The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted recently on the preprint repository BioRxiv, found that the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants exhibited more than two-fold longer survival on plastic and skin surfaces, than the Wuhan strain.
The world's oldest person in recorded history -- 116-year-old Jiroemon Kimura -- died of natural causes early on Wednesday in his hometown in western Japan, just days after the demise of a Chinese woman with a rival claim to the title.
The finding underscores the importance of hand washing or using a sanitiser to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances