New variants of COVID-19 have caused spikes in infections around the world and rang alarm bells about vaccine resistance. We speak to two scientists tracking mutant strains of the virus. How are these variants discovered? And just how dangerous are they?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of reader of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimesGuests:-Sharon Peacock, Professor of public health and microbiology at The University of Cambridge and Director of the COVID 19 Genomics UK consortium.-Dr Jeffrey Barrett, Director of COVID-19 Genomics at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: BBC News, UK Government, Sky News, UK Parliament, ITV News, DW News, KTLA, Bloomberg, ABC See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.