COVID19 Detection in Masks and Wearables
COVID19 is the spectrum of pathologies caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. While the pandemic moves well into its second year, the importance of detection in populations cannot be overstated. However, testing methods typically include visiting testing centers, and it is hard to find a test that is both rapid and precise. Dr. Peter Ngyuen is a scientist with the Wyss Institute that has designed wearable sensors to detect specific viruses. We talk about the amazing synthetic biology technology and how it is now being applied to face masks that can detect the presence of the virus in the breath of someone wearing the mask. The rapid detection can help guide behavior as well as provide an early detection to potentially seek medical care to minimize long-term health implications.