This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020, shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Keystone
Researchers at the University of Bern have perfected a technique to produce synthetic clones of the new coronavirus strain much faster.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keytone-SDA/sb
العربية
ar
علماء في جامعة برن يقولون إنهم بصدد تحقيق اختراق بشأن فيروس كورونا المستجد
The method should allow researchers to deactivate individual genes of the Covid-19 virus and to study the effects. This should enable scientists to identify the genes needed to replicate the virus and which would be a promising target for drugs, Volker Thiel of the university virology and immunology laboratory told Swiss public television, SRF, on Monday evening.
Thiel added that the team were receiving numerous requests for virus clones.
His team had received samples of the first people infected by the new coronavirus in Germany in early February. The samples are currently being analysed at a laboratory in Mittelhäusern, canton Bern, one of the few facilities in the world able to carry out such research.
More
More
A Swiss lab made the first synthetic clone of SARS-CoV-2
This content was published on
The first case of coronavirus in Switzerland was detected a week ago but the virus was in the country much before that, as a laboratory sample.
The work of another Swiss researcher, Nobel Prize winner Jacques Dubochet, is also closely tied to ongoing investigations into the virus, as revealed by the journal ScienceExternal link.
Up to now, “the main method for determining molecular structure has been X-ray diffraction. It takes an incredible amount of time, years,” the Vaudois explained on Monday evening to Swiss public television, RTS. With cryo-electron microscopy, however, “you just need the very pure protein… it goes into the thin layer and that’s enough”.
According to RTS, this method makes it possible to study biological samples by freezing them.
The new coronavirus broke out in Wuhan, China, late last year and has since infected more than 89,000 people, mostly in China. However, it now appears to be spreading much more rapidly outside China than within. The global death toll exceeded 3,000, with the virus spreading to more than 60 countries. Outside China, there are now more than 8,700 infected and over 125 deaths.
Scientists say much remains unknown about the virus, which can lead to pneumonia, and a vaccine could take up to 18 months to develop.
More
More
Coronavirus cases are spreading in Switzerland
This content was published on
Federal authorities are taking unprecedented measures to contain the virus.
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
This content was published on
The Swiss are increasingly questioning traditional gender roles. Acceptance of same-sex parents has risen by 25 percentage points within ten years.
Swiss researchers develop living material from fungi
This content was published on
A Swiss research team has developed a new type of material from fungi. This could be used to create compostable films, moisture sensors or edible additives for food and cosmetics, they say.
This content was published on
The Gotthard Pass is to be re-opened to through traffic on Friday at 11am. A partial re-opening is also planned for the Susten Pass.
Work atmosphere more important than salary, say Swiss
This content was published on
For Swiss employees, the atmosphere at work is more important than the salary, according to a study. However, priorities differ greatly between the generations.
This content was published on
Fridays are the preferred day for babies to be born in Switzerland, according to a report by the Federal Statistical Office.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss foundation launches ‘emergency call’ for coronavirus research
This content was published on
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) announced on Wednesday that it is allocating several million Swiss francs to research on coronaviruses.
This content was published on
Ten laboratories in Switzerland can now carry out coronavirus tests, Health Minister Alain Berset announced on Wednesday.
Coronavirus: Head-shaking doctors and non-hand-shaking workers
This content was published on
A day after the first confirmed Swiss case of coronavirus, some doctors have accused the government of “irresponsibly” underestimating the danger.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.