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Should virus-naming rules change during a pandemic? The question divides virologists

Researchers say now is bad time to introduce a system for naming viral species, when scientists are focused on the coronavirus outbreak.
  1. Smriti Mallapaty
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Virologists are debating whether to establish a standardized system for naming virus species later this year. Some researchers say that the current way viruses are named is disorganized and that there is an urgent need for such a system. But others say that now is not the time to engage in an academic discussion over naming conventions, when virologists are focused on fighting the pandemic.

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Nature 584, 19-20 (2020)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-02243-2

References

  1. Siddell, S. G. et al. Arch. Virol. 165, 519–525 (2020).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Rambaut, A. et al. Nature Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-020-0770-5 (2020).

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