Real-time sensing of war’s effects on wellbeing with smartphones and smartwatches

Abstract

Background Modern wars have a catastrophic effect on the wellbeing of civilians. However, the nature of this effect remains unclear, with most insights gleaned from subjective, retrospective studies. Methods We prospectively monitored 954 Israelis (>40 years) from two weeks before the May 2021 Israel-Gaza war until four weeks after the ceasefire using smartwatches and a dedicated mobile application with daily questionnaires on wellbeing. This war severely affected civilians on both sides, where over 4300 rockets and missiles were launched towards Israeli cities, and 1500 aerial, land, and sea strikes were launched towards 16,500 targets in the Gaza Strip. Results We identify considerable changes in all the examined wellbeing indicators during missile attacks and throughout the war, including spikes in heart rate levels, excessive screen-on time, and a reduction in sleep duration and quality. These changes, however, fade shortly after the war, with all affected measures returning to baseline in nearly all the participants. Greater changes are observed in individuals living closer to the battlefield, women, and younger individuals. Conclusions The demonstrated ability to monitor objective and subjective wellbeing indicators during crises in real-time is pivotal for the early detection of and prompt assistance to populations in need.

Beyond the Gold–Thiol Paradigm: Exploring Alternative Interfaces for Electrochemical Nucleic Acid-Based Sensing

“…Ever more sophisticated sensors control airplanes and privately funded space rockets, make possible the existence of self-driving cars, and play key roles in the electric vehicle revolution. Sensors have also changed the broad human experience of war, exposing society to real-time, fluid confrontations observable via battle-engaged drones and warfighter-worn monitors. , Unquestionably, sensors will also empower artificial intelligence, potentially taking us to a future that could only be described as science fiction becoming real life. Such societal transformations are also infusing changes in medical care.…”