Stefan Mileschin

A novel machine learning model developed by researchers at Michigan State University has discovered that mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 genome have made the virus more infectious.

The AI model, developed by lead researcher Guowei Wei, professor in the departments of Mathematics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, analysed SARS-CoV-2 genotyping from more than 20,000 viral genome samples. The researchers analysed mutations to the spike protein—a protein primarily responsible for facilitating infection—and found that five of the six known virus subtypes are now more infectious.

As with any virus, many mutations are ultimately benign, posing little to no risk to infected patients. Some mutations even reduce infectiousness. But some mutations lead to a more infectious virus.

Wei and his team have studied and analyzed mutation patterns and locations for months, tracking changes against the official viral genome sample captured in January.

"Knowledge about the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 is a vital factor for preventive measurements against COVID-19 and reopening the global economy," Wei said. "A crucial question is what are the ramifications of these mutations to COVID-19 transmission, diagnostics, prevention and treatment."

https://fudzilla.com/news/ai/51390-m...ore-infectious