How AI and Blockchain Technologies Can Help Fight the Next COVID

Artificial intelligence is being utilized in almost every piece of tech these days. Machine learning and computer vision are making self-driving cars and robot assistants a reality. But AI is more than just a tool for convenience and robotic friendship. Some of the most remarkable advances attributed to AI are in the healthcare field, and more applications for the novel technology are being pursued every day.

- Aron Vaughan

Novel Technology for a Novel Virus

COVID-19 forced scientists and researchers in medical science to find innovative solutions at a rapid pace. Operation Warp Speed, a collaboration between the U.S. government and private companies to facilitate and accelerate the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, was aptly named. Less than 12 months from the identification of the SARSCoV-2 pathogen, a vaccine was developed.

The speed of the rollout can be attributed in large part to the technology implemented in its development process. Messenger RNA, viral vectors, and spike protein technology played the biggest role, but AI aided in creating a model for the vaccine.

Researchers used natural language processing models, a subbranch of AI, to understand the virus’ structure to predict which immune response a potential treatment would trigger. This is how the vaccine method and what its contents would be were determined.

Blockchain’s Role in Tracing

Identifying virus origins and targeting early outbreaks before they spread to a global scale are crucial procedures in preventing the spread of another coronavirus and subsequent pandemic.

Blockchain tracking technology can help health organizations and local governments stop outbreaks at the source, minimizing the need for widespread lockdowns that disrupt daily life and hinder the perpetual motion of the economy.