Japanese researchers have developed masks that use ostrich antibodies to detect Covid-19 by emitting light under ultraviolet light.
They said in a press release that the findings of Yasuhiro Tsukamoto and his team at Kyoto Prefecture University in Western Japan could provide conditions for low-cost virus testing at home.
Based on previous studies that have shown that birds are highly resistant to diseases, scientists first created a mask filter coated with ostrich antibodies against the new coronavirus.
In a small study, test subjects put on a mask. Eight hours later, the filter was removed and sprayed with a chemical that would glow under ultraviolet light if a virus was present. The filters worn by people infected with Covid-19 glow around the nose and mouth.
The team hopes to further develop such masks. If a virus is detected, they will automatically emit light without special lighting. Veterinary professor and university president Tsukamoto has been studying ostriches for many years, looking for ways to adapt their immunity to fight bird flu, allergies and other diseases.
Tsukamoto told Kyodo News that he discovered his enthusiasm for Covid-19 after wearing one of the special masks, and found that it glowed during the inspection. The diagnosis was confirmed after standard tests.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
