Recent studies in virology have shown how specific gene mutations can spread rapidly through viral populations. These mutations often provide an advantage — such as increased resistance to treatment or improved replication speed — allowing the altered gene to dominate future generations of the virus. This process, sometimes referred to as a “selective sweep”, is similar to natural selection. As the virus replicates, any beneficial mutation is passed on, driving the spread of the trait through the entire population. This phenomenon is critical to understanding how viruses evolve, adapt to treatments, and develop resistance over time.