Explained: A recap of emerging evidence on Omicron
The Hindu
Its rapid spread is likely to test public health systems and their ability to react efficiently
It has been two weeks since the World Health Organization (WHO) designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VOC) in the ongoing SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus pandemic. Efforts by researchers from Africa and across the world over this time have provided immense insights into the epidemiology as well as biological properties of the virus. We provide a brief overview of the current understanding on the Omicron variant.
The earliest genome for what is now designated as the Omicron variant was sequenced from a viral isolate collected from Gauteng, South Africa in early November, 2021 and was made publicly available by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa through GISAID, a database for sharing genomes of viruses. Further analysis revealed similar genomes deposited from Botswana and Hong Kong, characterised by a large number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein. This led researchers to report the cluster of genomes on the Pango Network, an open community of researchers working together to annotate lineages of SARS-CoV-2, and the lineage was thus designated as B.1.1.529.
Manu Parekh's vibrant memories of Kolkata and artistic journey are showcased in Flower Sutra exhibition at Nature Morte, New Delhi.
Private lunar lander Athena fails mission after sideways landing in moon crater, ending $62 million NASA experiment.
Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln are two of the greatest presidents that the U.S. has seen. You probably know that already. But did you know that Jefferson made what is considered the first contribution to American vertebrate paleontology? Or that Lincoln is the only U.S. president to receive a patent? What’s more, both their contributions have March 10 in common… 52 years apart. A.S.Ganesh hands you the details…
Preprint papers are publicly available scientific papers before peer review, popular among open-access advocates and scrutinizing peer review practices.
Discover the fascinating world of river dolphins in India, facing threats but captivating hearts with their unique features.
L&T, India's largest private defense manufacturer, expands into aerospace industry to capitalize on growing global launch vehicle market.
The BMW C 400 GT: A stylish scooter with premium details, advanced safety features, modern technology, and improved ergonomics has arrived in India
With the rise of the women’s liberation movement in the West, and some parts of China, activists fought for separate rooms, separate bathrooms, separate swimming pools, separate vehicles, separate roads, separate cities, even separate countries
Himmat Shah refused to be part of the mainstream, instead focusing on metamorphosing his medium and materials in the most versatile ways — with a distinctly Indian aesthetic
Celebrate Alexander Graham Bell Day on March 7, honouring the inventor of the first telephone nearly 150 years ago.
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft explodes in space, causing FAA to halt air traffic in Florida, marking second failure this year.
Trump's firing of NOAA employees sparks discussion on climate predictions, highlighting the need for global, high-resolution models for resilience.
At The Sarvato, the new seasonal restaurant in Jaipur’s City Palace, recipes dip into the royal kitchens, and menu experiments begin in the desert when it’s offseason