# Pathogen Evolution-Tracking Open-Source Applications Nextstrain Enables Widespread Data-Sharing By Kalin Ned | Published 2020-04-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pathogen-evolution References: [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/data-sharing-open-source-software-combat-covid-19/) & [nextstrain.org](https://nextstrain.org) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genome-editing-platform). It has definitely had implications for the [COVID-19](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoconscious-covid19-testing-kit) pandemic as the data allowed the team to spot a connection between two Washington cases. According to a computational biologist at [Scripps Research](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardiac-risk-screening-app), 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." Image Credit: Nextstrain ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Pathogen Evolution Tracking:** Nextstrain's open-source application tracks pathogen evolution, revealing valuable insights for tackling existing problems. - **Widespread Data-sharing:** Nextstrain's platform enables widespread data-sharing, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers. - **Analytic and Visualization Tools:** Nextstrain provides powerful analytic and visualization tools that empower the community to analyze pathogen genome data. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can leverage Nextstrain's pathogen evolution tracking to identify emerging threats and develop targeted interventions. - **Pharmaceutical:** Pharmaceutical companies can utilize Nextstrain's data-sharing platform to access genomic data and accelerate drug development processes. - **Biotechnology:** Nextstrain's analytic and visualization tools offer disruptive innovation opportunities for biotechnology companies to advance research in pathogen evolution. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [COVID-Monitoring Health Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visible.md) - [Running Performance Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pace-progress.md) - [AI-Powered Gut Analyses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genofax.md) - [Animal-Focused Genome Sequencing Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genome-sequencing.md) - [Health-Focused Bioplatforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flagship-pioneering.md) - [Wildlife Monitoring Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildtrack.md) - [On-Site Pathogen Detection Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onsite-pathogen-detection.md) - [Pandemic-Aware Event Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/event-apps.md) - [Human Health Research Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-health-research.md)