/ This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round blue objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. SARS-CoV-2, also known as 2019-nCoV, is the virus that causes COVID-19.
Scientist have discovered just one case of the unusual COVID-19 variant of concern in Oregon, and don t yet know the implications of it. But it’s part of a global story of viral evolution and our response to it that could determine if we eradicate COVID-19 for good, or will it be something, like the flu, we live with, and die from, every year.
Brian O’Roak is in a race against the COVID-19 virus or, to be more specific, a race against the virus’s evolution.