A glowing ostrich face mask to detect Covid-19. Now we've really heard it all!

Japanese researchers have developed masks that use ostrich antibodies to detect Covid-19 by glowing under ultraviolet light.

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The scientists started by creating a mask filter coated with ostrich antibodies, as previous research has proven that ostriches have strong resistance against the virus.

For the research, participants were asked to wear filter masks that were coated with ostrich antibodies. After eight hours the filters were removed and sprayed with a chemical that glows under ultraviolet light to check if the virus was present.

The team found that the filters worn by people infected with Covid-19 glowed around the nose and mouth. Researchers are labelling these masks as one of the low-cost ways of testing for the virus at home.

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