Researchers at the University of Oxford and Harvard Medical School have developed an artificial intelligence tool called EVEscape, which can predict new viral variants’ emergence, potentially helping in early outbreak control. EVEscape anticipates how viral mutations may enable them to evade immune responses, even before these variants appear. By combining deep-learning models with biological and structural data, EVEscape accurately predicted SARS-CoV-2 mutations and their prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can also predict immune escape mutations in other viruses, including influenza and HIV.
What do you think about the potential of artificial intelligence, like EVEscape, in predicting and preparing for new viral variants?