DIAGNOSING MASKS

Engineers from MIT have designed a prototype face mask that can diagnose the wearer with COVID-19 in about 90 minutes. The sensors are based on freeze-dried cellular machinery that the research team has previously developed for use in paper diagnostics for viruses such as Ebola and Zika. They can be incorporated into lab coats, potentially offering a new way to monitor healthcare workers’ exposure to a variety of pathogens. “This platform could enable next-generation wearable biosensors for first responders and healthcare workers,” said Professor James Collins, study author.