News-Medical.Net March 31, 2025
A new artificial intelligence tool could aid in limiting or even prevent pandemics by identifying animal species that may harbor and spread viruses capable of infecting humans.
Created by Washington State University researchers, the machine learning model analyzes host characteristics and virus genetics to identify potential animal reservoirs and geographic areas where new outbreaks are more likely to occur. The model focuses on orthopoxviruses – which includes the viruses that cause smallpox and mpox.
The researchers recently published a study on their work using the model in the journal Communications Biology. Their findings could help scientists anticipate emerging zoonotic threats and, importantly, be adapted for other viruses.
“Nearly three-quarters of emerging viruses that infect humans come from animals,” said Stephanie...
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