London: A new coronavirus variant has been detected in the UK that shares many similarities with the South African variant and has potentially concerning mutations.

According to experts, the B.1.525 variant contains a genetic change called E484K which has an alarming set of new mutations. It has been found in 10 countries including Denmark, the US and Australia while there are 32 known cases in the UK.
The E484K mutation can escape human defenses which makes them more efficient at evading natural immunity. It is also found in the Brazilian and South African variants.
The Public Health England (PHE) has said that there is no evidence that the mutations in the new variant could cause severe disease or make the virus more contagious.
The alterations make it similar to the UK 'Kent' variant that experts say is more contagious than the original version of coronavirus that started the pandemic.
As per the study of the University of Edinburgh, B.1.525 shares many similarities with the B.1.1.7 Kent variant and it is more contagious than the original version of coronavirus that started the pandemic
Earlier in December 2020, researchers detected B.1.1.7 variant which was about 56% more transmissible than earlier variants of the virus. Since then the variant has been identified in at least 45 countries, including the United States.
However, the British scientists estimated that B.1.1.7 is 30% to 70% more deadly than earlier variants of the novel coronavirus.

IMF delegation in Pakistan for technical support, budget discussions
- 36 minutes ago

Ohtani's walk-off pushes Dodgers to historic 8-0
- 24 minutes ago
PSX sees record surge, closes lower amid global market concerns
- an hour ago

Punjab sets new standard in forest management with thermal drone technology
- an hour ago

John Cena reveals suffering skin cancer twice
- 2 hours ago
Karachi cop booked, arrested for using derogatory language against President Zardari
- an hour ago

Punjab Police armors vehicles with bulletproofing for enhanced security
- 3 hours ago

Google Maps adds new feature
- 2 hours ago
South Korea’s top court delivers major blow to President Yoon over martial law
- 2 hours ago
Turkish police arrest fraudsters selling fake treasure maps for hefty fees
- an hour ago
FIA nabs three agents involved in sea route smuggling to Europe
- 2 hours ago
Gold prices drop as investors react to Trump’s tariff measures
- 2 hours ago