 Abstract virus recognition has become increasingly important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers have developed highly sensitive recognition elements, both natural and synthetic, to combat this global threat. However, these elements are susceptible to mutating, leading to decreased sensitivity and increased false negatives. In order to address this problem, scientists have created hybrid aptomers and molecularly imprinted polymers, apt-MIP, that combine the best features of each component. This combination allows for selective recognition of virus variants, even when they have undergone mutations, while still maintaining high levels of sensitivity. These results suggest that combining aptomers and MIPs could be a powerful tool for recognizing virus variants with improved selectivity and sensitivity. This article was authored by Mark V. Sullivan, Francia Alibush, Harriet Flynn, and others.