Researchers are making significant strides in using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the evolution of viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. AI tools can now predict which single mutations in a virus will be most successful and which variants will ‘win’ out in the short term. However, predicting combinations of mutations or variants that will occur in the long term remains a challenge. The development of AI-based protein-structure prediction tools has brought new energy to the field, and researchers are now using vast amounts of data to train their models.
Forecast for 6 months: AI-powered models will become increasingly accurate in predicting viral mutations, allowing for more effective vaccine design and treatment development. This will lead to a significant reduction in the spread of infectious diseases.
Forecast for 1 year: The use of AI in pandemic preparedness will become more widespread, with governments and health organizations investing heavily in AI research and development. This will lead to the creation of more effective early warning systems for emerging diseases.
Forecast for 5 years: AI will play a crucial role in the development of personalized vaccines and treatments, allowing for more targeted and effective responses to infectious diseases. This will lead to a significant reduction in the number of deaths and hospitalizations due to infectious diseases.
Forecast for 10 years: The use of AI in pandemic preparedness will become the norm, with AI-powered systems being used to predict and respond to emerging diseases. This will lead to a significant reduction in the global burden of infectious diseases and improved public health outcomes.
