Dr Andrew Davidson, the professor from the biomedical department, who was in the SMART Campus, in April 2019, spoke on the topic of how big data can be used for the research and treatment of a disease. The professor, who is qualified with a degree in life sciences, also spoke about his research in the disease of dengue.

For many years he has been part of the team researching for the treatment of dengue and then he shared some interesting information, like how dengue fever is mostly present in the equatorial region. He also informed about the fact that there are various degrees of dengue fever like the dengue fever can range from a normal cough and cold to brain hemorrhage which can lead to death.

Moreover, the students were told that even with so much scientific development no device has been made which can predict the degree to which the dengue fever can go to, hence during the dengue season hospitals are overfilled with patients and the most infected patient, who needs the most attention, is overlooked. Here, the professor even spoke about how big data, which is a cluster of all previous records, new and old information/ facts etc,  can be used to see the different cases and predict from them, hence help in treat. 

Additionally, the professor even shared the life cycle of viruses and spoke about how dangerous they can be because they can become resistant to a drug after some time like it also happened in the case of dengue virus. The professor also gave an insight into the most recent and deadly epidemic of the Ebola virus.

He spoke about how one could see the mutation of Ebola virus and its spread in Africa,  through a small device, all the way in Bristol. The professor also mentioned how all around the world researchers including him had to come together to find a cure for that virus which shows how science can bring our world together especially in a crisis situation. Lastly, the professor had shown the students the different and proficient research pieces of equipment in the University of Bristol which makes it a wonderful institution to conduct research and study in.

This talk provided our students with an incredible opportunity to learn and discover new things.