With the recent addition of a new permanent team member, the researchers can begin leveraging machine learning techniques to help with data analysis.
Background
The Help Stop TB project was created to study the sheath of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. Knowing more about this sheath could help scientists better understand how the bacterium protects itself, which could in turn assist in the ongoing search for better treatments.
In October 2020, the World Health Organization released the most recent global statistics on TB, including the following:
- In 2019, an estimated 10 million people contracted TB.
- 1.4 million people died from TB in 2019.
- TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and the leading cause from a single infectious agent (above HIV/AIDS).
Data analysis
Connor McGee, the research team's newest member, is developing machine learning-based workflows to help analyse the data coming from World Community Grid. The team is finalizing a project update, which will include more information.
The researchers are also deciding whether they will combine their findings to-date into one paper, or if they can create two based on the data they've currently analyzed.
Current status of work units
- In progress: 24 batches (850 work units)
- Completed: 24,181 batches
59 batches in the last 30 days
Average of 2.0 batches per day
Note: For this particular project, the researchers often need to analyze the batches we send back to them before they can build more work units. This can sometimes lead to an intermittent work unit supply.
Click here to learn more about World Community Grid's monthly project updates.