Google, epidemiology tool

Researchers have found a nifty new use for Google -- the popular search tool may be able to track the spread of the deadly bacterial disease, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Written byBob Grant

| 1 min read

Save for Later

Listen with Speechify

0:00

1:00

Scanning electron micrograph depicting numerous clumps of MRSACENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Researchers have found a nifty new use for Google -- the popular search tool may be able to track the spread of the deadly bacterial disease, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). In a paper published last week on the website of Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Chicago epidemiologist Diane Lauderdale and colleagues compared Google searches for information on MRSA from 2004 to 2008 to hospital records of the disease. They found a strong correlation between the online searches and the disease's spread. "Potentially, we can get from Google a more timely measure of trends," Lauderdale told Wired.

Interested in reading more?

The Scientist ARCHIVES

Become a Member of

Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!

Join for free today

Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

Bob Grant
From 2017 to 2022, Bob Grant was Editor in Chief of The Scientist, where he started in 2007 as a Staff Writer. Before joining the team, he worked as a reporter at Audubon and earned a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University. In his previous life, he pursued a career in science, getting a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from Montana State University and a master’s degree in marine biology from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Bob edited Reading Frames and other sections of the magazine.
View Full Profile