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Japanese scientists invent mask that glow when exposed to coronavirus

mdp2021 5y ago
> The scientist team hopes to gain government approval and possibly start selling the masks in 2022. The secret to the mask’s coronavirus detection is ostrich eggs, as ostriches are capable of producing several different antibodies ... the team developed a special mask filter that can be taken out and sprayed with a fluorescent dye containing the coronavirus antibodies from the eggs. if it comes into contact with the virus, the mask will glow brightly under a UV light. The idea is that anyone wearing the face shield will realize they may be infected with coronavirus when the mask glows and seek an early diagnosis
mdp2021 5y ago
Much better article: A group of scientists based at Kyoto Prefectural University have developed surgical-style face masks that glow under UV light if they contain traces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to Kyodo News https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2021/12/ostrich-enthusiasts-make-masks-glow-in-presence-of-coronavirus/ https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2021/12/ostrich-en... > Tsukamoto noticed in the early 1990s that his captive ostriches were oddly disease-free compared with other captive birds. He and other scientists identified this as being due to their eggs. In the later stages of pregnancy, mothers boost their offspring’s defences by passing on antibodies: mammals via placenta and milk, and birds through yolk. ... Tsukamoto’s research focuses on customising the antibodies in ostrich eggs by injecting females with inactive viruses, allergens and bacteria, then extracting the antibodies to develop medicines for humans. ... Tsukamoto believes ostrich eggs have advantages due to the rapid pace at which the antibodies form in the yolks; the ability to collect them without harming mother or chick, and the resilience of the ostrich antibodies. Tsukamoto told media that the proteins can withstand high temperatures and acidities, meaning they could even be added to sweets that require cooking temperatures that would break down most antibodies

mdp2021 5y ago

> The scientist team hopes to gain government approval and possibly start selling the masks in 2022. The secret to the mask’s coronavirus detection is ostrich eggs, as ostriches are capable of producing several different antibodies ... the team developed a special mask filter that can be taken out and sprayed with a fluorescent dye containing the coronavirus antibodies from the eggs. if it comes into contact with the virus, the mask will glow brightly under a UV light. The idea is that anyone wearing the face shield will realize they may be infected with coronavirus when the mask glows and seek an early diagnosis

mdp2021 5y ago

Much better article: A group of scientists based at Kyoto Prefectural University have developed surgical-style face masks that glow under UV light if they contain traces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to Kyodo News https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2021/12/ostrich-enthusiasts-make-masks-glow-in-presence-of-coronavirus/ https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2021/12/ostrich-en... > Tsukamoto noticed in the early 1990s that his captive ostriches were oddly disease-free compared with other captive birds. He and other scientists identified this as being due to their eggs. In the later stages of pregnancy, mothers boost their offspring’s defences by passing on antibodies: mammals via placenta and milk, and birds through yolk. ... Tsukamoto’s research focuses on customising the antibodies in ostrich eggs by injecting females with inactive viruses, allergens and bacteria, then extracting the antibodies to develop medicines for humans. ... Tsukamoto believes ostrich eggs have advantages due to the rapid pace at which the antibodies form in the yolks; the ability to collect them without harming mother or chick, and the resilience of the ostrich antibodies. Tsukamoto told media that the proteins can withstand high temperatures and acidities, meaning they could even be added to sweets that require cooking temperatures that would break down most antibodies