“Consider funding the Nucleic Acid Observatory to Detect Stealth Pandemics” by Jeff Kaufman 🔸

Summary The Nucleic Acid Observatory (NAO) aims to improve humanity's ability to detect new pathogens, especially engineered ones. We are evaluating disease surveillance methods, developing pathogen detection algorithms, and running a pilot biosurveillance system. Additional funding would allow us to expand our research into detection methods. You can donate on our website. The ProblemAmong the most dangerous biorisk scenarios is that of a 'stealth' pathogen, spreading without distinctive symptoms[1] and only later causing severe health impacts.[2] Such a pathogen could cause enormous harm, as a very large fraction of humanity could be infected before anyone notices. The world today is not equipped to detect a stealth pathogen before it's too late; however, improvements in monitoring technology could enable dramatically earlier detection and response, substantially reducing the harm caused. While the 'stealth' scenario is one where we think the benefits of early detection are strongest, it is not [...] ---Outline:(00:07) Summary(00:36) The Problem(01:20) Our Approach(01:40) Sampling(02:47) Sequencing(03:15) Computational Analysis(03:56) Marginal Funding(03:59) Expanding our Team(04:03) We would like to hire additional staff in a few areas:(05:27) Pilot Detection(06:40) Flexibility(07:07) Prioritization(07:59) Where We Are Now(08:02) Resources(08:19) Organization(08:54) Staff(09:17) Budget(09:51) Benefits(11:35) Why Not to Fund the NAO(11:39) Threat Probability(12:18) Impact of Detection(12:56) Fungibility(14:52) How to Fund the NAOThe original text contained 8 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. --- First published: November 11th, 2024 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/XmtyNTS8eaT2PMzx4/consider-funding-the-nucleic-acid-observatory-to-detect --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.