Healthcare

Researchers developing face mask that lights up when it detects coronavirus, says report

Updated : May 15, 2020 06:51 PM IST

A small team of scientists from MIT and Harvard may soon come up with a mask that lights up if it detects coronavirus, reported Business Insider.

The technology initiated for Ebola and tailored in 2016 to address Zika, is now being adjusted again to identify coronavirus cases, the report said.

The team is developing a mask that produces a fluorescent signal when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, as per the report.

“As we open up our transit system, you could envision it being used in airports as we go through security, as we wait to get on a plane…You or I could use it on the way to and from work. Hospitals could use it for patients as they come in or wait in the waiting room as a pre-screen of who's infected,” Jim Collins, who led the research on the tool, was quoted as saying in the report.

While the development is only in the initial stages, the new technology could be a big leap forward in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The new masks could be particularly helpful for medical staff to identify and treat patients on the spot rather than waiting for the test results.

Researchers developing face mask that lights up when it detects coronavirus, says report

You May Also Like

Coronavirus News Jan 15 highlights: As tally crosses 1.05 crore, India set to roll out world's biggest vaccination drive tomorrow

GAIL board approves Rs 1,046 crore share buyback

Closing bell: Sensex, Nifty end over 1% lower; IT stocks drag

Trending on CNBC-TV18

recommended for you