Using AI to identify high-casualty epidemics through satellite images of burial sites
Where there is no death certificate: Using artificial intelligence to detect high-casualty epidemics from satellite imagery of burial sites - Resubmission - 1
This study is working on a smart tool that uses satellite images to find burial sites, helping health officials in places like Tanzania quickly spot and respond to serious disease outbreaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10703509 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an automated algorithm that utilizes satellite imagery to detect burial sites, which can indicate high-casualty epidemics. By focusing on regions like Tanzania, where data systems for epidemic detection are lacking, the project seeks to enhance the ability of health authorities to respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The algorithm will analyze satellite images to count burial site occupancy, providing crucial data for understanding the impact of epidemics on public health. This innovative approach could significantly improve epidemic monitoring and response efforts in low- and middle-income countries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions prone to high-casualty epidemics, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Tanzania.
Not a fit: Patients who live in high-income countries with established epidemic detection systems may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable faster and more accurate detection of epidemics, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes in affected populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts to detect mortality during epidemics using satellite imagery have shown promise, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bershteyn, Anna — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bershteyn, Anna
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.