UWS boffins’ tech will help in virus fight
Academics from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have played a key role in developing technology that will help curb the spread of coronavirus.
The researchers have developed a chip that can be installed in thermometers that allow people to take another person’s temperature without having to make contact with them.
Professor Des Gibson and Dr David Hutson, of the Paisley-based Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging (ITFSI), have produced the technology in partnership with company Semefab.
The sensors embedded in the chips absorb infrared radiation, giving an accurate measurement of human body temperature without the need for contact.
This will prove to be crucial in the detection and isolation of patients with coronavirus – a symptom of which is increased body temperature, while also preventing the need for human contact; thereby helping to limit the spread of the disease.
Glenrothes company Semefab, which is manufacturing the chips, has already received orders of more than 12 million from companies all over the world.
Professor Gibson, from the institute, said: “By reducing the need for close contact and the risk of crosscontamination, the infrared sensor technology to come out of UWS has real potential to have a global impact in the fight against coronavirus.
“This is a great example of the fantastic work that can be achieved when academics and industry work together to find solutions to real-world issues.”
Allan James, managing director at Semefab, added: “The innovative collaborative project with UWS has provided Semefab with core technology which, combined with our high volume production capabilities, brings this remote temperature sensing product to market.”
The thin film chip has been developed between the institute and Semefab, with funding from CENSIS and InnovateUK ERANET.
It is the latest technology to come from UWS’s new state-of-the-art thin films laboratory at its Paisley campus.
The £ 12million laboratory was officially launched by Scotland’s chief scientific adviser, Professor Sheila Brown.
The extensive upgrade and refurbishment of the university facilities has enabled the institute to streamline and combine its research, development and commercialisation laboratories into one large, high-tech offering, which also includes the installation of novel, UWS-patented technology.
The investment into the new facilities will help the institute continue to build on its successes, which, over the past five years, has won £7m worth of external research and enterprise grants, as well as securing five patents and creating a new masters programme in advanced thin films technology.
Today’s activity is all about how to make the most of the sunshine.
As we are heading towards the better weather, now is the time to think about how we can boost our vitamin D levels.
To do this, we need the sunshine and the best time for those who live in the UK to achieve this is April through to September.
Despite being in lockdown, you can still make the effort to raise your levels.
The body needs vitamin D to help absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
A lack of vitamin D can cause bones to become soft and weak, which can lead to bone deformities.
We are all aware now that too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, so how can you safely build up your vitamin D levels?
Professor Lesley Rhodes at the university of Manchester carried out a small study to answer this question.
Her findings recommend spending only nine minutes in the sun without applying sun cream while wearing short sleeves, skirts without tights, or shorts to boost vitamin D levels.
Please be aware that everyone is different. You know your body better than anyone, so, if you are fair skinned and prone to burning, apply sun screen before the nine minutes is up.
If you have a garden, why not walk around it and, if you have an outdoor chair, stop for a short rest to catch your breath before doing another round.
If you do not have a garden, stand for short spells at your front or back door to catch the sun.
Be aware of the time you are exposed to the rays and apply sun cream if you are going to be out longer than nine minutes.
Remember, you cannot build up vitamin D levels by sitting at your window.
Make the most of the sunshine while it is here. Motivate yourself to make the effort to keep moving and go for a walk in the garden or up and down your garden path.
As well as feeling good after being out in the fresh air, you have the bonus of boosting your vitamin D levels too.
Tune in to Paisley 107.5 FM at 11.15am and 3.15pm to listen to Roar’s exercise advice