SARS-CoV-2 could be lurking in animal hidey-holes
Many animals besides humans look as if they can catch the virus, too
IN THE FIELD of epidemiology, a “spillover” is a virus that has made the leap from one host species to another. The spillovers of most concern to people are those from other animals to Homo sapiens. These may then go on to create “zoonotic” human diseases—of which covid-19 is believed to be one (the original host of SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have been an as-yet-undetermined species of bat).
This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Reservoir dogs. And cats. And buffalo…”
From the November 20th 2021 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Science & technology
Should you worry about microplastics?
Little is known about the effects on humans—but limiting exposure to them seems prudent
Wasps stole genes from viruses
That probably assisted their evolutionary diversification
America’s departure from the WHO would harm everyone
Whether it is a negotiating ploy remains to be seen
Genetic engineering could help rid Australia of toxic cane toads
It is better than freezing them to death
High-tech antidotes for snake bites
Genetic engineering and AI are powering the search for antivenins
Can you breathe stress away?
It won’t hurt to try. But scientists are only beginning to understand the links between the breath and the mind