Russian scientists have identified more than 60 previously unknown viruses

Within the framework of the Virom Russia project, specialists of the Vector State Scientific Center for Virology and Biotechnology have discovered more than 60 previously unknown viruses by examining samples from 50 regions of Russia. This was announced on November 13 by Alexander Agafonov, Director General of the center, at the Golden Valley Forum in Novosibirsk.

"More than 50 regions have already sent us their samples. We have already isolated more than 60 new viruses that were previously unknown, studied their genetic structure, isolated several viruses, studied their biological properties," TASS quoted him as saying.

The scientists plan to investigate the evolutionary potential of the detected viruses and assess the likelihood of strains with pandemic properties. As the head of Vector explained, the aim of the project is to predict epidemiological threats, assess potential damage and develop methods to combat new diseases.

In addition, special attention is paid to the identification of viruses that are pathogenic to humans. Agafonov also noted the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the structure of drugs and develop new vaccines, which will optimize laboratory research.

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Yesterday, Sergey Avdeev, chief freelance pulmonologist at the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, director of the Clinic of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine at Sechenov University, said that the number of cases of community—acquired pneumonia is increasing in Russia - the figure is 629 cases per 100,000 people. According to the expert, at the same time, the death rate remains stable and remains at the level of eight cases per 100,000 population.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.