Pilot of so-called ‘cough-in-a-box’ tech expanded
Credit: Jernej Furman/CC BY 2.0
The government has expanded its ongoing trial of so-called “cough in a box” technology, which uses artificial intelligence to detect Covid-19 by analysing the sound of people coughing.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) revealed in October 2020 that they had successfully detected cases of Covid-19 in asymptomatic individuals simply by processing recordings of an individual’s cough. Their discovery opens up the possibility of identifying potential coronavirus cases through an individual’s mobile phone without the need for immediate testing.
UK ministers quickly jumped on the technology in late 2020, awarding two contracts totalling £118,000 to Fujitsu in December to explore potential applications.
In March, the government appealed for volunteers to take part in a research programme, led by NHS Test and Trace.
Participants in the research were asked to use their smartphone to record the sound of a “forced cough, breathing sounds and a defined sentence”.
Related content
- Data shows big rise in vaccine positivity but demographic disparities remain
- Government Covid guidance body brings in Accenture for ‘data science support’
- Deloitte deal for digital Covid test service tops £50m
“We will explore how algorithms can use voice data, including cough recordings, to detect Covid-19,” the government said at the time. “By identifying if someone is more likely to need a test by using voice sounds, we can find more cases, help slow the spread of Covid-19 and protect our health service.”
The Department of Health and Social Care has now awarded a further contract worth £119,000 to Ipsos Mori for “scaled up data collection”, with the initial trial now being expanded to include those taking part in the REACT1 Covid-19 prevalence survey.
Those asked to take part in the next stage of the trial will be required to submit audio samples “immediately after they have submitted test swabs” under plans detailed in the latest contract.
A government spokesperson confirmed that a trial into the “cough in a box” tech is ongoing.
“The UK is at the forefront of innovative research to expand our collective understanding into COVID-19 and we are hugely grateful to the thousands of volunteers who participate in trials and studies,” they said.
“The Joint Biosecurity Centre is working with the Alan Turing Institute and the Royal Statistical Society to research the use of algorithms to detect COVID-19 based on vocal biomarkers available in audio recordings provided by volunteers.”
According to the creators of the algorithm, researchers were able to detect cases of the virus by training the AI model on over 70,000 recordings submitted by volunteers, which included around 2,500 from people confirmed to have Covid-19.
The team at MIT found that, when new cough sounds were introduced, the algorithm accurately identified 98.5% of coughs from people who were confirmed to have Covid-19, including 100% of coughs from people with no symptoms.
“We think this shows that the way you produce sound changes when you have Covid, even if you’re asymptomatic,” said the study’s co-author Brian Subirana, a research scientist in MIT’s Auto-ID Laboratory.
He continued: “The effective implementation of this group diagnostic tool could diminish the spread of the pandemic if everyone uses it before going to a classroom, a factory, or a restaurant.”
Subirana’s team is now working on incorporating the model into a mobile app which they claim could become “a free, convenient, non-invasive pre-screening tool” if adopted on a large scale.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
After examine just a few of the weblog posts on your website now, and I actually like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site checklist and might be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my web page as well and let me know what you think.
Mexican Easy Pharm: mexico drug stores pharmacies – mexican drugstore online
medicine in mexico pharmacies https://mexicaneasypharm.com/# Mexican Easy Pharm
mexican mail order pharmacies
https://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
prednisone online for sale
https://kamapharm.shop/# Kamagra 100mg
prednisone price south africa
http://kamapharm.com/# Kamagra 100mg price
prednisone 20mg tablets where to buy
http://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
prednisone 10 mg
https://dappharm.shop/# dapoxetine price
prednisone 2 mg daily
http://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
prednisone sale
https://semapharm24.shop/# generic rybelsus tabs
prednisone 2 5 mg
http://kamapharm.com/# п»їkamagra
buy prednisone tablets online
https://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
200 mg prednisone daily
https://cytpharm.shop/# Cyt Pharm
prednisone cost us
http://dappharm.com/# priligy
prednisone without rx
http://cytpharm.com/# buy cytotec online
prednisone price canada
https://predpharm.shop/# generic prednisone pills
prednisone 10 mg online
https://farmatadalitaly.shop/# acquistare farmaci senza ricetta
comprare farmaci online con ricetta
https://farmatadalitaly.com/# farmacia online piГ№ conveniente
farmacie online sicure
https://farmabrufen.com/# Ibuprofene 600 prezzo senza ricetta
top farmacia online
https://farmatadalitaly.shop/# farmacia online senza ricetta
farmacie online sicure
viagra generico in farmacia costo: FarmaSildItaly – miglior sito per comprare viagra online
Visitors come from around the world to play.: taya365 com login – taya365 login
Poker rooms host exciting tournaments regularly. http://taya365.art/# The casino experience is memorable and unique.
jugabet jugabet Las mГЎquinas tienen diferentes niveles de apuesta.
http://jugabet.xyz/# Los bonos de bienvenida son generosos.
Security measures ensure a safe environment.
Casino promotions draw in new players frequently. http://phmacao.life/# Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players.
http://phmacao.life/# Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players.
Poker rooms host exciting tournaments regularly.
winchile casino winchile.pro Algunos casinos tienen programas de recompensas.
https://winchile.pro/# Las estrategias son clave en los juegos.
The thrill of winning keeps players engaged.
Las tragamonedas ofrecen grandes premios.: jugabet – jugabet casino
High rollers receive exclusive treatment and bonuses. http://jugabet.xyz/# Los jugadores deben conocer las reglas.
https://taya777.icu/# The casino industry supports local economies significantly.
Promotions are advertised through social media channels.
Live dealer games enhance the casino experience. https://jugabet.xyz/# La variedad de juegos es impresionante.
taya365 taya365 com login The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts.
Players can enjoy high-stakes betting options. http://taya777.icu/# The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic.
Live dealer games enhance the casino experience. http://taya365.art/# Online gaming is also growing in popularity.
taya365 taya365 Visitors come from around the world to play.
La mayorГa acepta monedas locales y extranjeras.: winchile – winchile casino
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts. https://taya365.art/# Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players.
phtaya phtaya The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.
The Philippines offers a rich gaming culture. http://phtaya.tech/# Loyalty programs reward regular customers generously.
https://winchile.pro/# Los jugadores deben jugar con responsabilidad.
Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos.
Live music events often accompany gaming nights. https://taya777.icu/# Gaming regulations are overseen by PAGCOR.