Computer scientists and biologists have identified an underlying genomic signature for 29 different COVID-19 RNA sequences using machine learning.

This new data discovery tool will help researchers to classify viruses like COVID-19 in just a few minutes””which is a process of high importance for strategic planning and mobilizing medical needs during a pandemic.

This discovery also supports the scientific hypothesis that COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has its origin in bats (Sarbecovirus, a subgroup of Betacoronavirus).

The findings, Machine learning using intrinsic genomic signatures for rapid  classification  of novel pathogens.

The “ultra-fast, scalable, and highly accurate” classification system uses a brand-new software, graphic-based and decision-tree approach to illustrate the classification and deliver the best choice out of all possible outcomes.

Kathleen Hill, a biology professor co-led the study with Western collaborators in Statistical and Actuarial Sciences and Computer Science, along with others in the University of Waterloo’s Department of Computer Science.

This machine-learning method delivers a 100% accurate classification of the COVID-19 sequences and most importantly, discovers the most relevant relationships for over 5,000 viral genomes again within minutes.

“All we needed was the COVID-19 RNA sequence to discover its own intrinsic sequence pattern. We used that signature pattern and a logical approach to match that pattern as close as possible to other viruses and achieved a fine level of classification in minutes””not days, not hours but minutes,” Hill stated.

This classification tool has already analyzed more than 5,000 unique viral genomic sequences, including the 29 COVID-19 sequences available.

Hill believes this data discovery tool, which can classify any newly discovered virus sequence, will be an essential component for vaccine development, researchers, scientists, and health-care workers during this global pandemic and beyond.