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The coronavirus’s shape has an impact on how it spreads

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The coronavirus’s shape has an impact on how it spreads

Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, images of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have been permanently implanted in our minds. However, the virus is not exactly shaped like a sphere with spikes as we typically imagine it. Images taken under a microscope of infected tissues reveal coronavirus particles to be ellipsoidal in shape and to have a variety of compressed and elongated morphologies.

Researchers from Queen’s University in Canada and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Japan are leading a global study team that has examined how different elliptical shapes affect how viral particles rotate within fluids, affecting how easy the virus can spread. Recent publication of the study in the journal Physics of Fluids.

According to Professor Eliot Fried, head of OIST’s Mechanics and Materials Unit, when coronavirus particles are breathed in, they move around inside the nose and lungs. “We want to know how mobile they are in these surroundings,” the researcher said.

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The speed at which particles rotate as they move through the fluid is controlled by rotational diffusivity, a particular type of movement that the scientists modelled (in the case of the coronavirus, droplets of saliva). Fluid drag is reduced and rotation speed is increased in smoother, more hydrodynamic particles. The ability of coronavirus particles to bind to and infect cells is influenced by their rotating speed.

In their research, the scientists modelled both prolate and oblate ellipsoids of revolution. Prolate shapes have one longer axis and oblate shapes have one shorter axis, which sets them apart from spheres (which have three axes of equal length). Prolate shapes grow into rod-like shapes when followed to their logical conclusion, whilst oblate shapes contract into coin-like shapes. On the other hand, coronavirus particles differ in a more subtle way.

The scientists improved the ellipsoids’ surface by coating them with spike proteins to create the most accurate model yet. The inclusion of triangular-shaped spike proteins slows the rotation of coronavirus particles, potentially increasing the virus’ ability to infect cells, according to earlier research from Queen’s University and OIST.

Each spike protein was represented by a single sphere on the surface of the ellipsoids in the scientists’ simplified model of the spike proteins.

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At order to determine the arrangement of the spikes on the surface of each ellipsoidal shape, Dr. Vikash Chaurasia, a postdoctoral researcher in the OIST Mechanics and Materials Unit, explained, “We then assumed that they all have the same charge. Similar charge spikes reject one another and seek out as much space as possible. They consequently surround the particle evenly, minimising its repulsion.

The researchers’ model revealed that a particle rotates more slowly the further it deviates from a spherical shape. This would suggest that the particles have improved alignment and cell-attachment abilities.

The model is still crude, the researchers acknowledge, but it advances our knowledge of the coronavirus’s transport characteristics and may help identify a factor that is crucial to the success of its infective process.

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After record haul, illegal MTP kit supplier’s house raided in Haryana’s Karnal

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After record haul, illegal MTP kit supplier’s house raided in Haryana’s Karnal

A joint team of the health department, FDA, and Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNBC) raided Ravinder Kumar’s house in Karnal, Haryana, after seized 5,805 medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) kits. The largest-ever haul of these kits was found in Haryana, where the sex ratio at birth is among the worst in the country. CCTV footage showed Kumar.

Kaithal-based medical representative Vikas Bansal was arrested and booked after the recovery. Haryana state drug controller Manmohan Taneja said that during interrogation, Bansal and his family members fleeing with large boxes. A search is on for the absconding supplier after CCTV footage showed him and his family members fleeing with large boxes admitted that he.

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Procured the kits from Ravinder Kumar in Karnal. When the joint team, including drug control officers of Kaithal and Karnal, an HSNCB sub-inspector, and the Kunjpura senior medical officer, reached Ravinder Kumar’s house at Shiv Colony in Karnal in the evening, they found it locked. Ravinder was untraceable and his mobile phone was switched off, a member raiding.

As of April 30, 2025, the country has seen a surge in the number of people seeking abortion kits, with the largest-ever haul of over 5,000 kits in Haryana. The state government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board after the Pahalgam terror attack and his family members fleeing with large boxes. A search is on for the absconding supplier CCTV.

A team of Indian authorities seized large quantities of unaccounted homoeopathic and footage showed him and his family members fleeing with large boxes. allopathic drugs from Ravinder Kumar’s brother Yashvinder. CCTV footage showed Kumar fleeing the premises with large boxes. The drugs included 1,000 tablets of Vigueur, 258 tablets of TrustPostpil pills.

Footage showed him and his family members fleeing with large boxes.of Unwanted-72, 216 Manforce 100, and German-made Calcium Phosphorica homeopathic medicine. The team also seized 5,805 MTP kits worth ₹25 lakh, with 60 taken for sampling. The drugs contained to all Medical experts warn that misuse of MTP kits, especially without prescription or supervision.

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The Haryana Drug Control Department and Karnal Police conducted a joint raid on can lead to severe complications Mifepristone and Misoprostol tablets, which are used for terminating pregnancies. Tuesday at the house of a 38-year-old man identified as Ramesh Kumar, located in Sector 7 of Karnal. According to officials, Kumar is believed to be a major distributor of unlicensed MTP kits across northern India, with connections extending to Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

Record Seizure Prompted Probe

The raid follows last week’s record haul of over 3,000 MTP kits from a warehouse in Panipat, marking one of the largest illegal pharmaceutical seizures in the state’s history. Investigations revealed that many of the confiscated kits were unregistered, expired, or counterfeit, posing severe health risks to women seeking abortions Ramesh Kumar’s name surfaced during.

Raid Yields More Stock and Evidence

At the Karnal residence, officials recovered over 500 MTP kits, several stamped prescription pads from different clinics, fake invoices, and a laptop containing what appears to be a customer and distribution database Interrogation of individuals arrested during the Panipat operation. His role appears to be central in the distribution chain,” said Rajeev Deputy.

Drug Control Officer Neha Sharma confirmed that many of the recovered kits were illegally imported and had been relabeled with new expiry dates. “Some of the labels didn’t match regulatory codes, and none of the kits had proper documentation. This indicates organized manipulation,” she stated Superintendent of Police (DSP), Karnal. “This is not just a case.

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