Home / Science / New Research: COVID-19 Not From Lab, Say Scientists
New Research: COVID-19 Not From Lab, Say Scientists
10 Mar
Summary
- Recent study analyzed seven viral outbreaks, including COVID-19.
- Researchers found no unusual genetic changes in viruses before outbreaks.
- One 1977 Russian flu outbreak showed lab-like mutations, unlike COVID-19.
A comprehensive analysis of seven significant viral outbreaks, including COVID-19, Ebola, and influenza, has provided new insights into their origins. The study, published in the journal Cell, examined the genetic evolution of viruses like SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, HIV-1, H1N1, and mpox.
Researchers discovered that for most outbreaks, including COVID-19, there were no anomalous genetic alterations before the pandemics emerged. This suggests that viruses adapt and spread to humans through natural zoonotic transmission rather than laboratory creation. The adaptation process often occurs coincidentally when a virus becomes adept at infecting humans.
An exception was noted with the 1977 H1N1 influenza outbreak in Russia, often termed 'Russian flu.' This specific virus displayed pre-pandemic mutations that mimicked patterns found in viruses developed in laboratory settings. This finding aligns with speculation that the 1977 outbreak might have stemmed from a failed vaccine trial, unlike the natural origins proposed for COVID-19.
