New research says covid was ‘highly human adapted'.
An Australian study into the origins of covid-19 has gained international attention after providing more evidence to suggest a “lab leak” theory is not so far-fetched.
The study out of Flinders University, published last week in Scientific Reports, used computer modelling of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus to predict its ability to infect humans and 12 other domestic and exotic animals.
But to the surprise of the research team, the results found that the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 protein was higher for human ACE2 than any other species tested.
The scientists said that if one of the animal species tested was the origin, it would have normally shown the highest binding to the virus.
This episode we’re joined by Professor Nikolai Petrovsky, a physician academic and co-author, from the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University.
You can listen and subscribe to the show by searching for “The Tea Room Medical Republic” in your favourite podcast player.
