Science Alert January 17, 2021
Researchers at the biopharma group deCODE Genetics’ laboratory in Iceland have analyzed all the around 6,000 COVID-19 cases reported in Iceland making it the world leader in COVID sequencing. They have identified 463 separate variants – which scientists call haplotypes. Authorities have used the sequencing information to decide on precise, targeted measures to curb the spread of the virus. South African variant has not been detected in Iceland, 41 people have been identified as carriers of the British variant. If there are differences between viruses with the various pattern mutations, they are not obvious. While Iceland’s rigorous sequencing has been useful for tracking the spread of the virus, it has yet to lead to any major scientific discoveries for deCODE…read more.
The microscopic view of the virus which causes Coronavirus disease. Credit: NIAID