Ideas
As the Coronavirus Interrupts Global Supply Chains, People Have an Alternative: Make It at Home
The cost of 3D printers has dropped low enough to be accessible to most Americans.
Modernization
IG: VA Knew Infrastructure Upgrades Wouldn’t Meet Timeline For March Health Records Rollout
Severe staffing shortages, infighting and lack of comprehensive planning for infrastructure improvements would have handicapped the multibillion-dollar project, the inspector general said.
Emerging Tech
Republican Lawmakers Propose Bill to Support Government COVID-19 Research Effort
The COVID Research Act includes several authorizations, including $50 million to the Energy Department.
Emerging Tech
Survey: 4 in 5 Americans Worried Pandemic Will Encourage Government Surveillance
Many Americans oppose intrusive technologies even if they’re intended to assist in the government’s response to coronavirus.
Ideas
How South Korea Flattened the Coronavirus Curve with Technology
Two measures were critical in the country’s ability to flatten the curve: extensive testing for the disease and a national system for promptly and effectively tracking people infected with COVID-19.
Emerging Tech
Army Research Shows How Do-It-Yourself Facemasks Can Be as Safe as N95s
Personal protective equipment for hospital workers is running out. This design works as well as the best in class.
Emerging Tech
NASA Engineers Rapidly Create Ventilator Tailored to Treat COVID-19 Patients
The new device is under Food and Drug Administration review for emergency-use authorization.
Emerging Tech
COVID-19 Contact Tracing App Uses Bluetooth 'Garbage'
To work best, the app requires many people to use it, whether they have had COVID-19 or not.
Modernization
VA and DOD Now Default to Sharing Patient Data with Private-Sector Providers
The joint electronic health records management office launched an information exchange program to make it easier to share patient data with thousands of “community partners.”
Modernization
VA to Distribute Thousands of Facebook Portals to Vets and Caregivers in Isolation
The devices will be distributed in pairs to connect qualifying veterans and caregivers during the pandemic.
Modernization
New App Uses QR Codes to Trace Coronavirus Exposure
A free, open-source smartphone app permits contact tracing for potential coronavirus infections while preserving privacy.
Emerging Tech
Medical Consortium Aims to Create Network of Virtual Critical Care Wards
The group seeks to support patients in need of critical care in hospitals and other ad-hoc locations using cloud-based communication technology.
Emerging Tech
Lawrence Livermore Looks to Industry to Commercialize New Ventilator Prototype
It all came together through a “skunkworks effort” to address the national shortage.
Cybersecurity
Hospital Hackers Seize Upon Coronavirus Pandemic
“We have become easy targets,” a hospital deputy administrator said.
Emerging Tech
NIH, FDA and VA 3D-Printing Collaboration Turns to Ventilator Parts
So far, about a dozen designs for personal protective gear have gotten the OK for clinical use.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Wants Wearable, Lightweight Laser Detectors For the Troops
The challenge will be getting a sensitive enough sensor into a small enough package
Digital Government
Use of VA’s Telehealth, Virtual Mental Health Services Skyrocket
VA is adapting new ways to treat patients during the pandemic.
Digital Government
The Air Force and Navy Are Testing A Biometric App to Stay Fit Amid Social Distancing
The app is helping the services monitor the health of sailors and airmen stuck at home.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Supercomputers Puzzle Out How to Safely Airlift COVID-19 Patients
The Defense Department turned its supercomputing resources toward solving problems presented by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Digital Government