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Vancouver (pte038/14.04.2003/14:51) - Researchers from the Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre http://www.bcgsc.bc.ca have decoded the genetic makeup of the cause agent of the SARS virus. The sequence of the Corona virus, until now unknown, can be found on the website http://www.bcgsc.ca/bioinfo/SARS.
"It's a huge step forward in fighting the SARS virus and bringing it under control." Said project manager Caroline Astell from the Genome Sciences Centre. Working around the clock, Vancouver scientists have cracked the genetic code after receiving a millionth of a gram of the purified viral gene material from the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.
Biologist Steven Jones said researchers have discovered that the new Corona virus has characteristics of the original Corona virus, but is only marginally related. "The next step will be to analyse the proteins that are produced by the virus," Jones said in an interview. This will establish why the virus is deadly.
With this research scientists have made a breakthrough discovery that contributes to the solving of the SARS puzzle, currently a world-wide concern. It is hoped that the development of a vaccine will soon be possible.
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