Japanese scientists develop speedier analysis of coronavirus mutations

Osaka University and Hokkaido University have developed a system capable of analyzing genetic mutations of the novel coronavirus much quicker than conventional methods, Report informs, citing The Japan Times.

Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to amplify small segments of DNA, the researchers succeeded in establishing a simple and efficient way to generate infectious clones of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, for analysis.

The findings of their research were published in the science journal Cell Reports in April.

Since coronaviruses have large genomes, conventional methods to study mutations are complicated and time-consuming, usually taking a couple of months. However, the research group's approach shortened them to two weeks, according to the universities in western and northern Japan.

Japan is currently responsible for 583,125 coronavirus infections. Some 10,139 people have succumbed to the deadly pathogen since the onset of the pandemic. The country launched the first stage of vaccination on February 17, which covered 4.7 million healthcare workers. The immunization of people older than 65 started on April 12. Mass vaccination is expected to begin to its fullest after the May holidays, with 36 million elderly people to be immunized at this stage. Today, the share of vaccinated people in Japan does not exceed 1%.