A Grand Challenge for Development of anti-Ebola measures by Uncle Sam.

Well, it pleased me to know that our government here in the U.S. has put out a call for innovative solutions to the Ebola epidemic:

USAID Development Innovation Accelerator Broad Agency Announcement for Fighting Ebola: A Grand Challenge for Development - baa.pdf



Unfortunately for those of us who wish to contribute, the funds for development would only be available to "potential partners with recognized expertise in relevant areas." Oops, I haven't cured an epidemic or put together any PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) so that leaves me out. I'm glad, though, I wouldn't want to follow their strict bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo requirements only to have my ideas deep-sixed.



So, here are my ideas in the hope that someone in a federally recognized "priesthood" will see the merit and use it as their own (No Problem).



A. put together a temperature sensor with built-in GPS and WiFi (an arduino with the appropriate shields would do the trick). Give these out to hired hands who go around taking everyone's temperature. When the unit senses a high enough temperature, the coordinates are relayed to a central command for processing. Tracking of covered territory can be done. Financial incentives would be in place for the most 'finds' in a day.



B. For a better PPE, hook up a solid state refrigeration unit (operating on the peltier principle) powered by lithium batteries/ solar panel/ house current. These units have a metallic sheet in close contact with the body of the worker. It is made in such a way that it can easily be retrofitted onto existing PPE. The exhaust for the unit is entirely on the exterior of the PPE. It may be possible--assuming sufficient heat transfer--to tape it to the exterior of a pre-existing PPE suit.



C. Give out chlorine jugs and/or chlorinated towelettes, and personal (plastic?) not-to-be-shared cups, plates, and forks with a person's name on it.



D. Give out nutraceuticals known to increase immunity. Vit. D, vit. C., zinc, selenium, astragalus, echinacea, etc, and make them into easily consumed gummy bears?



E. Surfaces in public areas that are touched by multiple people are irradiated with UV low-power lasers 14/7.



Well, that's it for now. If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to post it.


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