JERUSALEM, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli researchers have developed an invisible face mask that protects users from coronavirus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), influenza and other respiratory viruses, the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) said Thursday.
The new mask is a type of invisible air curtain that flows in front of the user's face and is mounted on a hat visor, arising from a lightweight reusable unit which includes a filter, the Technion explained.
The air curtain protects the eyes, nose, and mouth while enabling facial and emotional recognition, as well as oral communication.
The researchers successfully tested the new technology, showing effective blocking of tiny droplets formed during breathing and speaking, as well as large droplets formed during coughing and sneezing.
Furthermore, when the user is in a contaminated area, the air screen removes sprays from the front of the face in an "erosion" process.
Interviews conducted by the researchers with dozens of subjects in nursing homes, universities, shops and offices clearly showed the benefits of the invisible mask, the Technion said. ■
