Japanese researchers have designed a mask made from ostrich cells to detect Covid-19. The mask “lights up” using the animal’s antibodies to reveal the virus when placed under ultraviolet light.
It is within Kyoto University that Yasuhiro Tsukamoto and his team are studying the biological capacities of this particular bird. For years, Tsukamoto has studied ostriches to adapt their powerful immune power to fight disease.
After injecting the inactive and harmless Covid-19 virus into several female ostriches, the scientists took the antibodies present in the eggs laid. They then made a filter, containing these antibodies that could be inserted into a standard face mask.
Japanese researchers have developed masks that use ostrich antibodies to detect COVID-19 by glowing under ultraviolet light https://t.co/NXL6RmLUFQ pic.twitter.com/syfT5n4dsu
– Reuters (@Reuters) December 10, 2021
During the study, several subjects wore this new mask. After eight hours, the masks were collected and sprayed with a chemical. When placed under ultraviolet light, the filters worn by people with Covid showed shiny spots around the nose and mouth.
An alternative to current tests?
“Asymptomatic people don’t do tests because they don’t know they are infected. However, if they wear these masks, they can be identified, ”said Yasuhiro Tsukamoto.
The idea is that anyone who wears this mask can be self-aware of their infection with the coronavirus. She can quickly take precautions to avoid infecting other people.
Yasuhiro Tsukamoto has also declared to have discovered his own positivity at Covid with this mask. A diagnosis that was then confirmed by a standard test.
The researchers hope to further develop their invention so that it can shine without having to be put under a special light.
While awaiting the commercialization of this mask, Tsukamoto and his team say that this invention will lower the price of self-tests.