Chinese scientists have finished 11 autopsies of patients who died after being infected with the novel coronavirus, which may yield new insights on the disease and improve treatment and prevention efforts.

From Feb 16 to 24, a team of scientists from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, Hubei province, had conducted nine autopsies, local media reported. Earlier this month, scientists from Shanghai also concluded two autopsies.

Wang Guoping, a medical professor from the university, said an autopsy is the most direct way of unveiling the secrets of the virus, and it serves as one of the key ways to understand the pathogen's mechanism and cause of death.

The oldest body was from a person who died at 80, and the youngest from someone aged 52. Wang said scientists are working overtime to analyze the results, hoping to bring new insights into the virus and help stop the epidemic.