Scientists in China have recently conducted experiments on a new coronavirus strain, GX_P2V. This resulted in 100% mortality in the genetically modified mice. This strain is a mutation of GX/2017, a virus that was initially identified in Malaysian pangolins in 2017.
The study, originating from Beijing, notes the rapid and lethal effects of GX_P2V on mice with a human-like genetic structure. Due to this virus, which targets many organs including the brain, the condition of the mice deteriorated rapidly and they died within eight days.
The rats became sick very quickly. He lost a lot of weight, could not walk properly and his eyes turned white before he died. This study is different because all the mice died, which is more than has happened in other studies about similar viruses.
“SARS-CoV-2-related pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V(short_3UTR) can cause 100% mortality in human ACE2-transgenic mice, potentially responsible for end-stage brain infection. “This highlights the risk of spread of GX_P2V in humans and provides a unique model for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-related viruses,” the authors wrote.
But, it’s not clear what this means for people. The study does not directly relate these results to potential effects on humans.
Experts criticize this study
Some experts, such as Francois Balloux of University College London, believe that this study is not useful and could be dangerous.
“This is a terrible study, completely meaningless scientifically. I don’t see any vague interest to be learned from forcibly infecting a strange breed of humanized rats with a random virus. On the contrary, I could see how such things could go wrong,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“This madness must be stopped before it is too late,” posted retired professor Dr. Gennady Glinsky.
The study differs from research done in Wuhan, which was linked to different ideas about where COVID-19 came from. The origin of COVID-19 is still not known. In a new study conducted in China, questions have been raised on carrying out risky experiments with the virus.
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