British scientists and researchers are trying to study the genes of thousands of patients with the emerging coronavirus (Covid-19) in order to answer one of the mysteries of the disease, which is why some people are killed and others are left without even having a slight headache.
Researchers from across Britain will track the sequence of the genetic code for (Covid-19) patients who have entered critical situations and compare them with the genome (genetic tape) of those who have the disease and have little or no symptoms.
The study, which is looking for certain genetic genes that may cause the deterioration of the health status of Covid-19 patients, will include up to 20 thousand people who are currently treating or receiving treatment from Covid-19 in intensive care units and about 15 thousand who show only minor symptoms .
Scientists warn that the information they have about the virus that appeared in China last year is still limited, but they say it is astounding how the disease is fatal to some and only affects some with minor symptoms, and it is not yet clear why.
"We believe that indications will appear in the genetic tape and will help us understand how this disease kills infected people," Kenneth Bailey, the intensive care doctor who leads the study at the University of Edinburgh, told Reuters.
He added: "I bet there is a strong genetic component related to the severity of the disease for one."
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock invited people to enter the research program, and said: "If you are asked to sign up to participate in the genetic experiments conducted by the Genomics of England, please do so, because it will enable us to understand the genetic links and is part of building a scientific picture of the virus."
Pelly will work with the Intensive Care Units across the country and with the Genomics England and an international genetic research consortium known as Genomics.