How viruses and resistance can change so quickly
Population genetics of rapid evolutionary processes
This project builds computer models to predict how viruses, antibiotic resistance, and gene drives can change over time to help people concerned about infectious disease and public health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247144 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team is improving computer and mathematical models so they behave more like real populations and organisms, with features such as nonrandom mixing, movement, and realistic genetics. They will run many simulations to find which biological details and parameters most strongly shape fast changes like new COVID-19 variants or the rise of drug resistance. The researchers will also use the models to explore whether engineered gene drives can be confined to target populations or whether they might spread more widely than intended. This work is computational and modeling-focused and does not involve providing medical treatment to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by or worried about infectious diseases, emerging COVID variants, antibiotic resistance, or community-level mosquito control would find the findings most relevant.
Not a fit: This project does not provide direct medical care or experimental treatments, so individuals seeking immediate clinical interventions will not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help public-health officials predict and respond to new variants or resistance faster and guide safer use of gene-drive technologies.
How similar studies have performed: Related modeling work has informed understanding of virus spread and resistance patterns, but adding richer biological realism and addressing rapid gene-drive dynamics is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Messer, Philipp W — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Messer, Philipp W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.