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Medgadget

Conn Hastings, PhD
Medicine Health

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Scientists at Shanghai Tongji University in China have created a face mask that can alert the wearer to the presence of respiratory viruses in the surrounding environment, including the viruses behind COVID-19 and influenza. The mask includes aptamers, which are short sequences of DNA or RNA that can bind to protein targets. When viral particles bind to the aptamers, ion-gated transistors boost the signal so that the mask can sensitively detect small amounts of virus. The mask sends a message to the wearer's smartphone within 10 minutes of detecting the virus. The technology could be very valuable for healthcare staff or vulnerable patients who are at high risk of severe disease.

Face masks have been a cornerstone in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The simple and effective barrier function such masks fulfill has doubtless helped to limit the spread of SARS‑CoV‑2. However, what if our masks could do much more, providing us with an early warning system that viral contamination is in the air?

"Previous research has shown face mask wearing can reduce the risk of spreading and contracting the disease," said Yin Fang, a researcher involved in the study. "So, we wanted to create a mask that can detect the presence of virus in the air and alert the wearer."

The team behind this latest study has created just that. Their mask does not just detect SARS‑CoV‑2, but it can also identify two different strains of influenza (H5N1, and H1N1). With the southern hemisphere experiencing a significant resurgence of flu this year, after two years without much flu activity, such technologies could be helpful for vulnerable patients who could experience serious complications if they were to contract flu or COVID-19.

The mask relies on aptamers, which are synthetic molecules made using DNA or RNA, but which function somewhat like antibodies, binding specific molecules such as proteins. The aptamers in the mask are specific for SARS‑CoV‑2, H5N1, and H1N1. If such viral particles are present in the air around the mask wearer, they will bind to the aptamers in the mask. Ion-gated transistors present in the mask sensor then help to boost this signal, allowing the mask to take highly sensitive measurements.

The mask will then send a signal to the wearer's smartphone within 10 minutes to alert them to the presence of viral particles. The researchers are working on reducing this time, to help make the system as quick and useful as possible.

Study in journal Matter: Wearable bioelectronic masks for wireless detection of respiratory infectious diseases by gaseous media

Via: Cell Press

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Face Mask Detects Respiratory Viruses, Alerts User

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Scientists at Shanghai Tongji University in China have created a face mask that can alert the wearer to the presence of respiratory viruses in the surrounding environment, including the viruses behind COVID-19 and influenza. The mask includes aptamers, which are short sequences of DNA or RNA that can bind to protein targets.

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September 22nd, 2022

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Scientists at Shanghai Tongji University in China created a face mask that  alerts a person to the the presence of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and the flu.  "The mask includes
short sequences of DNA or RNA that can bind to protein targets. When viral particles bind to the DNA or RNA ion-gated transistors boost the signal so that the mask can sensitively detect small amounts of virus" (Hastings, 2022).  If the particles are present in the air they will bind to the DNA or RNAi n the mask. The information is sent to the person smart phone within ten minutes.

The DNA and RNA in the mask are specific for SARS‑CoV‑2, H5N1, and H1N1.

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Pros
- identify two different strains of influenza (H5N1, and H1N1)
- early detection
- simple and effective
- helpful for vulnerable patients who serious health issues
- 10 minutes to detect virus
Cons
- everyone may not have smart phone
-  water must be placed in a reservoir and the user has to push a button for activation
- required putting living cells into the mask

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With the covid virus still playing a major part in our everyday life I feel like this mask can really benefit our society, especially a nearly detection of 10 minutes. I think this could play a major part in the health care setting. I not sure how may people would really wear the mask outside of the health settings. Their has been so much conversely wearing masks that it would probably take a mandate to enforce people to wear the mask

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Fernando – Focus: will keep everyone on task at hand
Brandon – Belief: will make sure everyone follows a ethical approach
Carter – Communication:  if someone is stress can go to him, easy to talk with, the entertainer, and can be the presenters,
Chelsea – Command: she will be able to make hard decisions, positive direct approach to a situation, and be inspirational with people wanting to follow
Matthew – Maximizer: he will make sure the team strive to be the best and the end result will be top notch

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Restorative:  I believe that a problem can  be solve, it may take longer to get the results.  Some or more challenging than others. Just have to find the correct solution, maybe one than one solution
Harmony: Everyone has different views on a subject matter, keep open mind, support and listen to views. I will be able to take in everyone opinion on the team and use it in some way
Empathy: Able to provide support and understand it within the team
Includer:  Everyone is welcome, no one is excluded, team is not one but all
Consistency: Able to balance, everything in a healthy fashion that the team does not get discourage or distracted

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Hastings, C. (2022, September 22). Face mask detects respiratory viruses, alerts user. Medgadget - Medical Technology News. https://www.medgadget.com/2022/09/face-mask-detects-respiratory-viruses-alerts-user.html