The shape of the protein spikes "fuels" the spread of the new coronavirus

International war "epidemic" operation

Science and Technology Daily, Beijing, April 20.

"When people imagine the appearance of a single new coronavirus particle, they usually think of a sphere with many spikes or smaller spheres distributed on its surface.

Jolasia pointed out that the "spikes" of the new coronavirus particles are actually like three small balls stacked together to form a triangular shape.

The researchers said that to understand this, first imagine a ball moving in space.

Another consideration in the study is the charge carried by each spike.

Previously, the researchers observed a virus particle with 74 spikes.

The rotational diffusion rate of the new coronavirus particle affects its ability to align and attach to objects (such as human tissues or cells), which is the key to its ability to spread from person to person so quickly.

This is an important finding.

"The actual situation is much more complicated than the findings of the study.