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Northwestern Now
Wireless system can sense when masks are properly decontaminated in moist-heat
For moist-heat decontamination to properly sanitize N95 facemasks, the conditions have to be perfect. If the temperature or humidity are even the slightest bit too low, then dangerous pathogens can survive the process, putting mask-wearers at risk for infection.
Researchers at Northwestern University, University of Michigan and University of Florida have developed a new wireless sensor platform takes the guesswork out of decontaminating N95 facemasks. By sensing temperature and humidity and tracking time, the inexpensive sensor ensures that conditions are ideal for decontaminating masks.
The researchers tested the platform, called VeriMask, in the laboratory as well as in real clinical settings. The sensor was able to ensure proper decontamination conditions for hundreds of masks simultaneously, while users monitored the process in real time with a smartphone app.
When the Winds Blow
Published: January 31, 2021, 5:00am
Share: Pauline Fong Photo
I grew up in Taiwan where jet streams led to beautiful weather, delicious seafood, abundant fruit and vegetables, but also triggered typhoons that disrupted everything in their path. I remember one incident where 100 mph winds hurled broken billboard pieces through our home’s windows. In many ways, 2020 has felt like a series of typhoons between the wildfires, political divisiveness, continued experiences of injustice that sparked protests and increased feelings of division, and COVID-19 leaving no aspect of life untouched.
Nonprofits continue to face the impact of these
winds. The need for their services has skyrocketed:
Updated: 2:01 PM CST January 29, 2021
ILLINOIS, USA Researchers in Illinois launched an interactive COVID-19 website that helps residents track trends and the trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.
Illinois COVID-19 Modeling indicates whether the pandemic is growing, shrinking or staying the same by measuring the instantaneous reproductive number.
A number above 1 means the epidemic is growing, below 1 shrinking and equal to 1 staying the same. The reproductive number essentially tracks and calculates how many people are infected from cases.
So, if 10 people infect 10 other people then the epidemic in Illinois is staying the same. But if those 10 people infect 15 people it is growing. If those 10 people infect 5 people, the epidemic is shrinking.