4 years ago
Technology at work against and during COVID-19
Amidst the Coronavirus crisis- researchers,businesses and innovators around the globe are working hard to put technology to work to tackle the effects of the deadly virus.
They have deployed their full resources to find solutions and help mitigate the impact of the pandemic expanding worldwide.
Technology projects ranging from tracking the spread of the virus to 3D printed ventilators:here are the list of some innovative ideas and projects where IT is at play in the fight against coronavirus.
1. BIG DATA to understand the Virus’ Genetic Tre
An open-sourced project called Nexstrain provides data, sequencing, and visualizations showing the evolution of pathogens like coronavirus.
For laymen, what they’re basically doing is finding out if and how the coronavirus is changing its structure, i.e mutating.
The genetic sequencing of 700 cases of the cases of the coronavirus has been shared with the scientific community.
GOOD NEWS is that NO evidence has been found yet to indicate that the ‘VIRULANCE’ of the virus has changed as it is spreading globally to different countries.
2. Machines learning therapy
A biotechnology company AdCellera is using machine learning models to develop therapies based on antibodies from patients recovered from the disease.
With the use of AI technology, they have identified more than 500 antibodies that could possibly be used in COVID- 19 therapies in the future
3. Telemedicine in hospitals
Although already in use before the coronavirus crisis, Telemedicine has proved helpful to assist hospitals, doctors and nurses to cope with the unmanageable influx of patients in some hospitals.
Telemedicine helps to provide live streaming of diagnosis and treatment processes to medical personnels around the world.
Patients have also been able to consult doctors, describe symptoms and get advice accordingly.
Xuhui public hospital in Shanghai in China and a Spain based Open Salud have consulted with doctors and patients far away and allowed any doctors or clinic to determine the best mechanism for tending to their patients.
4. Apps replacing hotlines
Apps and web pages have also been used to assist individuals by allowing them to put in their symptoms and undertake self-assessment. Based on the results, they then receive instructions and advice for other steps to be taken.
These initiatives have been taken by a regional government in Madrid, called ‘Corona Madrid’ and also other companies and have proved as a better alternative to hotlines which get clogged during times of crisis.
5. 3D printers to relay designs of ventilators.
As the demand of ventilators are on rise and the inability to have them brought in soon enough, various makers of the equipment have collaborated in sharing open-source designs of the ventilators so that necessary components can be printed in a 3D printer, making it available to health care services.
6. Chatbox to answer questions
The WHO Chatbox launched by the World Health Organisation provides information about current infection rates and methods to protect oneself.
The chatbox uses WhatsApp belonging to Facebook, which also has its own Coronavirus Information Center which appears at the top of its users feed, providing official information about the Coronavirus.
7. Video Calls bringing people together
With the enforcement of Lockdown and other movement restrictions, companies and institutions have been increasingly resorting to apps like Duo,Zoom,Google Hangout, Webex.
These apps have helped people come together and work from home.
