Nextstrain is an open-source application that continually tracks pathogen evolution in order to inspire solutions for existing problems. It delivers a concise view of publicly available data, in combination with "powerful analytic and visualization tools" that are available for use by the community.
The pathogen evolution-tracking project sources its information from Gisaid--a platform for sharing genomic data--and Nextstrain researchers analyze the pathogen genome data for mutations. It has definitely had implications for the COVID-19 pandemic as the data allowed the team to spot a connection between two Washington cases.
According to a computational biologist at Scripps Research, pathogen evolution data that Nextstrain can supply gives "a quick snapshot of how the virus has spread across regions and how local outbreaks are connected."
Pathogen Evolution-Tracking Open-Source Applications
Nextstrain Enables Widespread Data-Sharing
Trend Themes
1. Pathogen Evolution Tracking - Nextstrain's open-source application tracks pathogen evolution, revealing valuable insights for tackling existing problems.
2. Widespread Data-sharing - Nextstrain's platform enables widespread data-sharing, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.
3. Analytic and Visualization Tools - Nextstrain provides powerful analytic and visualization tools that empower the community to analyze pathogen genome data.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can leverage Nextstrain's pathogen evolution tracking to identify emerging threats and develop targeted interventions.
2. Pharmaceutical - Pharmaceutical companies can utilize Nextstrain's data-sharing platform to access genomic data and accelerate drug development processes.
3. Biotechnology - Nextstrain's analytic and visualization tools offer disruptive innovation opportunities for biotechnology companies to advance research in pathogen evolution.