COVID VARIANT
Why scientists call PJ.2.1 a ‘jump’ variant: The COVID strain that arrived with dozens of mutations at once and spreads by gripping your cells more tightly
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, named PJ.2.1, was detected in Canada and has spread globally. It has over 25 mutations in its spike protein, which enhance its binding to human cells. Researchers are observing its spread in countries like the US, Spain, and Australia among others. Currently, there is no evidence linking PJ.2.1 to increased severity of illness or hospitalization.
'Ebola is like Covid pandemic': African CDC chief says no country in the world is safe now
In light of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, Dr. Jean Kaseya from the Africa CDC underscores the urgent need for global readiness. With over 10,000 confirmed cases and nearly 5,000 fatalities reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the situation is grave. Neighboring nations such as Uganda and Kenya are also facing linked cases, and the absence of effective vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus presents significant challenges for containment.
These mid-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%, according to analysts
The last few weeks have made one thing clear. Oil prices, US bond yields, corporate earnings, and the state of the world – all point the same way. So, the market is more likely to stay in this jumpy and uncertain mood for quite some time. But then there is something called history, and it provides some interesting lessons.
Diwali Sale 2026: Buying fridge, AC, or washing machine online? Here’s how to get the best deal on big appliances and save more
Online sales of big appliances are growing at 25% as the festive sales begin. The Kagan 2026 Asia-Pacific Consumer Insights survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence, conducted in June 2026 among 1,000 internet adults each in China, South Korea and India, shows that most Indian respondents still primarily make retail purchases from stores.
Could bacteria hold the secret to delaying death? Magnetic microbes extended worm lifespan by more than 43% in a new ageing study
Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science found that Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 increased the lifespan of C. elegans by 43.39%. The treated worms demonstrated improved neurological function and intestinal health as they aged. The study linked these benefits to reduced ferroptosis and iron accumulation, highlighting the role of magnetosomes. Comparisons with non-magnetotactic bacterial strains suggested the importance of magnetosome production in lifespan extension.
BA.3.2 Cicada COVID Variant symptoms: How is it different from previous COVID strains, should you be worried?
New Covid variant 2026 Cicada symptoms: The highly mutated new BA.3.2 Cicada COVID Variant has now spread to at least 23 countries, sparking concerns. The symptoms of Cicada COVID variant include cough, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath among others. As of now, studies show that BA.3.2 does not cause more severe illness than earlier variants.
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‘Cicada’ Covid variant with 75 mutations is spreading: What it means for you
Cicada Covid Variant Symptoms: A new COVID variant with 70-75 spike protein mutations has been detected. The new virus can potentially evade immunity. While experts emphasize that this does not signal a return to early pandemic crisis, it may lead to increased reinfections, particularly for vulnerable groups.
New ‘Stratus’ COVID variant spreads fast in US and everywhere — here’s what to watch for before it hits your area
The XFG variant, known as "Stratus," is gaining traction in the U.S., rising to 14% of cases since May. While the WHO monitors it, the variant's public health risk is considered low, and existing vaccines are expected to remain effective. Symptoms are similar to previous Omicron variants, and experts see no immediate cause for alarm regarding increased severity.
New Covid variant 'Nimbus': Symptoms, vaccine response, and why it causes painful 'razor blade throat'
New Covid variant Nimbus symptoms: A new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed "Nimbus," is spreading globally, including in the US and Asia. While more transmissible, it doesn't appear more dangerous. A key symptom is a severe sore throat, described as "razor blade throat," alongside typical symptoms like congestion, fatigue, and fever.
Rapidly spreading COVID variant triggers fresh warnings — these are the symptoms doctors urge you to track
A new COVID variant called NB.1.8.1 is spreading fast worldwide. It gives signs like dry cough, feeling very tired, and fever, just like older COVID types.
Covid XEC variant symptoms, effect: What we know about Coronavirus' new variant
Covid XEC is a new variant of Coronavirus has appeared in Germany on June. After that it is spreading rapidly across Europe. This can become a dominant strain which can cause severe illness. Experts are suggesting to take vaccines and booster shots to get protection.
A wave or a splash? Know what experts say on new Covid variant JN.1
With 21 cases of new Covid variant JN.1 detected in India, the government has issued advisories for preparedness. Dr. V K Paul of NITI Aayog emphasized calm, stating the scientific community is closely studying the variant. Despite a rise in daily positivity rates in certain states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, officials assert there's no immediate concern with JN.1.
Pirola Covid variant is raising concerns but is there anything to panic? Check here
Pirola Covid variant has raised concerns in the US, Canada, and other countries across the world. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assured that currently there is no reason to panic.
What is 'Eris', the new Covid variant?
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified EG.5, which has been nicknamed by some as "Eris", as a "variant of interest," indicating that it should be more closely watched than others because of mutations that might make it more contagious or severe.
Covid variant sweeping India now gains foothold in the US. Here's what experts say
Across the world, according to WHO, 3 million new cases and over 23 000 deaths were reported in the last 28 days (13 March to 9 April 2023).
Covid variant Arcturus has new symptom not seen earlier: Experts
Red sticky eyes (conjunctivitis) has been also been reported by some physicians but some doctors say that it too early to say that this red eye is more common with XBB 1.16 variant or Arcturus. Experts believe that XBB 1.16 variant is believed to be highly contagious.
New COVID variants reported abroad, Kerala govt intensifies preventive steps
Since the elderly and those with co-morbidities are more likely to be severely affected by the new COVID variants, they as well as healthcare workers must take the booster/ precautionary dose of the vaccine.
Another new COVID variant is spreading - here's what we know about omicron BA.4.6
The latest briefing document on COVID variants from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) noted that during the week beginning August 14, BA.4.6 accounted for 3.3 per cent of samples in the UK. It has since grown to make up around 9 per cent of sequenced cases. Similarly, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, BA.4.6 now accounts for more than 9 per cent of recent cases across the US. The variant has also been identified in several other countries around the world.
Covid variants found in sewage even before surge in cases: Study
It also revealed that the number of infected people has been much higher than reported cases. The findings of the study conducted on wastewater in certain locations in Bengaluru have been posted on the medRxiv preprint server. The authors said environmental surveillance can potentially predict disease surges by up to two weeks.
No need to panic over rising Covid cases, no new variant of concern has been found: Experts
Seventeen districts in the country, including seven in Kerala and five in Mizoram, are reporting a weekly Covid positivity rate of more than 10 per cent, while in 24 districts, including seven in Kerala and four each in Maharashtra and Mizoram, the weekly positivity rate is between five and 10 per cent, an official source said.
Omicron 'stealth' COVID variant BA.2 now dominant globally
Scientists say a possible explanation for the recent rise in BA.2 could be that the global uptick happened at the same time that many countries lifted public health interventions. But whatever the reason for BA.2's rise, scientists said it was a reminder that the virus continues to cause harm, particularly among unvaccinated, under-vaccinated and vulnerable populations.
First image of new Covid variant Omicron shows many more mutations than Delta
On the three-dimensional "image", which looks like a map, "we can clearly see that the Omicron variant presents many more mutations than the Delta variant, concentrated above all in one area of the protein that interacts with human cells", the team of researchers said.
Omicron: The new Covid variant has about 30 mutations, recovered people can catch it again
The WHO on Friday designated 'omicron' as a 'variant of concern'.
New Covid variant could be more infectious, finds study
The new variant was first found in South Africa in May, scientists from National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)Scientists from National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) said.
Factors that led to renaming of coronavirus variants, including the one first found in India
The WHO list has four "variants of concern". They were commonly being referred to as the UK, South Africa, Brazil and India variants. From now on, they are going to be called Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta — in that order.
Is Indian Covid variant behind second wave that started from Vidarbha?
International researchers believe this variant is typically of Indian origin. As a result, researchers and media houses from across the globe are now focusing on Vidarbha; some even visited Nagpur while tracing the new “Indian variant”.
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