What The If?

Mutants!? Mutations! Viruses! Don't Panic! These aren't your favorite superheroes, these mutants are the changes in the Coronavirus! Scientists in Houston have released a study of more than 5,000 genetic sequences of SAR-COV-2 reveal that the virus's continual accumulation of mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious. Do these mutations mean the virus itself is deadlier? Gaby explains! Every week, Rockefeller University Virologist GABY PANICCIA explores the science behind the headlines. More info at RockEDU: rockedu.rockefeller.edu and covid-19-research.rockefeller.edu For more info on the MIT lecture mentioned in the podcast, head on over to: https://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/current-students/subject-offerings/covid-19-sars-cov-2-and-the-pandemic/ If you'd like to check out the news story we mention in this episode, check out this piece in WaPo! https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/09/23/houston-coronavirus-mutations/?arc404=true --- Special thanks to Kyle Crichton and Howa