Genetic mutations in the DNA of viruses still pose grave danger to human survival on our planet. Vaccines and other conventional ways of dealing with viruses cease to work against ever changing viruses with varying DNAs. British researchers are working to develop game-changing technology that can predict Pandemic threats posed by evolving respiratory viruses.
Targeted Viruses
Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute are set to scale up the technology in order to provide worldwide predictions about pandemic threats. The technology will monitor a wide range of viruses including influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus with exceptional speed and accuracy.
Respiratory Virus & Microbiome Initiative
The ultimate objective of the project – the Respiratory Virus and Microbiome Initiative- is to deploy DNA sensitive technology to identify not just viruses but also bacteria and fungus via nose swab. According to John Sillitoe, the technology will be deployed in laboratories all over the world because, otherwise, we will never be able to identify new viral variants without it.
