to set the country’s economic and social agenda. Premier Li Qiang presented the Government Work Report on 5 March, outlining recent progress and targets for 2026 and beyond.
China will finance the construction of nine border facilities in Tajikistan along the frontier with Afghanistan in a project worth more than $50 million aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the country’s Border Troops.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued veiled threats to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Hezbollah on Thursday (12 March), during his first press conference since the conflict with Iran began.
Israel and Iran continued to exchange strikes on Friday (13 March), as the U.S. and French militaries reported deaths in Iraq, and the U.N. launched a $325 million appeal to help Lebanon, where a seventh of the population have left their homes since fighting began.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Ayman Ghazali, a 41-year-old U.S. citizen born in Lebanon, crashed his truck into the hallway of a Detroit-area synagogue on Thursday (12 March) while children attended preschool. Security personnel shot him dead during the confrontation, and authorities said no one else was seriously injured.
Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia fell sharply in 2025 compared to the previous year but health officials have warned that the risk of fresh outbreaks remains unless vaccination gaps are urgently addressed.
A Florida university has become a new hotspot in a widening U.S. measles outbreak, with health officials confirming multiple infections and hospitalisations.
The World Health Organization has added the Nipah virus to its list of the world’s top 10 priority diseases, alongside COVID-19 and the Zika virus, warning that its epidemic potential highlights the global risk posed by fast-spreading outbreaks.
Belgian authorities are examining suspected cases of infants falling ill after consuming recalled Nestle baby formula, amid warnings that confirmed infections may be underestimated due to limited testing requirements.
Two Nipah infections involving health workers in India have triggered heightened screening across Southeast Asia as authorities move to prevent the high fatality virus from spreading beyond the country.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment