The Technology Fighting Coronavirus
By: Benjamin Rhodes
Tags: Covid 19, Virus, Quarantine, Technology, Coronavirus

As I’m sure many of you are aware, the global pandemic, COVID-19, known as the Coronavirus, has spread rapidly and many of you are probably at home in quarantine reading this now. Initially I chose not to prepare a response, given how this issue has taken over every media outlet, YouTube channel, and Facebook page. However, after a little research, it became clear that technology is being used as a very good tool. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to recognize the men, women, and technology that is working to solve this health crisis.

Like I’ve said, technology is a tool and its use as a very good tool couldn’t be made more clear in regard to fighting this virus.

Like I’ve said, technology is a tool and its use as a very good tool couldn’t be made more clear in regard to fighting this virus. There are three primary objectives in this fight:

We must prevent the spread of the virus to those who are healthy. We must treat those who are ill. We must develop a cure for all who may contract this virus.

Technology is being used within all three objectives.

Let’s start with preventing the virus. The first step to preventing the spread of a virus is to limit individual contact. This is of course where social distancing and quarantines are used. Technology is helping us make these efforts much more effective. To more effectively limit social contact technology is helping officials learn where cases are arising. A Boston-based start-up, BioBot Analytics, is installing technology in sewer systems. These systems are working to detect the virus, and using data analysis, determine where, how many, and how cases of COVID-19 are spreading (Perry, “Startups Unveil…”).

On a slightly more pleasant topic away from the sewage, researchers at the University of Southern California are working to develop an app that could determine who needs to stay home and who is probably safe to go to work or shop (Polakovic, “USC experts..”). The researchers are attempting to find a balance between preventing the spread of the virus and the economic impact we’re already seeing. The app uses anonymous data from positive COVID-19 tests to determine if an individual has been exposed to the Coronavirus and then alerts them with a suggestion to stay home and quarantine.

Of course, a review of the technology being used to prevent the spread wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the countless video platforms that allow us to connect with work, family, friends, churches, and schools. In many ways, although we are stuck in isolation, these technologies have allowed us to remain as connected as ever.

But technology can also be used to treat those who are ill.

But technology can also be used to treat those who are ill. The first step is diagnosis. In order to prevent further contamination, telemedicine is growing in popularity and developers are working to increase the accuracy of and the level of care teledocs provide. An Israeli company is working to develop apps and programs that can detect heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration, and oxygen saturation using only the cameras on a smartphone (Perry, “Startups Unveil…”). Another company is using simple audio recordings to detect the sounds within the lungs, a vital indicador of possible infection (Perry, “Startups Unveil…”).

Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no known cure for COVID-19 and therefore there is little healthcare professionals can do once a diagnosis is made. In the most severe cases, ventilators can however mean the difference between life and death. But as cases rise, equipment is further limited. Companies around the world are quickly building up factories to build more ventilators, but this may not be enough. Some individuals have discovered that 3D printers can make vital pieces for ventilators. Hobby groups with at-home 3D printers in Spain have even produced a ventilator prototype that is being tested by healthcare professionals and the scientific community. If their prototype succeeds, 3D printers across the world can print important components using online templates.

Of course, through this entire crisis, a cure is being developed. Researchers haven’t yet found it, but they are using technology to speed their progress. Doctors and scientists are producing virtual simulations of the virus and possible treatments. The simulations are being run through supercomputers 100 times faster than those used 10 years ago. They are testing current drugs and treatments against the virus, virtually. Big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are providing more capabilities to scientists than ever before (Polakovic, “USC experts..”). Also, these computers can work 24/7. A team of researchers has reported that artificial intelligence has helped them find 500 possible antibodies that could fight the Coronavirus (“Technology against…”).

Now, I’ve only scratched the surface of the uses and power of technology in the fight against COVID-19. For more information, please see the resources referenced in the Works Cited section below.

It’s clear that technology is an extremely important and powerful tool in this endeavor.

It’s clear that technology is an extremely important and powerful tool in this endeavor. As so many experts have reported, we will win this fight, it only takes time. When we do conquer this virus it will be by the tool of technology, well, that and washing your hands.

So stay confident, stay inside, and stay connected via the technology at your fingertips.