A quick method for detecting virus variants paves the way for a speedier response to pandemics, scientists have said. Research in the UK has found that genotyping – a method for picking up tiny genetic differences – can detect variants six days faster than traditional whole genome sequencing. This means that changes in viruses, as well as new Covid variants, can be analysed more quickly and the information sent to public health professionals on the front line. As a result, isolating infected peo