Scientists in Japan have invented a face mask that glows under ultraviolet light when contaminated with the Covid-19 virus. Not only will these masks help detect the virus at a much faster rate but it’s also much more cost efficient!
The mask glows thanks to a removable filter that is sprayed with a chemical liquid before it is exposed to ultraviolet lights.
Leader of the research group from Kyoto University, Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, shared with dezeen that the idea stemmed from ostriches and their strong immune systems.
“Ostriches rarely die from filth, minor injuries or illnesses, and live for 60 years.”
“I realised that the secret of longevity is that it is resistant to infectious diseases with its amazing immunity and resilience, so I started researching ostrich antibodies in earnest”, he said.
Considering antibodies from rabbits and mice, which are most commonly used in scientific research, can cost millions of dollars per gram, antibodies taken from ostrich eggs cost less than 1,000 dollars (RM4183.50) per gram and can be collected much faster.
“If virus infection can be detected by putting a mouth filter carrying an ostrich antibody in a ‘disposable mask’ that is used every day in the world, non-symptomatic infected people such as super spreaders can be voluntarily treated at an early stage.”
“It is a handy and inexpensive device that prevents the invasion of the Covid-19 virus into the human body”, he added.
Tsukamoto also hopes that this method of early detection can be applied for other viruses as well.
Do you think these face masks will help detect Covid-19 cases faster and prevent further spread? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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