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    The Coronavirus Is Mutating. That's Normal. Does That Mean It's More Dangerous?

    There are various studies looking at changes to the virus genome — and the possible impact on how the virus affects humans. Here's what we know (and don't yet know) about mutations.
    by Pien Huang May 08, 2020 5 minutes
    This image made by a scanning electron micrograph shows SARS-COV-2 virus particles (colorized pink) from a patient sample.

    This week, the question of mutation has been front and center in coverage of the coronavirus — from controversial claims about changes that make the virus more contagious to reassurances that any mutations are not yet consequential.

    Here are some of the questions being raised — and what the specialists can (and can't yet) say to answer them.

    Is the coronavirus mutating?

    Researchers say the coronavirus is making small changes to itself as they would expect it to — at a relatively predictable and steady rate of around 1-2 changes per month.

    "Viruses mutate naturally as part of their life cycle," says Ewan Harrison, scientific project manager for the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium. The coronavirus is no different.

    When a virus infects a person, it enters their cells and makes copies of itself, which

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