Researchers develop disease-fighting technology named ‘Breathe’:How smart sensors will kill viruses in schools, offices, and hospitals

Corona taught us that the air in closed rooms is just as important as open air. Keeping this lesson in mind, scientists are now working on technology that will allow buildings to fight airborne diseases themselves, much like the human body. The US government agency ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) is spending 1250 crore rupees to make this a reality. This project has been named ‘Breathe’. Currently, it takes labs several hours or days to detect bacteria or viruses present in the air. By then, the infection would have spread. Dr. Linsey Marr, an environmental engineer at Virginia Tech University, has developed a sensor that identifies dangerous particles in the air in ‘real-time’.

Sensor that detects ‘dust mites’
Recently, a demo of this project showed that the sensor immediately detected ‘dust mites’ (tiny organisms present in dust particles that exacerbate asthma) in the air. This sensor can currently identify 10 types of pathogens, including coronavirus, influenza, and E. coli. Scientists are soon working to increase its capacity to 25 and eventually to 100 pathogens. However, some scientists consider this technology to be a bit complex and expensive. Italian engineer Giorgio Buonanno says that simply installing carbon dioxide sensors and improving ventilation is more practical. Aerobiologist Joshua Santarpia, associated with this project, believes that big changes require big steps. He said: ‘We didn’t get the internet just by sending more mail (letters); it required a new invention.’

The first real test of this technology will be conducted in 2028 at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and some day-care centers in the US. After its accuracy is proven, in the future, our homes, schools, and offices will not just be concrete structures, but will become protective shields against diseases. Also: WhatsApp Plus is finally in India: What will you get for ₹79 per month? Personalised ringtones, Themes, AI-generated emojis, and more

The technology works like fire alarms and sprinklers Dr. Jessica Green, the project’s program manager, says, ‘This technology works like fire alarms and sprinklers installed in a building. As soon as the sensor detects a virus or allergen-boosting element in the air, the building’s control system will activate. These systems will turn on UV lights and air filters in the ventilation system as soon as a virus is detected in hospitals and schools.
For daycare, the software will estimate which way the air is flowing from which room and will start bringing in fresh air from outside as the risk increases. Our goal is to prepare buildings in such a way that they can reduce respiratory illnesses by up to 25%.’