
News 2025-05-14 09:23:30
New virus discovered in bats that can infect humans like Covid-19

A team of Chinese scientists has discovered a new strain of coronavirus in bats that can be transmitted from animals to humans through the ACE2 receptor – the same mechanism that SARS-CoV-2 uses.
The research was led by virologist Shi Zhengli, who is known as the "bat man" for his outstanding contributions to the study of coronaviruses in this species.
The new virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, belongs to the branch of the HKU5 strain, which was first discovered in Japanese bats in Hong Kong. It belongs to the Merbecovirus group, a group of viruses that includes the agent that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
According to a publication in the journal Cell a few days ago, scientists have isolated and identified this new variant that is able to bind to the ACE2 receptor not only in bats but also in humans and many other mammals.

Experiments have shown that HKU5-CoV-2 can enter human cells as well as artificial tissues (simulating the respiratory and digestive systems). This raises concerns about the risk of spreading from bats to humans, either through direct transmission or through an intermediate host. In particular, the ability to link to many other animal species increases the risk of widespread spread.
However, scientists emphasize that the risk of an outbreak from this virus remains low. Although HKU5-CoV-2 has a higher level of adaptation to the human ACE2 receptor than the previous variant, its infection efficiency is still much lower than that of SARS-CoV-2.

The study also shows that the Merbecovirus group currently includes four separate viruses: MERS virus, two found in bats, and one found in hedgehogs. Of these, HKU5-CoV-2 is assessed to have the ability to infect across species, but the level of effective interaction with human cells is still limited.
Shi Zhengli, a renowned scientist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, has faced controversy over the origins of Covid-19. Some theories suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may have originated from a leak at a Wuhan laboratory, but Shi has dismissed the claim. While there is no consensus on the origins of Covid-19, many studies suggest that the virus may have originated in bats and spread to humans through an intermediate host.
News in the same category


Air India plane crash: reactions from across the world

RM, V, Jung Kook, and Jimin will soon be discharged from the military

Experts Warn of Rising Bird Flu Th.r.eat: Could Avian Influenza Become the Next Pa.nd.emic?

Covid-19 outbreak returns, “3 most obvious symptoms” recorded

Symptoms, signs of new COVID-19 variant spreading 7 times faster than seasonal flu

How dangerous is the cancer that former US President Joe Biden has?

Why does the Covid-19 JN.1 variant persist?

IU & V reportedly spotted dining together at a luxury restaurant

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected as 267th pope, takes name Leo XIV

What COVID-19 variants are going around in April 2025?

Pope Francis has d.i.e.d on Easter Monday aged 88

Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer Are Married!

‘Depende’: David Licauco on the possibility of courting Barbie Forteza

Limo from ‘Putin’s car fleet’ is bl.o.w.n up in huge blast as troops from par.an.oid ty.r.ant’s honour guard searched for b.om.bs

The band-aid of the future: Smart bandage heals injuries 30% faster than standard dressings by producing an electric field around the wound

NASA astronauts officially touch down on Earth for first time in 9 months after 8-day mission went wrong

Elon Musk's rocket can't take off, two scientists continue to be stuck in space

Haidilao Investigates Over 1,400 Restaurants After Customer Urinates in Hotpot
News Post

4 Types of Itching That May Signal Can.cer Cells Are “Eating Away” at the Body
Health 28/10/2025 01:05

6 Indoor Spots Where You Should Never Install Security Cameras
Tips 28/10/2025 00:32

THE DOG THEY WANTED US TO PUT DOWN IS THE ONLY REASON MY DAUGHTER SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT
Story 28/10/2025 00:13

Boy shares a heartfelt hug with his dog before surgery — the outcome surprises everyone
Story 28/10/2025 00:10

25-Year-Old Groom Dies from Acute Liver Failure After Eating Chicken
Health 27/10/2025 23:33

4 types of people who should avoid eating cabbage
Health 27/10/2025 23:25

Why Do Dogs Sniff Your Crotch? Experts Explain This Awkward Canine Behavior
Facts 27/10/2025 15:40

Don’t throw away avocado pits
Health 27/10/2025 15:37

Spotting this plant in your garden is like discovering hidden gold — whatever you do, don’t throw it away!
Health 27/10/2025 14:17

Recognizing mini-str.oke symptoms: A crucial step in str.oke prevention
Health 27/10/2025 11:27

My MIL Clogged Our Only Toilet During Thanksgiving Dinner, Then Left Without Saying a Word – So on Christmas I Taught Her a Lesson
Health 27/10/2025 11:09

I Threw My Grandma Out of My Wedding for Bringing a Dirty Bag of Walnuts – Two Days After She Died, I Opened It and Collapsed
Story 27/10/2025 10:32

I Asked My Grandma to be My Prom Date Because She Never Went to Prom – When My Stepmom Found Out, She Did Something Unforgivable
Story 27/10/2025 10:16

What happens to people who regularly eat sweet potatoes for breakfast over a long period of time?
Facts 27/10/2025 09:17

One Person Hangs the Laundry, the Whole Family Gets Sick
Facts 27/10/2025 01:15

7 Foods You Must Avoid When You Have Dengue Fever
Health 27/10/2025 00:46

4 Dishwashing Habits Everyone Should Stop Immediately!
Health 27/10/2025 00:29

These 3 Nighttime Signs Reveal Your Kid.neys Are in Danger!
Health 26/10/2025 18:05

After 30 years of using a microwave, I finally discovered this “magic button”
Tips 26/10/2025 17:32

The Vegetable That Helps Reduce Sugar in The Body. It is Diabetes’ Strong Opponent
Health 26/10/2025 16:39