5 Ways Technology Can Aid in the Fight Against the Novel Coronavirus
Fight Against Novel Coronavirus
The outbreak and spread of the novel coronavirus have caused a global health emergency that has resulted in one of the largest and most collaborative uses of resources ever. The technology and scientific communities have worked to put their resources behind developing solutions to help mitigate the impact of this pandemic as it spreads across the globe.
From car manufacturers to medical cart manufacturers, people in industries that seem unlikely to pitch in for this fight have come together to find solutions that are helping people across the globe.
Ways Technology Can Aid Against the Novel Coronavirus
Keep reading to learn about some of the ways technology is helping fight this microscopic enemy.
1. Figuring Out the Virus’ Genetic Tree Using Big Data
The official name of the virus is SARS-CoV-2, and how it behaves is essential information that must be known to keep it from continuing to spread.
Neststrain is a type of open-source project that offers visualizations, sequencing, and data that help to show the evolution of pathogens like the novel coronavirus. This information can help epidemiologists get to know how it evolves in various countries. Moreover, any potential mutations may change their form.
2. Machine Learning to Discover a Therapy
If there’s enough data available, AI may be a powerful tool to predict the future trend of this disease and may be beneficial in finding possible treatments. A company utilizing this technology is AbCellera, which is using a machine learning model to help create therapies from antibodies in patients who have overcome the disease.
3. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a viable alternative that communities are using to help avoid overwhelming their local hospitals with an influx of patients that’s just unmanageable. With telemedicine, it’s possible for nurses and doctors, and others in this industry to streamline the diagnosis and the treatment process to make the system easier and faster.
4. An App That Frees Up Hotlines
This was inspired by an application from South Korea. The regional government in Spain has launched “Corona Madrid,” which can be accessed on a web page or through an app. If someone believes they may have the virus, they can conduct a self-assessment based on the symptoms they have. It depends on the outcome, they will receive customized instructions and advice about the best course of treatment.
5. 3D Printers for the Creation of Ventilators
Essential equipment for providing treatment for the most serious cases of COVID-19 are ventilators. Unfortunately, health systems across the globe are facing a limited supply of this necessary equipment.
To help address this problem, there are “makers” all around the globe that have set up communication channels and platforms using specialized technology, such as Telegram. Where they are sharing information about an open-source design for the creation of ventilators using 3D printers.
Now, anyone who has a 3D printer can help to collaborate by printing the needed respirator components. The ultimate goal is to make these ventilators available to the healthcare community.
As COVID-19 sweeps across the globe, the future is unknown for people in most countries. However, there’s no question that technology is working to find viable solutions that will help to stop this pandemic in its tracks before it has an even bigger impact on people across the globe.
The information here illustrates just a few of the ways that technology is aiding this fight at home and around the world against novel coronavirus.
