Addressing Biodisaster X Threats With Artificial Intelligence and 6G Technologies: Literature Review and Critical Insights

Abstract

Background With advances in science and technology, biotechnology is becoming more accessible to people of all demographics. These advances inevitably hold the promise to improve personal and population well-being and welfare substantially. It is paradoxical that while greater access to biotechnology on a population level has many advantages, it may also increase the likelihood and frequency of biodisasters due to accidental or malicious use. Similar to “Disease X” (describing unknown naturally emerging pathogenic diseases with a pandemic potential), we term this unknown risk from biotechnologies “Biodisaster X.” To date, no studies have examined the potential role of information technologies in preventing and mitigating Biodisaster X. Objective This study aimed to explore (1) what Biodisaster X might entail and (2) solutions that use artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging 6G technologies to help monitor and manage Biodisaster X threats. Methods A review of the literature on applying AI and 6G technologies for monitoring and managing biodisasters was conducted on PubMed, using articles published from database inception through to November 16, 2020. Results Our findings show that Biodisaster X has the potential to upend lives and livelihoods and destroy economies, essentially posing a looming risk for civilizations worldwide. To shed light on Biodisaster X threats, we detailed effective AI and 6G-enabled strategies, ranging from natural language processing to deep learning–based image analysis to address issues ranging from early Biodisaster X detection (eg, identification of suspicious behaviors), remote design and development of pharmaceuticals (eg, treatment development), and public health interventions (eg, reactive shelter-at-home mandate enforcement), as well as disaster recovery (eg, sentiment analysis of social media posts to shed light on the public’s feelings and readiness for recovery building). Conclusions Biodisaster X is a looming but avoidable catastrophe. Considering the potential human and economic consequences Biodisaster X could cause, actions that can effectively monitor and manage Biodisaster X threats must be taken promptly and proactively. Rather than solely depending on overstretched professional attention of health experts and government officials, it is perhaps more cost-effective and practical to deploy technology-based solutions to prevent and control Biodisaster X threats. This study discusses what Biodisaster X could entail and emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing Biodisaster X threats by AI techniques and 6G technologies. Future studies could explore how the convergence of AI and 6G systems may further advance the preparedness for high-impact, less likely events beyond Biodisaster X.

Rigorous Policy-Making Amid COVID-19 and Beyond: Literature Review and Critical Insights

“…artificial intelligence (AI)-powered: incorporating intelligent and automatic decision-making mechanisms to ensure the policies are developed based on the most updated evidence [ 83 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 ];…”

“…AI can be understood as machine programs or algorithms that are “able to mimic human intelligence” [ 124 ]. The AI-powered component of the PADS model emphasizes the importance of incorporating intelligent and automatic decision-making mechanisms to ensure the policies are developed based on the most updated and comprehensive evidence robustly analyzed [ 83 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 ]. Advanced AI systems can help policymakers to make more informed policies that are both reactive (retrospectively analyzing data to develop intelligent solutions) and proactive (predictive decision-making insights based on advanced modelling) in nature [ 125 , 126 , 127 ].…”

“…For example, AI-based systems could help government and health officers develop algorithms that incorporate in-depth and comprehensive insights gained on big data analysis on diverse data in the policy-making process, ranging from search queries, medical records, public health records, social media posts, online purchases, and wastewater to surveillance footage [ 83 , 124 ]. The potential of AI systems can be further amplified when coupled with 5G or 6G technologies; 6G, the sixth-generation networking technologies, can be understood as the next-generation transmission technique following the 5G communication strategies [ 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 ] with enhanced key performance indicators (KPIs) and a wider range of real-world applications.…”

“…The importance of the data-driven element in the PADS model centers on the use and application of empirically gained insights, as opposed to subjective ideas, in the policy-making process. It is important to underscore that, thanks to advanced technologies such as 5G/6G and AI, a bevy of multifaceted information about public needs and preferences can be cost-effectively monitored, ranging from search queries, social media posts, and sewage data to medical records [ 83 ]. Having a diverse pool of heterogenous data paired with advanced computing powers provided by 5G/6G technologies and competent analytical skills enabled by AI means that government and health officials can gain a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the public’s perspective and sentiments towards key policy issues.…”

Technology-based interventions for nursing home residents: a systematic review protocol

“… 86 Overall, telemedicine and other technology-based interventions have the potential to provide a comprehensive range of benefits 52 that should be sufficiently, if not fully, explored particularly in times of crises and catastrophes. 87 In addition to addressing imminent and relevant social emergencies, s our overarching research ( figure 2 ) could also inform policymaking on the use and application of technology-based interventions across nursing homes amid the pandemic and beyond. As the "silver tsunami" continues to gain momentum, it is about time for government and health officials to ready a "care tsunami" powered by advanced technologies and an avant-garde solution-focused mindset to improve the health and wellbeing of older people, especially nursing home residents.…”