WHO Acknowledged ‘Emerging Evidence’ of Airborne Transmission

opening windows on commuter trains can increase ventilation by two to three times, lowering the concentration of ambient microbes.
Image Credit: Eat Forum
Image Credit: Eat Forum

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged 'emerging evidence' of airborne transmission, but said it was not certain.

Scientists urged improvements to ventilation

In an open letter published on Monday, 239 scientists from 32 countries outlined evidence that floating virus particles can infect those who breathe them. In an open letter, scientists urged improvements to ventilation and the avoidance of crowded, enclosed environments

Even if the coronavirus is airborne, questions remain regarding how many infections occur along that route.  Professor Yuki Furus of Kyoto University said that how much the virus is concentrated in the air can also determine the risk of contagion.

Limiting the number of passengers

Image Credit: Tempo English
Image Credit: Tempo English

Simulated supercomputer-driven models in Japan suggest that operating commuter trains with windows and limiting the number of passengers may help reduce the risk of coronavirus infection, as scientists warn of the airborne spread of the virus.

Japan named the epidemic with over 19,000 confirmed cases and 977 deaths so far,  with Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura crediting its success to 3C and its cluster-tracing strategy.

Its principal researcher, Makoto Tsubokora, said that opening windows on commuter trains can increase ventilation two to three times by reducing the concentration of ambient germs.

An internet-connected 'smart mask'

Japanese startup Donut Robotics has created an internet-connected 'smart mask'. The mask not only transmits the message but also translates the Japanese language into eight other languages.

 The company named it 'C-Mask'. It fits easily on the face like a standard face mask. It can be connected to smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth.

It not only converts speech to text message, but users can also make calls from it. The mask also amplifies the voice of the user so that his voice is heard loudly by the other person.

The idea of ​​making masks

Image Credit: Reuters
Image Credit: Reuters

Donut robotics engineers came up with the idea of ​​making masks because they were looking for a product that could help the company survive the epidemic. Tisuke Ono, chief executive of Donut Robotics, said, "We worked hard for years to develop this robot and we have used this technology to create a product that demonstrates that coronavirus has given society how it has changed.

The company will sell 5000 masks in September

Donut Robotics aims to sell 5,000 thousand C-masks in Japan in September. At the same time, it will be sold through Ono in China, America and Europe also because these countries have also shown interest in it.

The price of a face mask is $ 40, which is about 3,000 rupees. The company also reported that revenue will be generated from subscriber services through apps downloaded by users. Ono raised 28 million (about Rs 1.98 crore) to build it by selling shares of donut robotics through the Japanese crowdfunding site Fundino.

Like and Follow us on :

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
Since independence
www.sinceindependence.com