Opinion: Real-time gene sequencing can help control — and may someday prevent — pandemics
As the novel coronavirus continues to infect people around the world, scientists have scrambled to understand its origins and evolution and learn how and where it is spreading. As a developer of gene-sequencing technology, I look to the virus’ genes for answers.
Applied strategically, this type of genomic surveillance can offer great insight into how a virus becomes dispersed in real time. It may also inform policy regarding how and when restrictions might be imposed. One day, gene sequencing might even help prevent an outbreak, or at least nip it in the bud.
