Six Influenza A viruses that have a close genetic relationship to H1N1 (swine flu) have been identified using new mathematical and computational techniques by scientists at Ohio State University.
Computer-based networking modelling is a new way of tracing how viruses change over time, either through mutating or re-assortment (viruses exchanging genetic material).
Understanding these strains of influenza could shed light on how the pandemic strain of influenza (swine flu) emerged and help in efforts to stop future pandemics.
The new network approach could also be used to study the evolutionary history of other organisms, such as how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
Read more at Ohio State University