Multiple sources report on newly discovered genetic data from a Chinese market near where the first human COVID-19 cases were identified.
The data suggests raccoon dogs were traded at the market and could be a source of the virus, providing weight to the theory that the pandemic emerged from animals.
However, the data has not yet been verified by other experts, nor has it been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The World Health Organization acknowledges the new findings, but stresses that more research needs to be done.
Recently discovered genetic data obtained from a market in Wuhan, China, near the site of the first confirmed COVID-19 cases, has shown a link between animal DNA and the virus.
International experts warn this shows evidence that the pandemic originated in animals, supporting many scientists' claims.
Analysts point out, however, that this data has yet to be verified by other experts or deemed acceptable for publishing in scientific journals.
The World Health Organization is acknowledging the new findings but is urging caution and emphasising the need for more research.
Studies suggest illegal trade in wild animals like raccoon dogs at the Wuhan wet market could likely have caused the outbreak.
Prominent locals reportedly began cracking down on the market, although it is still unclear if and how quickly these measures were taken.
A report from the World Health Organization places the first major COVID-19 outbreak in December 2019 - forcing analysts to wonder how long this illegal animal trade has been ongoing.
China has come under criticism for withholding data that could help solve the puzzle of how and where the virus originated.
The scientists who downloaded and analysed the relevant research are stressing that it could have been made available three years ago.
Wo Ho, the World Health Organization's director-general at the time, placed the blame on the Chinese government, saying: "we need to address the root cause of how this outbreak happened in the first place.
" The Chinese government has held that the virus could not have originated in Wuhan and even put forth alternate conspiracy theories to push blame in different directions.