Pandemic Innovation Update: AI and behavioral change | what to expect this fall from Delta

Vaccine acceptance and behavioral AI

KNOXVILLE, TN—The pandemic caused people to have to make a lot of changes. Lirio is using artificial intelligence (AI) to help solve behavior change challenges critical to the health of the globe, such as COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Lirio calls it Precision Nudging, an engagement algorithm and messaging system developed based on behavioral science.

COVID-19 risk factors for younger population

ROCHESTER, MN—A study by a research team at the Mayo Clinic offers new insight into COVID-19 risk factors for younger populations. The team found that people younger than 45 had a greater than threefold increased risk of severe infection if they had cancer, heart disease or blood, neurologic or endocrine disorders.

Peptoids in combatting viruses

LOUISVILLE, KY—A team led by a Stanford University bioengineering professor and Gill Diamond, a professor in the department of oral immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Louisville, has discovered that peptoids can be used to fight a variety of viruses. The researchers discovered that certain peptoids could be used to combat viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.

Delta variant: What can we expect this Fall?

LEXINGTON, KY—With news of the delta variant of COVID spreads comes questions about vaccine effectiveness. A panel at the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare participated in a discussion about these issues and what we might expect this fall.