Epidemiology: Disease Detectives
Technology and Bioinformatics
MicroBEnet
The purpose of microBEnet is to "characterizing the microbes in the outdoor world (from the bottom of the oceans to the upper reaches of the atmosphere) as well as those in our “inner world” (the microbes living in and on plants and animals including us)" [Citation 42].
By creating a database for microbes and to "facilitate education". This bioinformatics database just for microbes would considerably increase efficiency in identifying diseases and therefore, make way for a better counter reaction when an outbreak occurs. However, one of the most emphasized points is that this information be available to everyone, which includes epidemiologists--people with the most use for this developing database. [Citation 42]
mChip
“mChip” stands for mobile microfluidic chip and is a recently developed device that only requires a small prick of blood, and in less than 15 mintues, the results are available. This device is made by “injection molding and holds miniature forms of test tubes and chemicals”. This device helps decrease the amount of time between the diagnosis of patients and their treatment; therefore, increasing the effectiveness of disease control operations.
The mChip has began helping patients in Rewanda, where the main problem is diagnostics. According to Samuel K. Sia, while there may be drugs for many STDs, “you don’t know who to give treatments to, so the challenge really comes down to diagnostics”. This device would help extend help to people in remote areas without proper clinics or the technology verify diagnostics.
Quote from Jonathan Eisen:
"What we need is a full field guide to the microbes that live in and on people, so that we can understand what they're doing to our lives. We are them; they are us." [Citation 44]
Johnathan Eisen's TED talk [Citation 44]
Click on the video above to view Johnathan Eisen's TED talk about the importance of "Meeting Your Microbes"
Click on the video below to watch a video about the mChip
