DOST unveils 6 inventions developed by Filipino scientists to combat COVID-19

- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently unveiled six technologies that are being developed to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

- The DOST also commended the researchers behind the inventions they currently working on

- The said agency hopes to see the inventions soonest in the hands of the frontliners and the general public

- The inventions are mobile AI-enabled thermal scanners, nanotechnology-enhanced sanitizers, 3D-printed face shields, reusable face masks, big data analytics for quarantine policies, and animations

PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) lauded Filipino scientists as they unveil on April 7 six technologies that are currently being developed to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to a report by GMA News, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara commended the researchers behind the inventions they working on.

“We thank our Filipino researchers for making change happen through these technologies that we are working on," Guevara said.

"We hope to see them soonest in the hands of our frontliners and the general public who is greatly affected by COVID19,” the undersecretary added.

Here are the six technologies publicized by the DOST- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development:

1. Mobile AI-enabled thermal scanners

These AI-powered thermal scanners attached to drones can identify individuals with high body temperatures. The drones can reportedly provide real-time data transmission, equipped with GPS, and have a two-kilometer range for communication.

These scanners are being developed in partnership with DWARM Technologies, Far Eastern University Institute of Technology Innovation Center, UPSCALE Innovation Hub, Orbital Exploration Technologies, and PLDT innohub.

2. Nanotechnology-enhanced sanitizers

Developed by the Central Luzon State University Nanotech Laboratory, the nanotechnology-enhanced ethyl alcohol and hand sanitizers contain zinc oxide nanoparticles infused with turmeric extract. This mixture is "proven effective against H1N1 influenza and SARS viruses" — which are both coronaviruses.

According NewsBytes.ph, an ICT news website, applying such to surfaces could be effective in deterring the spread of COVID-19. The said laboratory is also developing washable masks using nanofiber as a "filter."

3. 3D-printed face shields

According to Business World, the Bataan Peninsula State University-Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (BPSU-AMREL) has created a process that combines 3D printing and injection molding in creating face shields at a faster pace but in a “more customizable manner.”

4. Reusable face masks

The DOST said the Philippine Textile Research Institute is working on the production of 500,000 washable face masks that can be reused up to 50 times to help with the shortage of surgical masks during the public health emergency.

5. Big data analytics for quarantine policies

The De La Salle University (DLSU) is currently pursuing big data analytics and transportation network analysis to help authorities manage checkpoints during the enhanced community quarantine period.

According to the statement, the simulation results of this innovation showed the relative intensities of incoming traffic to Metro Manila at various entry points.

6. 'Pinoy Animation Laban sa COVID-19'

These include infomercials about the virus for public health awareness in coordination with the Toon City Academy (TCA). These will tackle proper hygiene, community quarantine, social distancing, and proper verification of information. TCA has ongoing Project on Original Content Development and will tap the graduates of the animation training from Dagupan City to produce the animations.

PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news!

In a previous report by KAMI, an inspiring video of united Filipinos amid COVID-19 touched the hearts of netizens.

At present, the Philippines is under a state of calamity while the entire Luzon is under an enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease outbreak.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Don’t hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

Kapuso star Kris Bernal participated in the new episode of our Tricky Questions feature! Check out all of the exciting videos and celebrity interviews on our KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: KAMI.com.gh