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Scientists in China say they have developed a face mask capable of detecting Covid-19 in the air.
The mask alerts the wearer if they have been exposed to Covid-19 or influenza after a 10-minute conversation with an infected person.
Sensors attached to the mask can respond to as little as 0.3 microlitres of viruses in the air, far smaller than those produced by a cough or sneeze.
The findings from researchers at Shanghai's Tongji University were reported in the science journal Matter.
The team tested the mask in an enclosed chamber by spraying liquid and aerosols containing trace-levels of viruses.
They said the mask would work well in confined spaces with poor ventilation. such as elevators or enclosed rooms.
Researchers were also working on wearable devices for a variety of health conditions including cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Auckland University aerosol chemist Joel Rindelaub said if the mask worked, it could be a huge breakthrough in virus detection.
Aerosols were extremely difficult to detect due to their size, so a tool that could pick them up quickly and act as a face mask would be hugely beneficial, he said.
"A quick response is massive because we know that it doesn't take long to transmit the virus, it can just be quick fleeting contact."
The faster you knew there was a virus around, the better, he said.
Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles agreed.
The technology behind the mask could be used for testing those unable to take nasal swabs, she said.
"We really need bio-sensors like this.
"People need to know when there is a virus present in order to take the steps that they need to protect themselves."
Wiles noted that as new diseases emerged, being able to quickly detect them would help.