Daily briefing: Where did COVID-19 come from? Evidence points to raccoon dogs
Briefly

Scientists are still investigating the origins of COVID-19 five years later, with raccoon dogs being the primary suspect, particularly due to their presence at a market linked to early cases. However, experts caution that other animals could also be potential hosts, as the focus on raccoon dogs may overshadow other candidates. In urban planning, neuroscientist Robin Mazumder introduces 'neuromimicry,' advocating for city designs inspired by brain functions, potentially enhancing resource allocation and transport networks.
The number one suspect for the origin of COVID-19 is the raccoon dog, which was sold at the market linked to the first human cases of the virus.
Despite ongoing investigations, scientists maintain that there could be other viral hosts less studied than the raccoon dog, as studies focus disproportionately on this species.
Neuroscientist Robin Mazumder's idea of 'neuromimicry' suggests that urban planning could learn from brain functions, by organizing city districts based on specialized roles, similar to brain regions.
The suspension of grant-review meetings at the NIH arises from a directive freezing all federal grants, raising legal concerns and challenges to its legality.
Read at Nature
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