Microbiology

An innovative method for the study and control of microorganisms in beer has been developed by Bulgarian scientists from the Center for Food Biology (CBH) with the assistance of the Union of Brewers (SPB). The molecular biological method for the microbiological purity of beer has no analogue in Europe and is based on the popular real-time polymerase chain reaction - qPCR.

In a statement they published on their website, the company "Pfizer" stated that they did not conduct research on Gain-of-function research (GoF research or GoFR) - a medical research that genetically alters an organism in a way that may enhance the biological function and the potential of viruses.

The new offshoot of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 known as Orthrus (CH.1.1) has arrived in Greece, according to the National Public Health Organization's (EODY) weekly epidemiological report. 

It said a total of 93 cases have been detected. What's more, cases of the dangerous Kraken subvariant (XBB.1.5) are increasing slowly, with seven cases identified so far. 

In connection with the increase in the incidence of acute respiratory diseases and influenza in the territory of Sofia region, an influenza epidemic has been declared, and temporary anti-epidemic measures are being introduced for the period from January 20 to 27.

A flu epidemic has been declared in Shumen as of today, after this also happened in Burgas. Classes in Shumen are suspended from January 13 to 17, RHI director Dr. Pepa Kaloyanova announced for BTA. Temporary anti-epidemic measures are being introduced on the territory of the region.

Weighing in on the measures taken in Europe regarding travelers from China due to the coronavirus situation there, Gikas Magiorkinis, a professor of epidemiology and a member of the expert committee advising the Ministry of Health, said they are "a bit excessive."

253 are the new cases of coronavirus in Bulgaria, confirmed with 4,305 tests done. 5.87 per 100 of the tested samples are positive, according to the data in the Unified Information Portal.

The subvariant of the coronavirus: Omicron XBB.1.5, which in just a few weeks has become dominant in the United States, may cause a new wave, a representative of the World Health Organization told reporters.

"Influenza isolation is increasing. We had an earlier season and we were finding mostly influenza A H3N2, but over time we are finding more of the other one - H1N1, and now they are even. Cases of flu and acute respiratory illnesses are doubling in two weeks, and this trend will continue in January, peaking in February." This is what Prof.

The recent rate of spread of COVID-19 may lead to the emergence of new and vaccine-escapable variants, experts warn.

The number of COVID-19 cases have started to increase in Europe and Türkiye after China, India, South Korea and Japan in the last 10 days.