Microsoft Launching 'Plasmabot' To Screen Recovered COVID-19 Patients For Researchers (cnbc.com) 15
CNBC reports:
Microsoft is working with a consortium of pharmaceutical companies to recruit people who have recovered from Covid-19 to donate their plasma, which could be used in treatments for the disease. To help get the word out, the company is launching a chatbot, which it refers to as its "plasmabot," to lead people through a series of questions to determine if they're a candidate to donate plasma. The plasmabot, which goes live this weekend, will also provide information about the procedure and direct them to a nearby site where they can safely make the donation...
In a blog post, Microsoft says there are two possible approaches with collected plasma: Make transfusions directly available to those who are battling the virus, or incorporate the antibodies to help develop a medicine. Microsoft's head of research Peter Lee said the company is supporting the efforts of a plasma alliance formed by companies like Octapharma, Takeda, CSL Behring and others. That project kicked off in late March, and counts the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation among its advisors.
After conducting its own research into the approach, Lee said he believes it has the "potential to save lives." So the company is setting aside computing resources and other infrastructure, as well as engineering talent. It is also promoting the plasmabot through a website, and it's search, web and social channels.
Microsoft is getting behind the effort now because plasma of recovered patients is only useful for a limited time. "There's a window from onset of symptoms that lasts from 21 to about 56 days," said Lee.
Meanwhile, a Florida newspaper reports that the Mayo Clinic is also coordinating its own study with a network of hospitals across America to "gauge the effectiveness" of plasma treatments.
In a blog post, Microsoft says there are two possible approaches with collected plasma: Make transfusions directly available to those who are battling the virus, or incorporate the antibodies to help develop a medicine. Microsoft's head of research Peter Lee said the company is supporting the efforts of a plasma alliance formed by companies like Octapharma, Takeda, CSL Behring and others. That project kicked off in late March, and counts the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation among its advisors.
After conducting its own research into the approach, Lee said he believes it has the "potential to save lives." So the company is setting aside computing resources and other infrastructure, as well as engineering talent. It is also promoting the plasmabot through a website, and it's search, web and social channels.
Microsoft is getting behind the effort now because plasma of recovered patients is only useful for a limited time. "There's a window from onset of symptoms that lasts from 21 to about 56 days," said Lee.
Meanwhile, a Florida newspaper reports that the Mayo Clinic is also coordinating its own study with a network of hospitals across America to "gauge the effectiveness" of plasma treatments.
Simpler implementation (Score:1)
To help get the word out, the company is launching a chatbot, which it refers to as its "plasmabot," to lead people through a series of questions to determine if they're a candidate to donate plasma.
The prototype Q&A script looks like this, at present:
Two Slashdotters are quarantined in their mancave when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and opens the Micosoft Plasmabot AI assistant videochat. He gasps, "My friend has coronavirus? What can I do?" The Plasmabot says, "Calm down. I know you're eager to help. First, let's make sure he's sick." There is a pause; then a cough is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says, "OK, now what?
This is frightening [Using plasma] (Score:2)
I'd be less afraid of this if I hadn't read way too many science fiction stories when I was a kid in which billionaires harvest the blood from young children to stay alive.
("Bug Jack Barron" springs instantly to mind, but I suppose that, actually, Dracula did it first.)
Re: (Score:3)
The alleged U.S. administration's culture accelerated the propagation of the corona virus from China to the rest of the U.S. They claimed they closed the borders to China. However, they let in over 40,000 Americans after the shutdown order. They had over 12 CDC officials at WHO during Dec.-Jan. who were warning, as was WHO, this was serious and the alleged administration needed to take action. Instead, all we got was happy talk because they didn't want to believe their precious economy was under threat and
it's just a website that asks you questions (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
It's a typo. The plasmabot is a pamphletbot.
Re: (Score:2)
Truth is gates is really a vampire, the blood won't be going to the victims of his lab engineered COVID-19 virus, it'll be going to feed him so he can continue to plan his ultimate world domination with the new world order right after he perfects his 5g population eradication plan. You herd it here first.
Clippy? (Score:2)
I can hear Professor Farnsworth now... (Score:1)
Farnsworth: "Good news everybody! I've invented a plasmabot that can screen people for CoVID-19 with 100% accuracy!"
Leela: "A plasmabot, that sounds dangerous, Professor"
Farnsworth: "Well, it IS 100% fatal and reduces the patient to stardust, but we will know with 100% certainty if they were first infected!"
Bill Gates and Microsoft are Social Heroes (Score:1)