New hi-tech mask could detect Covid-19 and other viral infections in 10 mins

Scientists have developed a mask that can detect Covid-19, the flu and other viral infections in the air. A built-in sensor lets wearers of the mask know if they’ve been exposed to infections within 10 minutes by sending notifications to a connected device, according to Euro News. It is hoped that this technology will be useful to vulnerable populations, especially as mask mandates have been eased in most countries.

Hi-tech mask

Since the pandemic broke, face masks have been shown to reduce the risk of Covid-19 by serving as a barrier and filter to pathogens and germs. Now, this new research published in the journal Matter, the scientists set out to design a mask that can detect the virus in the air while alerting the wearer, ABC News Australia reports.

The virus-containing molecules that are released by infected when they cough, talk and sneeze, can remain suspended in the air for a long time. Yin Fang, the study's corresponding author and a material scientist at Shanghai Tongji University said:

We wanted to create a mask that can detect the presence of virus in the air and alert the wearer. Our mask would work really well in spaces with poor ventilation, such as elevators or enclosed rooms, where the risk of getting infected is high

Potential

Researchers are confident the mask would work well in enclosed spaces which increase the transmission of the viruses. The scientists are working to shorten the detection time of the mask. They also want to increase the sensitivity of the sensor while they design wearable devices for other health conditions including cancers and cardiovascular diseases, according to Science Daily. Dr Fang added:

Currently, doctors have been relying heavily on their experiences in diagnosing and treating diseases. But with richer data collected by wearable devices, disease diagnosis and treatment can become more precise.

Sources used:

Science Daily: Facemask can detect viral exposure from a 10-minute conversation with an infected person

Bloomberg: Chinese Scientists Develop Mask That Detects Covid, Flu Exposure

Euronews: Hi-tech face mask with sensor could detect COVID, flu and other viruses

ABC News: Bioelectronic face mask can detect COVID-19 in real time, scientists say

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