All viruses mutate and change. As viruses copy and recopy themselves, they sometimes make errors in the string of letters (called nucleotides) that make up their genetic code. SARS-CoV-2 is no exception; thousands of mutations have shown up in the virus since it was first identified.

Most of these mutations have little effect on the way the virus behaves. But late last year a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus began circulating in the United Kingdom. It contained 23 different mutations, and it rapidly became the dominant virus circulating in the country. It doesn’t appear to be any more deadly than the original form of the virus, but it does seem to spread more easily from person to person. Now several other variants, some with the same mutation, have turned up in other countries.

Today in The Conversation Canada Sarah Otto, an evolutionary biologist at the University of British Columbia, writes about mutation, selection and the rise of new SARS-CoV-2 variants around the world. Evolution takes a while, she writes, and may buy us some time, but not much.

Also today:

• Biden’s peaceful inauguration doesn’t end America’s longtime coup addiction
• Biden’s Keystone XL death sentence requires Canada’s oil sector to innovate
• Islamophobia in western media is based on false premises
• How new and ‘auld’ acquaintances are celebrating Scotland’s national bard on Robbie Burns Day

All the best.