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Microwaves Used to Deactivate Coronavirus, Flu, Other Aerosolized Viruses

January 26, 2021 sarah Jonas Aerosol, Air Force Research Laboratory, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Electromagnetic, Pandemic, Pathogens, Physics, Review of Scientific Instruments, virus spread

As the pandemic continues, scientists are increasingly focused on developing methods to assist in decontaminating surfaces and spaces. In Review of Scientific Instruments, researchers report on experimental tools capable of presenting electromagnetic waves to an aerosol mixture with the capability to vary power, energy, and frequency of the electromagnetic exposure. The researchers seek to better characterize the threshold levels of microwave energy needed to inactivate aerosolized viral particles and reduce their ability to spread infection.

Research Results

Face Masks Slow Spread of COVID-19; Types of Masks, Length of Use Matter

November 24, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, Coronavirus, COVID-19, face mask, Fluid Dynamics, Fluids, mask usage, National University Of Singapore, Pandemic, PHYSICS OF FLUIDS, respiratory droplets, Sanjay Kumar

Using face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 has been widely recommended by health professionals. This has triggered studies of the materials, design, and other issues affecting the way face masks work. In Physics of Fluids, investigators looked at research on face masks and their use and summarized what we know about the way they filter or block the virus. They also summarize design issues that still need to be addressed.

Research Results

Aerosol Microdroplets Inefficient Carriers Of COVID-19 Virus

October 27, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, aerosol droplets, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Fluid Dynamics, Pandemic, Physics, PHYSICS OF FLUIDS, virus transmission

Aerosol microdroplets do not appear to be extremely efficient at spreading the virus that leads to COVID-19. While the lingering microdroplets are certainly not risk-free, due to their small size they contain less virus than the larger droplets that are produced when someone coughs, speaks, or sneezes directly on us, said researchers at the University of Amsterdam’s Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute. The results were published in Physics of Fluids.

Research Results

Keeping COVID-19 Out of Classrooms: Open Windows, Use Glass Screens In Front of Desks

October 20, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, Airflow, Classroom, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Droplet, Fluid Dynamics, Pandemic, PHYSICS OF FLUIDS, school reopening, University of New Mexico, virus spread

Flow velocity distribution and particle size are key in aerosol transport, which is one of the main ways COVID-19 spreads, when aerosol particles are released during exhalation, talking, coughing, or sneezing. In Physics of Fluids, University of New Mexico researchers used computational fluid-particle dynamics to explore aerosol transport within an air-conditioned classroom model. They discovered opening windows increases the fraction of particles that exit the system by nearly 40%, while also reducing aerosol transmission between people within.

Research Results

Humid Air Can Extend Lifetime of Virus-Laden Aerosol Droplets

August 18, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, Airflow, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Disease Spread, Droplets, Evaporation, Fluid Dynamics, Humidity, Pandemic, Physics, PHYSICS OF FLUIDS

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread through natural respiratory activities, but little is known about how the virus is transported through the air. Scientists report in Physics of Fluids on a study of how airflow and fluid flow affect exhaled droplets that can contain the virus. Their model includes a more accurate description of air turbulence that affects an exhaled droplet’s trajectory. Calculations with their model reveal, among other things, an important and surprising effect of humid air.

Research Results

Droplet Spread from Humans Doesn’t Always Follow Airflow

August 4, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, Airborne, Airflow, Coronavirus, Disease Spread, Droplet, Fluid Dynamics, PHYSICS OF FLUIDS, social distancing, University Of Edinburgh

If aerosol transmission of COVID-19 is confirmed to be significant, as suspected, we will need to reconsider guidelines on social distancing, ventilation systems and shared spaces. Researchers in the U.K. believe a better understanding of different droplet behaviors and their different dispersion mechanisms is also needed. In Physics of Fluids, the group presents a model that demarcates differently sized droplets. This has implications for understanding the spread of airborne diseases, because the dispersion tests revealed the absence of intermediate-sized droplets.

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Reusable, foldable and sterilisable ‘shield’ developed by NUS-NUH team provides additional protection for healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients

June 25, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, COVID-19, Pathogen, Protection

A research team from the National University of Singapore and the National University Hospital has developed a reusable protective barrier which lowers the risk of frontline healthcare workers being exposed to COVID-19 via droplets and aerosols when they look after patients.

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Emory and Georgia Tech Create Barrier Protection Devices for Use During COVID-19

May 14, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, covid 19, Intubation, Ventilator

Two Atlanta universities have created barrier protection devices designed to contain droplet spray and aerosol created during certain medical procedures with a goal of reducing the risk of disease transmission.

Research Results

Study Finds Breathing and Talking Contribute to COVID-19 Spread

May 7, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, corona virus, covid 19, Public Health, Research, risk, Risk Analysis

Current knowledge about the role of aerosols in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 warrants urgent attention. Current guidance and public health information has slowly shifted focus towards aerosols as a transmission pathway – predominantly associated with breathing and talking by asymptomatic individuals. Providing guidelines for sufficient inhalation protection will be important in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

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The Case For DIY Masks To Slow Coronavirus’ Spread

April 13, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, Austria, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Droplets, France, Germany, Hand Washing, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, MASK, N95, New York, social distancing, South Korea, Spain

A small cluster physicist explains why DIY masks work and why even a bandana is better than nothing to fight the spread of COVID19.

Research Results

Predicting chaos using aerosols and AI

February 10, 2020 sarah Jonas Aerosol, AI, Deep Learning

Using aerosols as ground truth, researchers at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a deep learning method that accurately simulates chaotic trajectories — from the spread of poisonous gas to the path of foraging animals.