Google goes pandemic

GOOGLE’S GANGLY philanthropic arm, Google.org, is reaching out in efforts to predict and prevent the next global pandemic, by throwing $14 million at the problem.

Of course, $14 million is still relative pocket change considering the billion dollars the organisation started out with, but Google obviously thinks it’s enough to identify “hot spots where diseases may emerge”, detect “new pathogens circulating in animal and human populations, and responding to outbreaks before they become global crises.”

If you were wondering how one goes about searching for a disease infested hot spot, programme director at Google.org Frank Rijsberman explains that some illnesses, like Rift Valley Fever and Malaria, can be predicted and pinned down using weather forecasts and deforestation maps up to six months before an outbreak occurs.

His colleague, Google.org threat detective, Dr. Mark Smolinski, reckons that when it comes to deadly viruses, it all boils down to early genetic detection. He proposes digital genetic detection filters and online data mining for early signs of potential epidemics. Dr Smolinski believes it’s crucial to detect new pathogens circulating in animal and human populations, and respond to outbreaks before they become global crises. Or Blockbuster movies.

Executive director of Google.org, Dr. Larry Brilliant, said: "Business as usual won't prevent the next AIDS or SARS. The teams we're funding today are on the frontiers of digital and genetic early detection technology. We hope that their work, with partners across environmental, animal, and human health boundaries, will help solve centuries-old problems and save millions of lives". µ