For the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Tom Rickey (@trickeyPNNL) writes about new research using nanotechnology to detect the coronavirus in air. The technology uses micelles — bubble-like molecular structures — whose surfaces are designed to react to SARS-CoV-2. When triggered by contact from a virus, the micelles burst open and trigger an electrical signal. The inventors envision low-cost detectors that can be mounted unobtrusively within hospitals or schools for immediate detection of minute amounts of virus, and say the idea can be adapted to detect explosives or toxins. Image from animation by Sara Levine / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
