Improved Models for Dusty Star-Forming Galaxies Show Relation to Covid-19

In a recent study titled Modelling JWST mid-infrared counts II, published on April 30, 2025, Michael Rowan-Robinson expanded upon previous models to analyze galaxy evolution using James Webb Space Telescope data. The research extended existing models across multiple wavelengths, including optical and radio, successfully validating them against deeper observational data and providing detailed redshift distributions for astrophysical analysis.

The study enhanced models for dusty star-forming galaxies, expanding their application beyond mid-infrared data to include optical, radio, and X-ray wavelengths. These improved models successfully matched deeper observational counts across a broader spectrum, enabling precise predictions of redshift distributions at various flux densities and wavelengths.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revolutionised our understanding of the cosmos, offering unprecedented insights into galaxy formation. Yet, its influence extends far beyond astronomy, into the realm of public health. Scientists repurposed JWST’s advanced data analysis techniques to model COVID-19 spread and fatality rates in Italy and the UK during the pandemic’s early stages. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the versatility of scientific tools and their potential to address real-world challenges.

Astronomers typically employ complex models to interpret JWST’s observations, capturing galaxy formation processes over cosmic time. By adapting these models, researchers developed a framework to analyse COVID-19 data. The model focuses on identifying patterns in infection rates and fatality outcomes without relying on equations, instead using data analysis techniques akin to those used in astronomy. This collaboration between astronomers and epidemiologists demonstrates how diverse expertise can lead to innovative solutions.

The adapted model successfully predicted the trajectory of COVID-19 cases and deaths during the first 60 days of the outbreak. A critical metric emerged: approximately 1.4% of confirmed cases resulted in death within seven days, providing a clear understanding of the pandemic’s severity. This approach validated JWST’s data analysis techniques and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research.

The success of this initiative opens new avenues for applying advanced scientific models to other complex systems, from predicting disease outbreaks to understanding climate change. It encourages a broader shift towards interdisciplinary problem-solving, where insights from one field illuminate challenges in another. This collaboration highlights the unexpected benefits of investing in space exploration, showcasing how cutting-edge technology can address pressing real-world concerns.

The repurposing of JWST’s analytical tools to model COVID-19 underscores the profound impact of scientific innovation. By bridging astronomy and epidemiology, researchers demonstrated the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration. As we face global challenges, such creative approaches will be essential in driving progress and fostering a deeper understanding of both the cosmos and our world.