Reeeeeeally Long Covid (2022)
2 days ago
- #Genetics
- #Pandemic
- #COVID-19
- A study reveals an ancient coronavirus epidemic in East Asia around 25,000 years ago that lasted for 20,000 years, leaving genetic imprints on the human population.
- The research identified 42 human genes that evolved in response to the ancient coronavirus, with mutations becoming fixed in East Asian populations.
- Modern interventions like masks, social distancing, vaccines, and drugs like paxlovid are emphasized as crucial to avoid a prolonged pandemic scenario.
- The study suggests that some of the genes affected by the ancient coronavirus are targets for existing drugs, offering potential avenues for COVID-19 treatment research.
- The article contrasts the ancient population's reliance on genetic evolution for survival with modern society's access to scientific and medical interventions.