"All varieties of face coverings are successful in decreasing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in both healthcare settings and public, community settings," according to Public Health England (PHE). "This is accomplished with a combination of source control and wearer protection." However there are many ways to strengthen immune system in order to be less prone to infection, face masks play a significant role in decreasing transmission.
Nonetheless, many countries have distinct regulations and attitudes concerning face masks. According to a YouGov study, by early 2021, 96 percent of individuals in Spain stated they always wore a face mask outside, whereas hardly any in the Nordics used one at all.
Masks are an important tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19, and scientists are employing technical advancements to make them even more effective at minimizing transmissions.
Ostrich antibodies
Researchers in Japan are utilizing ostrich antibodies to detect COVID-19 under UV light, which they believe will aid in the detection of asymptomatic patients.
The mask was designed by Yasuhiro Tsukamoto and his colleagues at Kyoto Prefectural University based on prior research that demonstrated ostriches have a high resistance to COVID-19.
Ostrich antibodies have been applied to the mask's filter. Subjects wore the masks for eight hours before being sprayed with a chemical that lights under ultraviolet light if the virus was present. The group is now working on the development of face masks that will glow automatically.
Microfluidics on nanomaterials
Scientists in the United Kingdom are developing a face mask made of nanomaterials to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
The researchers at the University of Aberdeen are employing a technique known as microfluidics, which uses silver nanoparticles to convert masks into active barriers and boost their efficacy.
Freeze-dried cellular machinery
Engineers at MIT and Harvard University are integrating small, disposable sensors to detect COVID-19 in another effort to improve the capabilities of masks.
With mask-wearing still being a component of many strategies of many nations to combat Covid-19 and its emerging variants like Omicron and Deltacron, it appears that there is room for technology to increase their efficacy and efficiency.
