As experts brace for the possibility of a future pandemic, known as "Disease X," there’s growing hope that artificial intelligence (AI) could be a game-changer in managing such crises. Predictions suggest there is a 25% chance of a pandemic similar in scale to COVID-19 within the next decade, with potential threats ranging from influenza to new coronaviruses.
In response, innovative AI-driven tools are being developed to bolster pandemic readiness. Teams from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are working on an advanced early warning system funded by the US National Science Foundation’s Predictive Intelligence for Pandemic Prevention grant. This system will use AI to analyze social media data, including a substantial archive of 2.3 billion tweets, to identify potential outbreaks and monitor public health trends.
Leading the project, Professor Chen Li of UCI’s Department of Computer Science describes how the system leverages machine learning to detect early signs of epidemics and evaluate the impact of health policies. Despite its promise, the system faces challenges, particularly with reliance on X (formerly Twitter), which is not universally accessible. Efforts are underway to address data limitations and biases as the tool aims for global applicability.
Meanwhile, Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford have introduced EVEScape, an AI tool that forecasts new coronavirus variants and tracks mutations of other viruses like HIV and influenza. Nikki Thadani, a contributor to EVEScape, highlights its role in early intervention for vaccine and therapeutic development.
Pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca, are also harnessing AI to accelerate the discovery of new antibodies. According to Jim Wetherall, AI has reduced the time to identify potential antibody candidates from three months to three days, significantly aiding pandemic preparedness.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which funded EVEScape, views AI as a crucial tool for epidemic preparation. Dr. In-Kyu Yoon of CEPI underscores that while AI enhances readiness, it is not a panacea and must be used alongside human judgment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes AI's potential in detecting early symptoms and harmful treatments online. Dr. Philip AbdelMalik stresses that while AI can provide valuable insights, it must be used ethically and with accurate data to be effective.
Overall, experts agree that AI advancements offer promising new capabilities for managing future pandemics. However, they emphasize that technology alone is not enough; trust, collaboration, and effective information sharing will be essential for a successful response to future health crises.