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NEWS • TECHNOLOGY • 2 August 2021
Words by Laura Pitcher
This Mask Can Diagnose COVID-19
The diagnostic face mask is embedded with tiny, disposable sensors that could be adapted to detect other viruses.
In a first for med-wear, Engineers at MIT and Harvard University have created a mask that can detect COVID-19 on a wearer within 90-minutes. The tiny wearable sensors are based on technology that began development several years ago, and could be used on clothing such as lab coats with the ability to detect other viruses.
The researchers behind the paper, which was published in Nature Biotechnology, were previously developing the sensors for use in paper diagnostics for viruses such as Ebola and Zika. While finishing their earlier work on wearable sensors in 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak began to spread around the world, so the team readjusted their efforts towards creating a wearable diagnostic device for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The results of the face mask sensors are displayed on the inside of the mask, for privacy purposes, and can be activated by the wearer when they’re ready to be tested.
Wyss Institute at Harvard University
The researchers have already filed for a patent on the technology and are looking to work with a company on the further development of the sensors, with the face mask likely to be the first application that could be made widely available.
With COVID-19 still taking hold of many countries globally in amongst vaccination efforts, new advances like this one could be vital in slowing the spread. The research also signals a new era for med-wear, where technology-empowered garments are used to keep healthcare professionals and the general public safe.