Researchers are still racing to find out the origins of the coronavirus and a recent study out of China suggests there’s a natural connection between the virus and bats. Scientists have found a close relative of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in bats along with so-called insertion events, or mutations into genomes, that show the virus’ make-up can change naturally. The United States government is investigating whether or not the COVID-19 virus may have originated in a government lab in Wuhan. However, that doesn’t mean RmYN02 is a direct ancestor to the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far led to about 4.3 million cases of the virus and more than 290,500 deaths around the world. Bats gather in large groups, are known to fly long distances, and can spread pathogens.

Source: National Post May 12, 2020 20:03 UTC