New AI Tool Predicts Viral Mutations Before Variants Emerge

Scientists develop new AI tool called EVEscape that can predict mutations in viruses like COVID-19 before variants emerge.

EVEscape uses evolutionary data and biological/structural virus details to make accurate predictions about likely mutations.

Researchers show EVEscape would have predicted major COVID-19 variants; it also works for HIV, influenza.

Team now using EVEscape to forecast future COVID-19 variants every 2 weeks to help guide public health decisions.

Goal is to use EVEscape to design vaccines and therapies resistant to viral mutations.