How to Assist Science and Technology Experts in the COVID-19 Fight
Written on
Chapter 1: Finding Ways to Help
Many of us are experiencing a sense of helplessness during this pandemic; we want to contribute, yet are unsure how to do so safely from home. Fortunately, being confined indoors doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference. Forge recently highlighted several methods to support our communities while maintaining social distancing—such as reaching out to isolated seniors, tutoring students during school closures, or sewing masks for those in need.
Furthermore, it's essential to extend our support to the scientific and technological professionals who are diligently working on vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Across the globe, researchers are seeking public assistance to gather valuable data. Here are some ways you can help.
Did you know that artificial intelligence (A.I.) might identify whether you have COVID-19 just by analyzing the sound of your voice? That’s the premise of Voca.ai, a startup collaborating with Carnegie Mellon University to collect voice recordings from both healthy individuals and those who have tested positive for the virus. To participate, simply submit daily voice samples and answer a few questions on your computer. The collective results will aid researchers in providing remote COVID-19 testing at no cost worldwide.
Section 1.1: Volunteer Your Computer’s Processing Power
Supercomputers, which can rapidly analyze vast amounts of data and test various hypotheses, play a crucial role in finding new responses to diseases. However, access to these powerful machines is limited and costly.
Several years ago, the Folding@Home initiative proposed a solution: recruit the public to volunteer their personal computers for scientific research analysis. This group focuses on protein folding, providing insights into diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. They are currently applying this research to better understand COVID-19.
To contribute, download the Folding@Home software. It will run in the background while you continue your normal computer activities, assisting in the search for cures. You can sign up anonymously, create a username, or form/join a team—making it a great at-home educational project.
Chapter 2: Contributing Through Wearable Technology
In this video, Mark Walport discusses how the UK utilized scientific advice during the COVID-19 pandemic. His insights shed light on the importance of science in public health responses.
The Covidentify project, spearheaded by Duke University, is examining whether data from smartphones and wearables can help detect COVID-19. As asymptomatic individuals can still transmit the virus, researchers are exploring early detection methods.
To participate, answer two questions daily for a month, followed by weekly updates for an additional two months. Currently, the study is compatible with Fitbit, but efforts are underway to include additional brands like Garmin, Apple Watch, and Samsung.
This second video explores how the coronavirus infects us and what potential measures could be taken to halt its spread, offering valuable insights into the virus's mechanics.
Section 2.1: Reporting COVID-19 Test Outcomes
The Greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network (SCAN), in collaboration with leading research institutions and local health officials, is gathering data on the virus's spread in Seattle. Funded by Bill Gates' Gates Ventures and supported by Amazon Cares in collecting test kits, the initiative invites Seattle residents to participate by answering a few simple questions. Selected volunteers will receive a COVID-19 test kit, allowing them to view personal results on a secure site while aiding public health efforts in understanding the virus's spread.
Section 2.2: Participate in Vaccine Trials
Developing a vaccine for COVID-19 may take over a year, but clinical trials are already underway. The first four volunteers began their trials in March at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. Various organizations, including the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, are seeking volunteers for vaccine trials. Currently, there are over 200 clinical trials related to COVID-19 globally. For more information about these trials and recruitment opportunities, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
For those with a scientific or technical background, additional avenues for contribution may be available. If you're unable to participate at this time, remember that these initiatives often require funding. Many scientists and technical experts involved are volunteers or are looking to hire additional personnel to expedite their research.
In this global crisis, it’s crucial to remember that we are all part of a worldwide community striving to combat this pandemic, even if we are doing so from the confines of our homes. Even in times of social distancing, we must endeavor to support one another in overcoming this challenge.