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​The smartphone application, The Tick App, aims to identify locations and patterns related to tick exposure in different regions. Students can use the app to access valuable services, including tick identification and educational resources.
The Tick App is a collaborative initiative led by researchers at the NE-VBD (Diuk-Wasser Lab, Columbia University) and MW-VBD (University of Wisconsin-Madison).
Project Lead: Pilar Fernandez, PhD, Researcher
A pp Features and Goals:
The primary objective of The Tick App is to investigate human behaviors and environmental interactions that contribute to tick exposure and the associated risk of Lyme disease. Utilizing citizen science, The Tick App gathers data through surveys and geolocation technology, offering insights into how daily activities influence the likelihood of encountering ticks. The collected data will inform strategies for disease prevention, empowering communities to safely enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing their risk of tick-borne illnesses.
What is it?
DETICKT IT APP
What is DETICKT IT?
DETICKT IT is a free iOS app designed to help people quickly and accurately identify tick species and assess their risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme. It was created by Antonia Kolb, a student researcher, after she was personally diagnosed with two rare tick-borne infections and saw how hard it was to get clear, fast information.
Using machine learning, the app allows users to:
- Take a photo of a tick they’ve found
- Instantly identify the tick species with up to 97% accuracy
- Get a risk report based on their location and data from the CDC about what diseases those tick species commonly carry in that region
The app uses a special image recognition algorithm (called a convolutional neural network) and a unique zoom feature that helps detect even tiny ticks. It then combines this with real-time geographic data to tell users if the tick is likely to carry harmful pathogens in their area.
Unlike many tick ID tools, DETICKT IT doesn’t require mailing in a tick or paying for a service - its all done through your phone.
As part of my GESC capstone project, I propose having students download The Tick App or DETICK IT to help monitor and better understand tick exposure patterns on the LC campus. By encouraging student participation, we can contribute real-time data that enhances our understanding of local tick activity and potential Lyme disease risks. This collaborative effort supports both public health and environmental awareness on campus, while giving students a opportunity to engage with the greater science.