China’s 'batwoman' strikes again, uncovering a new coronavirus that could have a serious impact on humans. Should we be worried?
In a startling discovery that has everyone holding their breath, a Chinese virologist affectionately dubbed "batwoman" has unearthed a brand-new bat coronavirus named HKU5-CoV-2. Found nestled within the delightful depths of a Japanese pipistrelle bat from Hong Kong, this virus is not just a simple virus—it’s a potential pandemic risk! The HKU5-CoV-2 virus is part of the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the pesky virus we all know too well: the one responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, under the keen eye of Shi Zhengli, found that this new wearable on the face of nature carries the risk of switching from its bat buddies to humans. The biological matchmaking is facilitated through a charming little trick—HKU5-CoV-2 enters cells using the same gateway that’s sweetly acquainted with the COVID-19 virus. It’s almost as if Mother Nature has a wild sense of humor, marrying the patterns of tragedy and the inconvenient arrival of new pathogens!
While the world has gradually eased into a new normal, scientists are urging a cautious approach. Could this be a heightened scare alert? Health officials are keeping a watchful eye on HKU5-CoV-2 and its potential animal-to-human transmission. In the grand scheme of things, this virus joins a growing ranks of viruses popping up in bats, which have been recognized as the original trendsetters of zoonotic diseases. With the world still recovering from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, HKU5-CoV-2 could inspire a sequel we definitely didn’t ask for!
Now, before you start stocking up on toilet paper again, let’s stay on the sunny side of life. Historically, bats serve as hosts for a plethora of viruses, yet only a fraction has ever spilled over to humans—which means, while we remain vigilant, the likelihood of widespread transmission is still a matter of study. Here's an interesting nugget: not all bat coronaviruses cause mayhem; In fact, many bats play important roles in maintaining ecological balance, including pest control and pollination. Knowledge is power, my friends, so let’s keep the calm while we monitor these intriguing developments!
A Chinese virologist known as “batwoman” and a team of researchers have found a new bat coronavirus, and it carries the risk of animal-to-human ...
This virus is also a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong, according to the South China Morning Post.
HKU5-CoV-2 is a coronavirus belonging to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The recently identified HKU5-CoV-2 virus has been found in bats within China. While there is a potential risk of transmission to humans, researchers have ...
Researchers at Wuhan Institute of Virology, led by Shi Zhengli, discovered a new coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, in bats. While it has potential for ...
HKU5-CoV-2 virus in China: After Covid-19 and HMPV, a new bat coronavirus discovered in China has sparked concerns among health officials and has triggered ...
Detection of a new coronavirus in bats that enters cells using the same gateway as the virus that causes COVID-19 raises the possibility that it could ...
HKU5-CoV-2 carries a risk of animal-to-human transmission and binds to humans like the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers published their findings about ...
Chinese researchers, led by virologist Shi Zhengli, have discovered a new bat coronavirus that poses potential risks of animal-to-human transmission, ...
Chinese scientists have identified a newly discovered bat coronavirus, called HKU5-CoV-2, that uses the same ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2 to enter human ...
This virus is also a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong, according to the South China Morning Post.
Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, clarified on Saturday (February 22, 2025) regarding reports of a new ...
The study was led by Shi Zhengli, Chinese virologist from the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), where the Covid-19 was alleged to have ...
This virus is also a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong, according to the South China Morning Post.
Covid-19 like new bat virus HKU5-CoV hasn't been detected in humans yet. It has only been identified in a laboratory.
The new virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, has been found by a research team led by Shi Zhengli. The virus is said to be related to MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) ...
A Chinese team of virologists have found a new bat coronavirus that carries the risk of animal-to-human transmission because it uses the same human receptor ...
Newly discovered bat coronavirus shares entry protein with COVID-19, but poses lower risk of human transmission, researchers find.
The study on the new virus was carried out by leading Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli, who is also known as the “batwoman” as a result of her extensive ...
Researchers in China discovered a new coronavirus that uses the same cell surface protein to enter humans as the virus that causes COVID-19.
The study was led by Shi Zhengli, Chinese virologist from the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), where the COVID-19 was alleged to have emanated ...