The genetics of COVID-19: mutations, variants and how to spot them

Recently detected variants of coronavirus have thrown a spotlight on the genetic evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evolutionary epidemiologist Katrina Lythgoe introduces us to the SARS CoV-2 particle, explains how mutations occur and how they can be picked up through genetic sequencing. We hear how sophisticated sequencing technology, like that used at the Big Data Institute in Oxford, helps track the virus, both worldwide and at a local level, and could help us protect against mutations that make vaccines less effective. Watch next: Brain Cox and panel discuss the race for a COVID-19 vaccine    • Professor Brian Cox on the race for a COVI...   You can also read our accompanying blog post about why we know vaccines work: https://royalsociety.org/blog/2021/01... Watch next: COVID-19: What, how and why?    • The what, the how and the why of the pande...   Find out more about the Royal Society's work on coronavirus: https://royalsociety.org/whats-new/co... The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world's most eminent scientists and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. Visit our website to learn more: https://royalsociety.org/ The Royal Society publishes leading science journals. Stay informed: https://royalsociety.org/journals/