A groundbreaking study has revealed that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model can accurately predict the emergence of new COVID variants and forecast their potential impact on infection rates. The model, developed by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States and The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School in Israel, has proven effective in detecting around 73 percent of the variants in each country that will result in at least 1,000 cases per 10 lakh people over a three-month period.
To develop the AI model, the team analyzed an extensive dataset consisting of 9 million genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus collected from 30 countries by the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID). The dataset was combined with information on vaccination rates, infection rates, and other relevant factors.
Using machine learning, an AI algorithm that learns from past data and makes predictions, the researchers were able to identify patterns within the dataset. The model utilized these patterns to create a risk assessment tool capable of predicting the infectiousness and spread of new variants.
Key factors influencing a variant’s infectiousness include the early trajectory of the infections it causes, its spike mutations, and the degree of difference from the dominant variant during the observation period. The study found that variants that acquire enough mutations are more likely to cause reinfections or target new subgroups of the population.
The implications of this research extend beyond COVID-19. The authors suggest that the modeling approach could be utilized to predict the future course of other infectious diseases, such as Influenza, Avian Flu viruses, and other Corona viruses. By understanding the genetic and biological characteristics of variants and their spread, it may be possible to develop predictive factors that aid in early detection and response.
This study represents a significant advancement in our ability to anticipate and combat the spread of infectious diseases. The AI model offers a new tool in the battle against COVID-19 and holds promise for future preparedness efforts. Further research will be necessary to refine and expand upon these findings, but the potential impact is immense.
The source of the article is from the blog krama.net