A vibrant pink, purple, and blue lobster, dubbed a ‘cotton candy’ lobster, was caught off the coast of New Hampshire. This incredibly rare find, estimated to occur at a rate of 1 in 100 million, is now on display at the Seacoast Science Center. The lobster’s unique coloration stems from a genetic mutation that disrupts the normal pigmentation process, resulting in a stunning display of hues.
A highly pathogenic strain of bird flu has infected tens of thousands of birds and has begun to spread among mammals, including a dairy worker in Texas. The virus, known as H5N1, can mutate and spread among humans, raising concerns about a potential pandemic. While the current threat to public health remains low, experts urge swift action to prevent the virus from becoming more widespread.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new technology called tARC-seq, which has enabled them to calculate SARS-CoV-2’s mutation rate. Using this technology, the team captured new mutations in SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells in the lab that recapitulated observations revealed by worldwide pandemic viral sequencing data. They identified mutation hotspots, notably in the spike protein RNA, which is crucial for viral entry and vaccine composition. Their research provides insights into the evolution and adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 in human populations, and could aid in pandemic surveillance and vaccine development.
Researchers have developed a new technology called tARC-seq that enables the accurate detection of rare SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Using tARC-seq, they found that the virus’s mutation rate is higher than initially expected and identified hotspots for mutations. Their findings also revealed template switching and complex mutations as mechanisms driving SARS-CoV-2’s rapid evolution. This technology can be used to monitor viral evolution and aid in the development of effective vaccines.
