00:00 It seems the worst is still not over.
00:06 Renowned Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli, often called "Batwoman" due to her research on
00:13 zoonotic viruses, has warned that another coronavirus outbreak in the future is highly
00:19 probable.
00:20 Shi's research, conducted with her Wuhan Institute of Virology team, highlights the
00:26 necessity of global preparedness for potential diseases akin to COVID-19.
00:31 This caution stems from their analysis which identified a substantial number of coronavirus
00:36 species with a significant human spillover risk, including some that have previously
00:42 caused diseases in humans or other animals.
00:48 Here are the key findings of Shi's research.
00:51 High Human Spillover Risk - Shi's team evaluated 40 coronavirus species and categorized half
00:58 of them as highly risky in terms of potential spillover to humans.
01:03 Past Outbreaks - Coronaviruses were responsible for both the 2003 SARS outbreak and the more
01:09 recent COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the danger of these pathogens.
01:15 Future Disease Emergence - The study concluded that it is nearly certain that new diseases
01:21 will emerge in the future with a high likelihood of them being caused by coronaviruses.
01:28 Viral Traits Analysis - The analysis considered various viral traits, including population,
01:35 genetic diversity, host species and previous events of diseases jumping from animals to
01:40 humans.
01:43 Desire to Move On - The reluctance of Chinese authorities to dwell on COVID-19 and their
01:48 decreased transparency in sharing infection data is noted.
01:52 This could partly explain the study's focus on future preparedness.
01:57 Quick Testing Tools - Shi's team has identified rapid and sensitive testing tools to monitor
02:03 high-risk viruses actively.
02:08 Identified Hosts - The study identifies hosts of the pathogen, including natural hosts like
02:13 bats and rodents, as well as possible intermediate hosts such as camels, civets, pigs or pangolins.
02:22 Dictionary of Coronaviruses - While not groundbreaking, this research is likened to a comprehensive
02:28 reference on coronaviruses, offering essential knowledge for the future outbreaks.
02:34 Importance of Preparedness - Understanding these viruses will expedite testing and vaccine
02:39 development in future public health crises.
02:44 Lab Leak Controversy - The Wuhan Institute of Virology remains under scrutiny regarding
02:49 the origins of COVID-19, with a debate over whether the virus originated in a lab or through
02:55 zoonotic transmission.
02:59 Shi Zhengli's warnings highlight the importance of global readiness for future coronavirus
03:04 outbreaks.
03:05 The study emphasizes the need for vigilance, continued research and improved tools for
03:11 monitoring and combating potential pandemics.
03:14 While the origins of COVID-19 remain debated, the lessons learned from the ongoing pandemic
03:19 highlight the urgency of such preparedness efforts.
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