What is the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus spreading across several countries, including the U.S.? Is it a descendant of Omicron, and how deadly is it?
A subvariant of the
coronavirus
, JN.1, is currently spreading in many countries, including the United States, and has raised concerns among health authorities, as per reports.
JN.1 is a variant of the
Omicron BA.2.86
lineage, a virus variant that was first discovered in August 2023, as per Mint.
How is JN.1 Different from BA.2.86?
According to the report,
Johns Hopkins Medicine
has pointed out that this variant 'has acquired the ability to transmit efficiently through an additional one or two mutations." Johns Hopkins Medicine also found that JN.1 contains about 30 mutations to evade the immunity, which was higher than any other variant circulating at that time, as per Mint.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens
Tips and Tricks
Undo
ALSO READ:
King Charles' net worth: How wealthy the King of the UK is as he becomes richer than his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, ever was
Does JN.1 Spread More Easily?
However, the BA.2.86 variant of coronavirus has not dominated among the group of SARS-CoV-2 variants that were spread in the air in 2023, according to Mint. Even with the
immune evasion
of its parent, JN.1 now mutated to transmit and has spread more efficiently, reported Mint.
Live Events
Yale Medicine highlighted that, 'A difference between BA.2.86 and JN.1 is that the latter has one mutation in its spike protein, a single change that may or may not alter any of the traits that characterise the virus, although preliminary research shows that it may provide extra immune evasion,' according to the report.
ALSO READ:
Will Prince Harry be left out in the California wilderness? Three royals are reportedly blocking cancer-stricken King Charles from meeting his younger son
What Symptoms Does JN.1 Cause?
JN.1's symptoms are similar to other variants of coronavirus, like dry cough, loss of taste or smell, headache, runny or clogged nose, exhaustion, sore throat, and fever among others, as per Mint. While, Johns Hopkins, discovered that there are chances that JN.1 may be causing more diarrhoea than the other variants, and other symptoms might include fatigue and exhaustion, as per the report.
FAQs
When was JN.1 first detected?
It was first identified in August 2023, as per Mint.
What makes JN.1 different from previous variants?
It has about 30 mutations that may help it escape immune responses and a key spike protein mutation that could enhance this ability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla to interact with school students, ISRO engineers on Friday
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to interact with school students and scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) from his orbital post on the International Space Station via ham radio on Friday evening. The interaction is planned via a telebridge set up at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, said the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS), which facilitates interaction of school students with astronauts on the orbital laboratory. Shukla is on a 14-day scientific expedition on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , along with three other astronauts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo The ARISS programme inspires students worldwide to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through amateur radio-communication opportunities with the ISS on-orbit crew. "Contact upcoming with India! @Axiom_Space #Ax4 crew member Shubhanshu Shukla, VU2TNI, will talk to the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Karnataka via ham radio from the Space Station. Scheduled Fri. July 4 at 10:17 UTC, 6:17 AM ET, 3:47 PM ISS via K6DUE telebridge," the ARISS said in a post on X. Live Events — ARISS_Intl (@ARISS_Intl) Ham radio, officially known as amateur radio, is a non-commercial radio-communication service operated by licensed enthusiasts and is considered a reliable mode of communication during disasters, when conventional modes of communication are not available. Meanwhile, Shukla was busy conducting the space microalgae experiment on Sunday. He deployed sample bags and captured images of the algae strains in his orbital post on the ISS. "These tiny organisms could play a big role in the future of space exploration , offering a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source for long-duration missions," Axiom Space said. The Axiom-4 crew also collected data for the Neuro Motion VR project , where astronauts don VR headsets and perform attention-based tasks, while their brain activity is monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). "This research explores how microgravity affects cognitive and motor functions, which could provide valuable insight for future deep-space missions," Axiom Space said. Data was also gathered for the Telemetric Health AI study , which integrates biometric data with mission analytics to better understand how spaceflight impacts cardiovascular and balance systems. By applying advanced data-science techniques, the project could lead to smarter, real-time health monitoring -- both on orbit and on Earth.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Project Hail Mary' trailer out: Ryan Gosling going interstellar in comedy sci-fi thriller sends netizens into orbit
Ryan Gosling is a man on a(n unwanted) mission in Project Hail Mary . Amazon MGM Studios on Monday offered fans a first glimpse at Ryan Gosling going interstellar in his highly anticipated upcoming film, 'Project Hail Mary'. This comedy sci-fi thriller, adapted from Andy Weir's novel of the same name is the story of a regular teacher who suddenly finds himself assigned to a risky space mission with consequences for the world. The film is set to hit theaters across India on March 20, 2026. 'Project Hail Mary' stars Ryan Gosling 'Project Hail Mary' stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship far from Earth with no memory of who he is or why he's there. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like גלה כמה יעלה לך לעבור לענן OMC Cloud מידע נוסף Undo ALSO READ: 'Not everyone can marry Trump': Melania Trump visa controversy re-surfaces in shocking twist 'It's an insanely ambitious story that's massive in scope, and it seemed really hard to make, and that's kind of our bag ... This is why we go to the movies. And I'm not just saying it because I'm in it. I'm also saying it because I'm a producer on the film," Gosling said about the film, at a CinemaCon event in Vegas, where the trailer had first been screened. Live Events Upon being told several stars, including the sun, are dying for an unknown reason, Ryland is then informed that the world needs him due to his specific knowledge. "It's 11.9 light-years away. The astronauts ... die in space?" Ryland asks. "It's what you Americans would call a long shot," says his superior, Eva Stratt ( Sandra Hüller ), to which Ryland responds, "Hail Mary. I get it." While discussing the mission, Ryland stresses that he has no experience with space despite his doctorate in molecular biology, saying, "I put the 'not' in 'astronaut!' I've never done anything [space-related] — I can't even moonwalk!' " ALSO READ: 'Free America': July 4, a federal holiday in US, set to see huge protests in US cities. What's behind the rage? "If we do nothing, everything on this planet will go extinct," Eva tells him. "You are my solution." "I understand the stakes — I do. But my place is in the classroom," Ryland also says — but Eva counters, "The world is counting on you." After waking up from a coma inside the spaceship and seemingly not remembering how he got there or why, Ryland eventually comes to terms with his mission — and surroundings, according to PEOPLE. The trailer also shows 'Anatomy of a Fall' fame Sandra Hüller as a government agent, persuading Gosling to undertake a bleak misssion to save a dying Earth, in a manner reminiscent of 'Interstellar' "I put the 'not' in 'astronaut'," his character Ryland Grace says in response—immediately bringing attention to the fact that this film would be a different kind of ride. ALSO READ: Caught on camera: Disney cruise terrifying horror as child falls overboard, father's life-risking move stuns all Oscar-winning filmmaking duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) directed Project Hail Mary, from a script by Drew Goddard (The Martian). Project Hail Mary is in theaters and IMAX March 20, 2026. Three-time Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling was last seen in 'The Fall Guy', alongside Emily Blunt, and 'Barbie', alongside Margot Robbie—both of which performed quite well at the box office. The trailer has been met with widespread enthusiasm online, with fans eager to see the adaptation of Andy Weir's best-selling novel brought to life. ALSO READ: 'Barron Trump should be deployed in war against Iran': Trump's son dragged into online debate, faces call to join US Army One viewer shared, 'For a while I was worried about how this would turn out. I'm no longer worried, now I'm just excited (sic).' Another praised the creative team and cast, writing, 'This looks perfect!!!!! Lord & Miller and their cast and crew seemed to have COOKED! March 2026 can't come soon enough (sic)!' A third fan reflected on their experience with the book and excitement for the film: 'This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. I picked it up at an airport bookstore and couldn't put it down until I finished—it had me hooked the entire way through. I'm so glad the movie kept that same sharp comedic tone, and Ryan Gosling is absolutely perfect in the lead role. I couldn't have asked for a better adaptation (sic).'
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Telangana factory blast: Rescue teams unsure of survivors under debris; DNA tests under way to identify charred bodies
NEW DELHI: After the deadly explosion at Pharma factory in Telangana's Sangareddy district on Monday, rescue officials said they remain unsure about how many individuals are still trapped under the debris of the collapsed factory building. Blast during drying process; fire followed 'Today, at around 9.48 am, there was a blast in the drying unit at Sigachi Pharma Company. The explosion led to a fire. A total of 12 people have died and 35 are injured in the incident,' said Y Nagi Reddy, Director General of the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services, as quoted by ANI. He said the blast likely occurred during the air handling or drying of microcrystalline cellulose, a compound used in pharmaceuticals. 'We are currently unsure of the number of people under the debris,' Reddy added. The explosion, which took place at Pashamylaram industrial area, about 50 km from Hyderabad, caused significant structural damage. Inspector General of Police V Satyanarayana said the impact was felt across a 5 km radius. Rescue ops underway; charred bodies await DNA profiling Rescue operations are being carried out by multiple teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Authorities said at least half a dozen bodies were burnt beyond recognition, and DNA tests are underway to establish their identities. 'A few bodies are burnt beyond recognition, and DNA profiling is underway to establish their identities,' said a Revenue Department official. State ministers visit site; 12 critical among injured Telangana Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy and Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narasimha visited the accident site and hospitals treating the injured. Venkatswamy told reporters that out of the 34 injured, 12 are in critical condition and on ventilator support. The factory incharge was among those killed. 'Nearly 63 people reported for work this morning. Initially, it was thought to be a reactor blast, but later we found it was in the drying unit,' he said. 'There is no one from the factory to explain what exactly happened,' the minister added. PM Modi, CM Revanth Reddy express grief Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences and announced compensation. 'An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 to the injured,' the PMO posted on X. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy expressed anguish and directed officials to prioritise rescue and provide advanced medical aid. He also instructed a thorough investigation into the cause. Company issues statement of condolence In a statement, Sigachi Pharma said, 'Sigachi deeply mourns the loss of lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We are extending all possible support to the affected.' According to the company's website, Sigachi Industries is engaged in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, mineral blends, and other pharma-related services. Cause not yet confirmed; forensic probe underway The precise cause of the blast is yet to be determined. 'Industrial experts suspect pressure build-up during drying or handling of materials caused the explosion, which destroyed both the unit and parts of the industrial building,' Reddy told PTI. Officials said more clarity is expected after a technical and forensic evaluation. In the meantime, the government has promised interim financial aid for the victims and their families.
