UK variant (B.1.1.7)
The U.K. variant was one of the first identified variants of concern. It s estimated to have first emerged in September, and it quickly gained a foothold, spreading like wildfire throughout the U.K. and then other parts of the world. At least 293 cases have been reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said the actual tally probably exceeds that.
There s good evidence this variant is more transmissible, spreading more easily and more quickly. This increased transmissibility is believed to be due to mutations in the spike protein the part of the virus that allows it to stick to cells. This spike protein is what the vaccines target.
UK variant (B.1.1.7)
The U.K. variant was one of the first identified variants of concern. It s estimated to have first emerged in September, and it quickly gained a foothold, spreading like wildfire throughout the U.K. and then other parts of the world. At least 293 cases have been reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said the actual tally probably exceeds that.
There s good evidence this variant is more transmissible, spreading more easily and more quickly. This increased transmissibility is believed to be due to mutations in the spike protein the part of the virus that allows it to stick to cells. This spike protein is what the vaccines target.
DARPA to Fund CRISPR Diagnostics Using Mammoth, IDbyDNA Technologies
January 18, 2021
Mammoth Biosciences will apply its DETECTR™ platform, and IDbyDNA its proprietary pathogen database and algorithms, toward the development of CRISPR-based diagnostics and biosurveillance technologies against infectious disease threats for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). [Source: MR.Cole Photographer / Moment / Getty Images]
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Mammoth Biosciences will apply its DETECTR™ platform, and IDbyDNA, its proprietary pathogen database and algorithms, toward the development of CRISPR-based diagnostics and biosurveillance technologies against varied disease threats for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
Mammoth and IDbyDNA are among subcontractors under a four-year, up-to-$36.7 million CRISPR diagnostics contract inked by DoD’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) with prime contractor MRIGlobal.
Bay Area on high alert as fears grow over new coronavirus strain
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UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center lab director Dr. Charles Chiu demonstrates the process of extracting samples of COVID-19 for sequencing while working in his lab in San Francisco, Calif. Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Public health experts are increasingly concerned about the impact of highly contagious coronavirus variants. UCSF is running tests on the strains of the virus circulating in California to help identify new strains.Jessica Christian / The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
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UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center lab director Dr. Charles Chiu poses for a portrait inside his lab in San Francisco, Calif. Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Public health experts are increasingly concerned about the impact of highly contagious coronavirus variants. UCSF is running tests on the strains of the virus circulating in California to help identify new strains.Jessica Christian