ted talk. social networks. the real ones.

Here is a fantastic TED Talk by Nicholas Christakis about how real social networks can aid in predicting epidemics.

After mapping humans' intricate social networks, Nicholas Christakis and colleague James Fowler began investigating how this information could better our lives. Now, he reveals his hot-off-the-press findings: These networks can be used to detect epidemics earlier than ever, from the spread of innovative ideas to risky behaviors to viruses (like H1N1).