Chinese scientists have recently discovered an experimental mutant strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19) that has proven to be 100% lethal to "humanized" mice, according to a study released in Beijing and reported by the New York Post. Named GX_P2V, this deadly virus was highly concentrated in the lungs and brain of genetically modified mice designed to mimic human genetic makeup.

The study authors noted that this is the first reported case of a SARS-CoV-2-related pangolin coronavirus causing complete mortality in hACE2 mice, highlighting the potential risk of GX_P2V spillover into humans. GX_P2V is a mutated version of GX/2017, a coronavirus cousin believed to have been discovered in Pangolins three years before the global pandemic.

All the infected mice succumbed to the virus within a remarkably short span of eight days. The GX_P2V virus significantly affected various organs of the mice, including the lungs, bones, eyes, tracheas, and brain, ultimately leading to their demise. Observations before death revealed rapid weight loss, a hunched posture, and noticeable lethargy. In an intriguing detail, the eyes of the mice all turned completely white on the day preceding their demise.

However, not all experts are convinced of the significance of this study. Francois Balloux, an epidemiology expert at University College London's Genetics Institute, criticized the research as "terrible" and "scientifically totally pointless," questioning the value of forcibly infecting a unique breed of humanized mice with a random virus. He expressed concerns regarding the lack of details about the biosafety precautions undertaken during the research.

Richard H. Ebright, a professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rutgers University, echoed Balloux's reservations. He also emphasized the need for transparent biosafety containment measures when working with potential pandemic pathogens, drawing parallels with previous research in Wuhan from 2016-2019, which is believed to have triggered the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the study raises concerns among some experts, the discovery of an experimental mutant coronavirus strain with complete lethality in humanized mice underscores the potential risks associated with viral mutations and the need for enhanced biosafety measures in scientific research. Further investigations and evaluations are necessary to better understand the implications of this finding for human health.