Machine learning model finds SARS-CoV-2 growing more infectious

A novel machine learning model developed by researchers at Michigan State University suggests that mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 genome have made the virus more infectious. As infections continue to surge across the United States, the concern is that any slight mutation could have drastic consequences. The model, developed by lead research Guo-Wei Wei, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genotyping from more than 20,000 viral genome samples. The researchers analyzed mutations to the spike protein -- a protein primarily responsible for facilitating infection -- and found that five of the six known virus subtypes are now more infectious. As with any virus, many mutations are ultimately benign, posing little to no risk to infected patients.