American Lung Association enrolls citizen scientists for mobile-based COVID-19 Study

To help fight the novel coronavirus now plaguing humanity, the American Lung Association has announced a partnership with Northwestern University and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to engage adults in smartphone-based data collection as part of the new COVID-19 Citizen Science.

Hyderabad: At a time when the world is grappling with the coronavirus crisis, the American Lung Association has announced a partnership with Northwestern University and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to engage adults in real-time, smartphone-based data collection as part of the new COVID-19 Citizen Science (CCS).

This initiative allows anyone 18 years of age or older to become a citizen scientist advancing the understanding of the disease. They just need to download the free & secure app for enrollment.

The spread of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has varied across individuals and regions, and the factors that determine how it affects individuals and populations are not well understood.

Read:US FDA authorizes first at-home coronavirus sample collection kit

A critical mass of CCS participants uploading information though the app could help data-crunching researchers gain insight into how the virus is spreading and identify ways to predict and reduce the number of new infections.

American Lung Association President and CEO, Harold Wimmer said that the COVID-19 Citizen Science study takes research to the next level by harnessing power in numbers.

Read:Scientists who risked their lives for medical experiments

"Our organization is largely fueled by timely and relevant research. We’re thrilled to contribute to this promising project, helping enrol more participants and gather valuable data needed to curb the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency," said Wimmer.

It is pertinent to mention that earlier this month, the Lung Association had announced its COVID-19 Action Initiative committing $25 million to address COVID-19 and other emerging respiratory viruses.