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[July 1, KOREA WAVE]There is a saying that the history of mankind is the history of disease. This is because disease has always existed in the history of mankind. Therefore, it may be thought that disease has the potential to determine the future of mankind.

One silver lining, however, is that scientific advances are beginning to overcome these challenges.

According to a recent report by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), countries around the world are using artificial intelligence (AI) to fight disease.

In the case of new infectious diseases where information is scarce, such as the COVID-19 infection, it is important to quickly grasp the characteristics of the disease based on limited data in the early stages. This is where AI technology can be used.

In fact, Canadian startup BlueDot used AI to predict which cities (Bangkok, Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo) were at high risk of COVID-19 infection at the end of 2019, ahead of the World Health Organization (WHO). At that time, they used flight ticket data between countries and cities.

KISTI believes that it should continue to research, develop and improve AI technology-based disease response systems, and strengthen the joint disease response system through international cooperation.

AI has already been successful in increasing the speed and success rate of new drug development. As a result, not only pharmaceutical companies but also big tech companies such as Google and semiconductor giant Nvidia are paying attention to it as a future source of revenue.

Scientific advances have given us some peace of mind from the threat of disease.

The same goes for overcoming obstacles.

According to foreign media reports, a research team including the University of Cambridge in the UK recently created a “third thumb” robot.

This wearable robot was designed for people with disabilities who have had amputations and need one arm to get through daily life. It is worn like a prosthetic arm on the palm of the hand and is controlled via a wireless pressure sensor connected to the foot.

Not only can it grasp objects with one hand, but it can also perform delicate tasks such as threading a needle.

The research team tested the robot on members of the public with no special training, and found that 98% of participants across a range of ages were able to use the device immediately.

Once commercialized, anyone will be able to easily receive robotic support.

In addition, countries are devoting all their efforts to related research in preparation for the aging population.

The day is fast approaching when the dream of living to 100 years old without worrying about illness will come true.[News1 Reporter Yang Sae-rom]

(c)news1/KOREA WAVE/AFPBB News