READ MORE:* Coronavirus: Trump's 'game-changing' drug linked to increased risk of death, study says* Coronavirus: Covid-19's mutations, and a mysterious illness in children* Coronavirus: 'Highly contagious' Covid-19 strain mutation - researchersAP The G variant first emerged in Europe before travelling to the United States. And few genetic mutations could be more significant than ones that affect the spike protein - the virus's most powerful tool. He hypothesised the G variant is more efficient at beginning the process of invading the human cell and taking over its reproductive machinery. Even then, Andersen said, it will be too soon to say that the G variant transmits faster among people. But it's still essential to understand how the genome influences the behaviour of the virus, scientists say.

Source: Stuff June 30, 2020 00:56 UTC