“That’s the hope,” said Robert W. Finberg, MD, chairman of UMass Memorial’s Department of Medicine. “If we can eliminate the virus, we’d be living in a much healthier place.”
In October, Dr. Finberg and his team were given a $10 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to research better ways to predict the flu virus and its consistent transformation. “The difference with the flu is that it evolves very rapidly — it changes itself,” Dr. Finberg added.
The researchers are primarily focusing on genetic sequencing. The influenza virus is able to infect more people through its consistent sequence changes. The UMass team hopes to produce a counter vaccine by predicting the virus’ potential sequence changes.
More articles on integration and physician issues:
Integris joins Mayo Clinic Care Network
Idaho governor supports multi-state medical school program
CVS affiliates with 4 health providers: 4 things to know
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
