A videograb image shows the virus (red spots) spread between a mass of gray dots (bat brain cells).

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In a revolutionary discovery in the “Nikon's Small World,” for imaging through a light microscope, a video clip appeared of the moment the new coronavirus penetrated the brain cells of a bat, according to US media.

The media quoted researchers Sophie-Marie Aicher and Dr Delphine Planas, that the imaging showed how the coronavirus infiltrates brain cells “quickly and aggressively.”

They confirmed that the clip was filmed over 48 hours, with an image being recorded every 10 minutes.

They show the virus as red spots spread between a mass of gray dots (bat brain cells).

After these cells become infected, the bat cells begin to fuse with neighboring cells.

At some point, the entire mass ruptures, leading to cell death.

The clip reveals how a pathogen transforms cells into virus-making factories before causing the host cell to die.

The same scenario that occurs in bats, Eicher said, also occurs in humans, with one important difference being that "in the end, bats do not get sick."

“Every time the virus has to exit the cell, it is in danger of being detected,” she added.

So if it can go directly from one cell to another, it can work faster.”

In humans, the coronavirus can evade, causing further damage in part by preventing infected cells from alerting the immune system to the presence of an invader.

But its special strength lies in its ability to force host cells to merge with neighbouring cells, a process known as syncytia. It allows the coronavirus to remain undetected as it multiplies.

The researchers said they hope that the video will help demystify the virus, and facilitate the understanding and appreciation of this deceptive enemy that has turned the lives of billions of people upside down.