Tech News Summary:
- Australian scientists are developing wearable technology that uses smartwatches to detect early signs of infection by monitoring changes in sleep, skin temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
- The technology could be used by defense personnel to prevent pandemics, protect soldiers on the battlefield, and respond to biological threats in disaster zones.
- According to public health experts, the benefits of the technology may be limited without strict implementation methods.
AI scientists have recently suggested that wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, could be key players in detecting disease outbreaks. This idea is based on the premise that these devices can monitor vital signs, such as heart rate and temperature, and track the movement of wearers, which can provide early warning signs of potential disease outbreaks.
The Big Data Institute at the University of Oxford has been exploring this idea and has already completed a pilot study on the topic. The researchers used data from 500,000 wearables to identify patterns in heart rate, sleep, fitness, and other metrics that could indicate disease outbreaks.
The study focused on the seasonal flu and found that wearable technology was able to detect the onset of the illness up to two weeks before it was officially reported by public health officials. This early detection would enable health officials to respond quickly to contain outbreaks and reduce the impact on the population.
The researchers are optimistic about the potential of this technology and believe that it could be applied to various other diseases, such as respiratory infections, and even COVID-19.
However, there are still some barriers to overcome before this technology can be widely implemented. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the data collected by wearables is reliable and accurate. Additionally, there are privacy concerns that need to be addressed, as personal data must be protected.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of using wearable technology to detect disease outbreaks are significant. It could enable health officials to respond more quickly, contain outbreaks, and reduce the spread of illnesses, ultimately saving lives.