It has been over 2 whole years since the inception of the Coronavirus that, as we all know, is the primary virus to cause one of the longest pandemics in human history. While health experts are now saying that the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually turning into an endemic, it is still spreading like wildfire across various regions. Now, to help people detect their exposure to the Coronavirus in indoor environments, a team of researchers has developed a tiny wearable device that can detect Coronavirus and other similar viruses in the air. Other than that, researchers in the US have also developed a COVID-19 test kit that can detect and give the result
The researchers from the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) assessed that even with good hygiene, masks, and social distancing in public places, scientists sometimes detect the existence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily causes COVID-19, in indoor environments. And citing this concern, a team of researchers led by Krystal Godri Pollitt, an assistant professor of epidemiology at YSPH, developed the Fresh Air Clip.
“The Fresh Air clip serves to identify exposure events early, alerting people to get tested or quarantine. The clip is intended to help prevent viral spread, which can occur when people do not have this kind of early detection of exposure,” the lead researcher further added.
According to the researchers, the Harmony test kit uses a PCR-like method to detect the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in a nasal swab sample. It uses a low-cost, small detector to measure the results. The detection kit is supported by a companion smartphone app, which doctors can use to get the results.
