Biodesign Institute
The Biodesign Institute is a world-renowned research institution focused on delivering the future of nature-inspired scientific innovation to improve human and planetary health. Experts from across many specialties form teams that produce rigorous and integrated solutions to the world’s challenges for the benefit of life on Earth. Health researchers in Biodesign are advancing early detection of disease and other threats, and novel treatment methods after exposure. Three research programs are of particular note:
- Internet Privacy and Security: Researchers are working to improve the security of online communication tools across different network layers, from hardware to human interactions. They will collaborate with global organizations to develop better security protocols, train at-risk users, and ensure their work benefits underrepresented groups.
- Public Health Through Wastewater Data: This project is developing secure and efficient ways to manage wastewater data for disease tracking while protecting privacy. The research will support public health efforts worldwide and provide educational opportunities for underrepresented students in computer science.
- $38.8 million U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency-funded project (DARPA) to create a field deployable, epigenetic tool to assess if soldiers have been exposed to substances associated with weapons of mass destruction, including biological agents, radiation, chemicals and explosives.
- The first experimental therapeutic for Ebola grew out of research studying the use of tobacco plants to make and deliver a promising, high risk treatment for the Ebola virus, funded by the U.S. Army.
- $33 million U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-funded project (BARDA) to commercially develop technologies — a biodosimeter — to rapidly assess radiation dose in the event of a nuclear incident.
- HealthTell technology, developed at ASU, uses immunosignaturing for rapid detection of exposure to infectious disease agents before symptoms occur.
