TWiV 676: Tragic gene flow from Neanderthals

In this episode we explain how regions of the human genome associated with severe COVID-19 are identified, the finding that one of these regions was inherited from Neanderthals, and prolonged SARS-CoV-2 reproduction in an immunocompromised patient.

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Rich Condit, Kathy Spindler and Brianne Barker

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Links for this episode

• Genome wide association study of severe COVID-19 (NEJM)
• Major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19 inherited from Neanderthals (Nature)
• COVID-19 host genetics initiative (Eur J Hum Gen)
• Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 shedding in immunocompromised host (J Inf Dis)
• Krugman on Barrington Declaration (NY Times)
• Letters read on TWiV 676
• Timestamps by Jolene. Thanks!

Weekly Science Picks

Brianne – Kids Meet a Virologist
Kathy –  Harvard glass marine invertebrates 3D online
Rich – Chernobyl fungi
Vincent – Artologica

Listener Pick

Justin – Totally Under Control

Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees

Send your virology questions and comments to [email protected]