AI Assistance in Combatting Coronavirus Pandemic

In the face of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. These technologies have proven to be invaluable tools for health experts, policymakers, and researchers as they navigate the vast amounts of data generated by the crisis.

One of the early pioneers in this field is the Canadian company, BlueDot. Using its AI algorithm, BlueDot detected an outbreak of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019, and identified the cities at the highest risk of facing outbreaks. This early warning system helped to prepare global health authorities for the impending crisis.

HealthMap, a system developed by a team of researchers working with Boston Children's Hospital, also plays a crucial role. It integrates data from Google searches, social media, blog posts, and chat rooms to identify early signs of an outbreak and gauge the public's reaction.

In the fight against the virus, speed is of the essence. Seegene, a biotech company in South Korea, developed and distributed testing kits for coronavirus using its automated assay development system. This allowed for the production of the kits in weeks instead of the usual two to three months.

South Korea has been proactive in its response, equipping 118 medical facilities with the tests and testing more than 230,000 people. The country's swift action has been instrumental in containing the spread of the virus within its borders.

AI is also making strides in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Two Chinese companies, Infervision and a system from DAMO Academy, the research arm of Chinese company Alibaba, have developed AI-enabled software to diagnose coronavirus. DAMO Academy's system can recognise coronavirus with up to 96 percent accuracy and can evaluate 300 to 400 CT scans in 20 to 30 seconds.

DeepMind, a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet, has also contributed to the fight. It shared predictions of coronavirus' protein structures using its AlphaFold AI system, providing valuable insights into the virus' behaviour and potential treatment options.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially labelled the virus as a pandemic. As of this article, there are over 125,000 confirmed cases and over 4,500 deaths worldwide, with over 1,600 cases and 41 deaths in the U.S.

Investments in AI and data science create important tools for health experts to take full advantage of the vast amounts of data at their disposal during unexpected situations like the coronavirus pandemic. Chinese company WeBank is using AI to track China's economic recovery, analysing satellite imagery, GPS data from mobile phones, and social media posts.

The crisis has led to travel restrictions, school closures, market panic, and various disruptions. However, the rapid advancements in AI and data science are providing a glimmer of hope in these challenging times. These technologies are not only helping to combat the virus but are also aiding in the understanding of its behaviour and the development of potential treatments.

In addition, Canadian company NetraMark Holdings used its AI algorithm to detect the coronavirus early by analysing complex health data and identifying precise patterns in patient data. This early detection could potentially save lives and help to control the spread of the virus.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of AI and data science in the response efforts cannot be overstated. These technologies are proving to be crucial in the fight against the virus, offering a beacon of hope in these uncertain times.