COVID-19

Neanderthal Genes Linked to Severe COVID-19 Risk, New Study Reveals

by

Neanderthal Genes Could Be a Key Factor in Determining the Severity of COVID-19, According to a Recent Study

A recent study conducted in Bergamo, Italy, has shed light on the potential role of Neanderthal genes in determining the severity of COVID-19 in individuals. The study, carried out by the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Milan, analyzed DNA variations and their possible links to COVID-19, focusing on a sample of nearly 10,000 people in the Bergamo area.

Facts of the News
Individuals carrying the Neanderthal haplotype are twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia from COVID-19
Three genes associated with severe respiratory illness are inherited from Neanderthals
The study was based on a sample of nearly 10,000 people in the Bergamo area

The research identified several genes associated with the development of severe respiratory illness, with three of these genes belonging to a group of DNA variations, or haplotype, inherited from Neanderthals. Individuals carrying this Neanderthal haplotype were found to be twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia from a COVID-19 infection compared to those who did not carry the haplotype. Moreover, they were three times more likely to require hospitalization in intensive care units and to be put on ventilators.

“This study shows there is a particular section of the human genome that is significantly associated with the risk of getting COVID-19 and of developing a severe form of it,” stated Giuseppe Remuzzi, director of the Mario Negri Institute. In Bergamo, 33% of individuals who developed life-threatening forms of COVID-19 carried the Neanderthal haplotype. This haplotype was less prevalent in individuals who experienced mild or no symptoms from a COVID-19 infection.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that Neanderthal genes increase the likelihood of developing severe forms of COVID-19. A previous study published in the journal Nature in September 2020 had also indicated that a genomic segment derived from Neanderthals was associated with more severe COVID-19 outcomes. This segment is carried by around 16% of Europeans and 50% of people in South Asia, regions that witnessed high death tolls from COVID-19.

Haplotype Defined
A haplotype is a set of DNA variations, or polymorphisms, that tend to be inherited together. It can refer to a combination of alleles or to a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found on the same chromosome. Learn more about haplotype on Wikipedia.

What implications does this study have for understanding the severity of COVID-19 in individuals?

The study highlights a significant genetic factor that can influence the severity of COVID-19 in individuals. Understanding the role of Neanderthal genes in COVID-19 can potentially aid in predicting the risk levels for individuals and could guide preventive and treatment strategies in the future.

What is the prevalence of the Neanderthal haplotype in different populations?

The Neanderthal haplotype is present in varying degrees in different populations. It is carried by about 16% of Europeans and 50% of people in South Asia. Interestingly, it is almost completely absent from the African population, which might explain the lower rates of severe COVID-19 cases in many African regions.

How does this research add to the existing knowledge about COVID-19 and genetics?

This research builds on previous studies that have explored the genetic factors influencing COVID-19 severity. It underscores the significant role of a specific section of the human genome, inherited from Neanderthals, in determining the risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19, thus adding a crucial dimension to the understanding of the genetic aspects of the disease.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Ted Cruz Advocates for Dr. Fauci to Face Perjury Charges Over COVID-19 Origin Statements

by

Ted Cruz Calls for Legal Action Against Dr. Fauci for Allegedly Lying to Congress

Senator Ted Cruz has voiced his belief that Dr. Anthony Fauci should be charged with perjury for allegedly “lying under oath” to Congress regarding the origins of COVID-19. Cruz expressed his views at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), emphasizing the recent developments that point towards the virus’s potential lab origin.

  • Recent reports suggest COVID-19 might have originated from a lab in China.
  • Fauci has consistently dismissed the lab-leak theory, advocating for a natural origin.
  • Cruz criticizes the Biden administration’s DOJ for being “lawless” and not taking action against Fauci.

During his speech at CPAC, Cruz highlighted the recent report by the Wall Street Journal, which cited the Department of Energy’s belief that COVID-19 likely originated from a laboratory in China. Cruz lambasted Fauci, the former chief medical advisor to President Biden, accusing him of deliberately lying to the American public and undermining trust in the scientific community. “There has been no person who has done more to destroy trust in the scientific and medical community than Dr. Anthony Fauci,” Cruz told the audience.

Fauci, who retired at the end of last year, has long opposed the lab-leak theory, at times referring to it as a “shiny object that will go away in time.” He maintained that the virus most probably transmitted from an animal species to humans. Despite the mounting evidence and changing narratives, Fauci asserted that it was “molecularly impossible” for the virus strains studied at the Wuhan Institute of Virology to evolve into the virus causing the pandemic. The Republicans have also accused him of lying about the extent of funding the National Institutes of Health provided to the Wuhan laboratory for gain-of-function research.

Cruz expressed skepticism about the Biden administration’s Justice Department holding Fauci accountable, describing it as a “lawless” entity. However, he assured that the Republican-led House would investigate Fauci to uncover the alleged misinformation and corruption. Cruz emphasized the necessity to hold individuals accountable for misleading the public, promising to utilize the Republican majority in the House to investigate Fauci’s actions thoroughly.

Quick Facts Details
Speaker Ted Cruz
Event Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)
Fauci’s Position on Virus Origin Advocated for a natural origin
Recent Reports on Virus Origin Point towards a potential lab origin in China
Republican House’s Plan To investigate Fauci’s statements and actions

The remarks by Cruz add fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of COVID-19, a topic that has seen shifting narratives and evolving scientific viewpoints. As investigations continue and new evidence emerges, the call for accountability grows louder, with prominent figures like Cruz urging for a thorough examination of the statements made by health officials during the pandemic. The situation underscores the complex and contentious nature of the discourse on the pandemic’s origins, highlighting the need for transparency and truth in the public sphere.

Source: NY Post