Researchers of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEB) department of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) detected 30 new changed formation of Covid-19 virus.
“Out of 30, six new coronavirus have not been previously detected anywhere across the globe,” G M Nurnabi Azad Jewel,Assistant Professor of GEB department disclosed this at a press conference at the Vice-Chancellor conference room.
He added the rest 24 changed virus of Covid-19 are fresh in the country
“However, the rest 24 changed virus of Covid-19 have already been detected in many countries of the world,” Nurnabi Azad Jewel said.
He said the research team collected Covid-19 samples from different places of Sylhet division and did genome sequencing. “From where we detected a new mutation of Genome: 27862 : Del : ATCAT. And it has not been detected anywhere in the world,” the member of the research team said.
Besides, 10 samples collected from Sunamganj and Habiganj districts have been examined and evaluated. “After conducting examinations, we saw 47 changes in proteins level. Of them, 30 are completely changed Covid-19 virus. And these are new in Bangladesh,” he said.
The research team members said they are conducting research on Covid-19 in order to detect its nature and diversity of motion.“So that we can understand what kind of Covid-19 vaccine will be effective for Bangladesh. And we will be able to know the design of effective vaccine,” a member said.
SUST Treasurer Professor Dr Md Anowarul Islam, dean of Life Science Faculty, Dr S M Abu Sayem and head of GEB Department Dr Md Shamsul Haque Prodhan were also present in the press conference.
SUST Vice Chancellor Professor Farid Uddin Ahmed presided over the press conference. He said they have introduced the Covid-19 lab with their own find. “We are conducting research on the coronavirus. And it is our achievement,” the VC said.