Scientists close in on origin of SARS

Researchers believe deadly virus began in bats in Yunnan province

Chinese scientists believe they may have found the origin of the deadly SARS virus in a remote cave in Yunnan province, where they identified a single population of horseshoe bats that harbor virus strains with all the genetic building blocks.

The strain could easily have arisen from such bats, according to research published in PLoS Pathogens on Nov 30. Scientists also warned that the ingredients are in place for a similar disease to emerge again.