Masks

An illustration shows how the nanoporous membrane is made to filter out particles the size of SARS-CoV-2 (purple), allowing only clean air (blue) through

Good Thinking

Peel-off membrane could allow N95 masks to be reused many times

Although N95 face masks are quite effective at blocking transmission of the COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus, they're also intended to be used only a few times at most. A new removable membrane, however, could make them much more reusable.

An editorial from three Cambridge University researchers argues any downsides from mass mask wearing are outweighed by the potential benefits

Health & Wellbeing

Cambridge experts call for widespread face mask use in COVID-19 crisis

In a new editorial a trio of Cambridge University researchers suggest wearing of cloth mask should be adopted by everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team argues the potential benefits of this behavior outweigh any suggested downsides.

After some debate the CDC now recommends the general public wear some kind of face covering when in public spaces

Health & Wellbeing

CDC recommends everyone wear cloth face masks to slow COVID-19 spread

Reversing prior advice, the CDC now recommends everyone wear cloth face masks in public settings such as pharmacies and grocery stores. The CDC says this advice is designed to reduce COVID-19 transmission from those who are unaware they have it.

The 3D-printed face shield will offer doctors protection from sneezing or coughing patients

3D Printing

World's largest 3D printing facility gears up to help protect doctors

Founder of Prusa Research, the world’s largest 3D printing factory located in Prague, Josef Prusa has spoken about how the company is doing everything it can to aid the production of much needed medical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis.

Conventional masks simply trap live viruses, which can then end up on users' fingers

Health & Wellbeing

Salty masks could kill coronavirus

In China right now, you'll see many people wearing surgical masks to protect against coronavirus. A scientist claims that such masks may actually do more harm than good, if handled improperly – so he's created a coating that could change that.

The AAK 180 dive mask is claimed to increase divers' peripheral vision

Outdoors

Wrap-around mask addresses divers' "tunnel vision"

Scuba diving can also give some people a feeling of claustrophobia. This is because the flat lenses of most masks offer little or no peripheral vision, limiting divers to only seeing what's directly in front of them. That's why the panoramic AAK 180 was created.

The North45 scarf channels its wearer's breath out the bottom (Photo: Ben Coxworth/Gizmag)

Outdoors

Review: North45 scarf keeps your goggles from fogging up

Created by Canadian entrepreneur Dimitri Poliderakis, the North45 scarf is designed to keep winter sports enthusiasts' faces warm while simultaneously not causing their goggles to fog up. We got a chance to try one out.

The HMK150 is a new respirator-helmet from Avon Protection for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection

Military

Avon Protection showcases HMK150 helmet-respirator

Avon Protection showcased a new respirator-helmet combination at this week's Counter Terror Expo. The HMK150 provides chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection. It is designed for use in situations such as riot control, where there may be both violence and toxic gases present.

Engineers and researchers at UT Arlington aim to develop a biomask that could revolutionize the way we treat severe facial burns

Health & Wellbeing

Mask stuffed with micro-components could work miracles for severe facial burn patients

A mask stuffed with micro-components could speed up the healing of facial burns.