Litmus

COVID-19 has shown how vulnerable we are to a virus; in the future, will we be prepared to handle a pandemic caused by bacteria, which adapt faster than we can? There may be a worse bug coming, but while our current medicines don’t stand a chance, researchers are preparing one that might.

Because of efficient international trade, companies get the supplies they need on demand—no need to stockpile. But with dwindling inventories and supply chains at a standstill, will U.S. manufacturers be able to make medical supplies? That depends on whether companies get direction and financial incentives from the government, says Nada Sanders, professor of supply chain management.

In this episode, we talk to Nada Sanders (distinguished professor of supply chain management).

Patients used to have stronger relationships with their primary care doctors, and the lack of trust and guidance provided by that bond has changed patients’ ability to respond to COVID-19—and might’ve made it worse from the start.

In this episode, we talk to Timothy Hoff (professor of management, healthcare systems, and health policy).

In the face of COVID-19, close quarters and lack of medical attention are a major public health risk. But by protecting those whose safety is beyond their control, it’s possible to protect everyone.

In this episode, we talk to Wendy Parmet (Matthews Distinguished University Professor of Law, professor of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, and Director of the Center for Health Policy and Law).

We all know to stay home as much as possible and limit our interactions with other people to slow the spread of COVID-19. But what about walking the dog? Is it safe to bring food to elderly neighbors? Should you vote in person?

Computers might be perfect students, but when they have biased teachers, their purpose becomes their pitfall. If you’re worried about artificial intelligence taking over the world, remember: Computers are only as good as their makers—and they’re more human than you think.

In this episode, we talk to Sarah Ostadabbas (assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering), Byron Wallace (assistant professor of computer science and director of Bachelor of Science in Data Science), and Tina Eliassi-Rad (associate professor of computer science).

Smart fitness trackers are actually pretty dumb, and when it comes to self-reporting your activity, you aren’t much better. But with this new approach, devices like Fitbits could not just better track your behaviors—they could help you change them.

In this episode, we talk to Stephen Intille (associate professor of computer sciences and health sciences).

For some people with severe autism, aggressive behavior is common. Oftentimes they can’t communicate, so when they’re stressed, they either fight or flee. But what if there were a device that could predict those outbursts by monitoring physiological changes? That way, their bodies could speak for themselves.

In this episode, we talk to Matthew Goodwin (associate professor of behavioral science and personal health informatics).

We’ve all made decisions in the heat of the moment. But think of a time when that decision was a purchase—do you regret it? Statistically, probably not. This research shows that customers who shop while angry are more likely to be satisfied. So, yes, getting those new shoes could literally be “all the rage.”

In this episode, we talk to Alexander DePaoli (associate teaching professor of marketing).

Some cancer treatments don’t work, but the problem isn’t the chemicals in the drugs—it’s the shape of them. This new technology could revitalize these drugs and help them do their job. And it looks like a sea anemone.