http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/12/technology/internet/12flu.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
They are tracking an agregate of search words that are flu related flu, thermometer, symptoms etc. The belief is that these searches are indicative of the appearence of the flu and these searches can be measured and mapped alerting health professionals of the presence and breadth of the flu in their area.
They are mapping North America by state providing for flu conditions.
This is not the first time that internet traffic has been used to fight disease. The website Where's George has provided its database to the CDC for the purpose of studying human movement.
http://www.wheresgeorge.com/
The scientists found that the money followed a predictable pattern. The method could be used to create more realistic disease models that track the spread of germs and perhaps prevent outbreaks.
Thomas Malone, a professor at the M.I.T. Sloan School of Management. “I think we are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with collective intelligence.”
1 comment:
Who comes up with this stuff? Bloody brilliant, and ridiculously accurate!
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