Coronavirus: UAE launches study into virus transmission

Researchers from Khalifa University of Science and Technology will work alongside other international experts

A doctor from the Palestinian ministry of health stands next to a map tracking the location of people infected with the coronavirus, in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. AFP

A worker checks the temperature of people who are going to pray at a mosque in Rabat, Morocco. With the exception of Friday prayer, mosques reopened for the first time since their closure in March following the coronavirus outbreak. AP Photo

A Palestinian youth sells sweets by the beach in Gaza City as coronavirus restriction eases. AFP

A health worker conducts a coronavirus test at a drive-through testing centre in the central Iraqi city of Najaf. AFP

A drive-through testing facility for coronavirus in the central Iraqi city of Najaf. AFP

An employee from the ministry of health during a radio broadcast that offers advice about the coronavirus precautionary measures at a radio station in Basra, Iraq. Reuters

A doctor displays a blood sample taken from a person suspected of being infected with the coronavirus in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. AFP

Dr Issam Mujahed, right, a member of the Pal-Med Europe, presents medical donations to doctors battling the coronavirus in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. AFP

A Palestinian man rides a bicycle with his child in Gaza City as coronavirus lockdown eases. AFP

People training at a gym after its reopening in Cairo, Egypt. EPA

People train at a gym after its reopening in Cairo, Egypt. EPA

A policeman wears a face mask as he reviews the passport of a traveller at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco. AP Photo

A team of scientists from the UAE is investigating how the Covid-19 virus is able to transmit from animals to humans.

Researchers from Khalifa University of Science and Technology also hope to uncover insights into how to limit the spread of the infection.

The Emirates project will involve academics from universities from around the world, including the United States, China, Singapore and Australia.

Their combined efforts will also focus on the further study of the Sars and Mers viruses, two other known strains of coronavirus.

“We cannot beat the [Covid-19] virus without co-operation as it knows no geographical boundaries,” said Dr Habiba Alsafar, director of biotechnology at Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

“Other international groups including researchers from other countries have already expressed interest in joining the effort on studying the human and viral elements of the disease.”

As of July 16, there have been more than 13.5 million cases of Covid-19 reported worldwide.

The virus has led to the deaths of just under 585,000 people, while 7.5m have been able to recover.

Six months on from it first being identified in China, the outbreak still rages, with the US now experiencing an alarming spike in cases.

Scientists remain confident, however, that studies such as the UAE’s will in time uncover the necessary data to establish how the virus is transmitted to humans.

“We believe this research project will provide answers regarding the transmission of coronavirus between humans and animals while also providing insights that may help limit the transmission of Covid-19,” said Dr Steve Griffiths, senior vice-president of research and development at Khalifa University.

“The project to identify the cause of the Covid-19 transmission from animals to humans showcases our commitment to collectively find a solution to this global healthcare threat.”