We explain how vaccine-developers are reacting to Omicron, and how booster jabs can help the body fight new variants of the coronavirus
-2 to have infected someone with a compromised immune system. Because such people are unable to get rid of it, the virus can evolve inside them for months, accumulating mutations as it does so. Their bodies provide what Sharon Peacock of Cambridge University calls an “evolutionary gym” on which variants can both build up their strength and learn some new tricks.The most worrying of Omicron’s mutations are in the gene that describes the spike protein.
Some other mutations are worrying, too. After binding to a cell, the spike breaks in two at a juncture called the furin cleavage site, allowing the viral genome to get inside. Ravindra Gupta of Cambridge worries that Omicron’s three mutations close to this site will give it an advantage in replication similar to that enjoyed by Delta. Another mutation may allow it to confuse the way in which the immune system uses a chemical messenger called interferon.
The makers of vaccines that use other approaches to their trade are also exploring the possibilities of doing something specific to Omicron; but the mtechnology is inherently quicker to work with, and being first on the market would be a huge advantage. Morgan Stanley, a bank, reckons that both firms could make about 6bn booster shots next year.
Analysis by Goldman Sachs, a bank, combines data on mandated social-distancing measures and the amount of adherence they meet with into an “effective-lockdown index”. The previous two significant variants, Alpha and Delta, caused lockdowns to tighten, but to a significantly lower level than in early 2020 . In the past nine months only a handful of countries have locked down as stringently as they did in 2020.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Omicron will likely 'dominate and overwhelm' the world in 3-6 months, doctor saysThe new Covid variant omicron will likely 'overwhelm the whole world' in the coming months, according to Singapore doctor Leong Hoe Nam.
Baca lebih lajut »
UK Approves Covid Antibody Treatment That's Likely Effective Against Omicron—Here's What To KnowI am a London-based reporter for Forbes covering breaking news. Previously, I have worked as a reporter for a specialist legal publication covering big data and as a freelance journalist and policy analyst covering science, tech and health. I have a master’s degree in Biological Natural Sciences and a master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge. Follow me on Twitter theroberthart or email me at rhartforbes.com
Baca lebih lajut »
Moderna Warns of ‘Material Drop’ in Vaccine Efficacy Against OmicronThe Moderna CEO says existing COVID-19 vaccines will likely be less effective against the new Omicron variant. “I think it’s going to be a material drop,” he said. “I just don’t know how much, because we need to wait for the data.'
Baca lebih lajut »
‘New Normal’: U.S. Travelers Are Not Panicking Over OmicronWhile Americans in general are more worried about Omicron than Delta, it's not impacting travel plans
Baca lebih lajut »
South Africa scientists: Omicron triples Covid infectionsOmicron variant is three times more likely to cause reinfections compared to the Delta or Beta strains, scientists say in a preliminary study.
Baca lebih lajut »
US reports Omicron cases in multiple states – latest updatesLatest on the global Covid crisis: 🇺🇸 Multiple US states report Omicron variant cases 🇳🇴 Norway posts 50 Omicron infections 🇦🇺 Australia reports first Omicron case For more:
Baca lebih lajut »