As you are probably well aware the world has been rocked by the outbreak of a novel coronavirus. Genomic sciences have been at the forefront of identifying and diagnosing the virus; sequence analysis the primary means for tracking its origin and evolution.

You may wonder, what exactly takes place when investigating a novel viral outbreak? What evidence backs up each statement?

To answer all these questions we have embarked on writing a new volume in the Biostar Handbook, a volume titled:

• Coronavirus Genome Analysis

In this new book, we prepare readers to take on the challenges of investigating a novel viral outbreak. By utilizing the latest data and most up to date techniques we will demonstrate procedures, evaluate then validate various statements made in media, then explore other characteristics of the data. Among the subjects that we cover:

1. Does the virus have a single origin?
2. Has the viral sequence evolved since the outbreak?
3. How can we identify the "initial" virus?
4. Did the virus jump from other organisms?
5. What does the data consist of? Where can we obtain it?

The book is a well documented and comprehensive take on a subject that already had and will continue to have immense impact on society.

Caption: The primary region in the S surface glycoprotein is where SARS, bat SARS, and the novel coronavirus diverge the most.

The goal of the book is to train readers in the arts of performing complex analyses, quickly, independently, and on their computers. We will demonstrate and explain what you can do, what type of results your analysis methods produce, and how you can interpret the information and draw informed and valid conclusions. The book is a unique take and perspective on the many challenges of genomic sciences while also providing hands-on solutions.

The new book and content is included with the Biostar Handbook.