RecombinHunt, analysing data to predict emerging pandemics

A study featured in Nature Communication introduces RecombinHunt, a data-driven technique created by the Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering at Politecnico di Milano and the University of Milan aiming to detect recombinant SARS-CoV-2 genomes with one or two breakpoints. Developed as part of the PRIN PNRR 2022 initiative for the SENSIBLE project (Small-data Early warNing System for viral pathogens in puBLic hEalth), it seems also to identify recombinant viral genomes from the recent monkeypox outbreak effectively. Professor Stefano Ceri emphasised the global participation of laboratories in the project, which resulted in the availability of over 15 million viral sequences to the international scientific community. The goal of the SENSIBLE project, led by Dr. Anna Bernasconi, is to create early warning systems designed to predict and counteract emerging epidemics and viral pandemics.