NASA helps predict, prevent disease outbreaks

We could almost swear we've heard this same scenario played out in a 80s era sci-fi drama, but apparently, this ain't out of any movie script. By utilizing 14 orbiting satellites and enlisting the assistance of NASA's Applied Sciences Program, scientists are reportedly observing our planet's environment to "help predict and prevent infectious disease outbreaks around the world." Apparently, the satellites collect environmental change data, which is then forwarded on to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Defense and broken down to estimate and track epidemics. The remote sensing technology is currently be used to target and track malaria (among other things), and NASA surveillance systems can also be used to determine if a given outbreak was caused by "natural circumstances" or if bioterrorism was to blame. Phew, at least we know 28 Days Later won't become an infamous example of life imitating art... right?

[Via Slashdot]

[JosephMohmed @ Nov 8th 2007 5:11PM]

Crazy shit.

[Sirocco @ Nov 8th 2007 5:40PM]

Seems a little misguided on the part of NASA, at least the part about preventing disease, so don't everybody get their hopes up. There are better, and established, ways to "estimate and track epidemics" - doctors sharing information, collected from patients - you need to be on the ground to do this. Unfortunately, no one or nothing can prevent disease outbreaks, least of all NASA via "satellite imaging".

[jon @ Nov 8th 2007 5:56PM]

The "better and established ways" to track epidemics are incomplete and poorly implemented. from my experience in the emergency response system (ERS, contains EMS and other organizations) there is a great breakdown in the collection of information going to the epidemiologists at the CDC (Center for Disease Control.) Areas currently lacking happen to be weather and geographical spread, this information is critical to determine if there even is an outbreak.

[Dan @ Nov 8th 2007 6:10PM]

Swell. Yay, NASA. Now please locate the areas where the swarming types of locust lay their eggs. That might really be worth something. The TV said it would be easy to kill the eggs simply by plowing or other egg disrupting activities. Now we know where we can use our old explosives! No more locust swarms, please. Humankind can't tolerate that nonsense anymore. Somebody needs to create a tasty dish with locust. The taste sensation that's sweeping the nation...Locust burgers!

[whiskey @ Nov 8th 2007 9:49PM]

What do you think they mean when they say "Desert shrimps"?

[Dan @ Nov 8th 2007 9:55PM]

@whiskey

Never heard of 'em. Cousin to mountain oysters? Goat jewels perhaps? The TV says the US had a super locust swarm in the 1800's, but that we probably accidentally prevented more by plowing.

[Paul @ Nov 8th 2007 7:26PM]

yay nasa!

[whiskey @ Nov 8th 2007 9:48PM]

Well, this didn't seem to be the case at least on World War Z (they were mostly used for tactical purposes).

[Daimyo Nintendo @ Nov 9th 2007 6:23PM]

"help predict and prevent infectious disease outbreaks around the world." So basically all satellites pointed at China and India?

"NASA surveillance systems can also be used to determine if a given outbreak was caused by" China? SARS? Avian Flu? India? Super Aids? T-virus?