Searching for ways to fight Covid-19, scientists have released new images of this type of pathogen, which is very similar to another coronavirus behind the 2002-2003 epidemic, says the press service. ‘an American institute.
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New images of the coronavirus that has been plaguing China’s Hubei province since late December and subsequently spreading inside and outside of China have been released by the laboratory of the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. United, announces the press service of the establishment.
The researchers note that visually, this coronavirus is very similar to another that caused the flash spread of atypical pneumonia in 2002-2003.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases releases images of the novel #coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, saying they “do not look much different from MERS-CoV (emerged in 2012) or the original SARS-CoV (emerged in 2002).
Image credit: NIAID pic.twitter.com/hBcRc3FJgA
– Antoine Doinel (@ AntoineDoinel0) February 14, 2020
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The technique for obtaining an image
The images were obtained by scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. To do this, an electron beam passes through the sample. The electron beam is then enlarged by magnetic lenses and recorded on a charge transfer device.
But with this technique, the image is presented only in black and white. Then the scientists colorize the photos with a special program.
The origin of the name “coronavirus”
The name “coronavirus” was not given by chance. Scientists explain that microscopic thorns can be seen around the virus’s membrane, forming like a crown, in Latin “corona”.
To date, the total number of infections in China has reached 63,946. This virus has already killed 1,382 people.
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