Scientists Develop Plastic Film That Dismantles Viruses

Many people touch many surfaces every day. This includes kitchen counters, bus handrails, desks, and phone screens. Viruses and germs can spread easily on these surfaces.

When a person touches a dirty surface, they can get sick by touching their face. It is possible to clean surfaces using chemical products. However, these products can be harmful to the environment and not always work well against germs.

Researchers have created a new type of surface using a special plastic with very small features. This design can break apart a type of virus called human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3). This new surface can reduce the spread of disease on items like phones and hospital tools.

Testing showed that 94% of virus particles were destroyed when they touched this new material. The way the tiny pillars on the surface are arranged is very important for their effectiveness. This new technology can help many areas, from food packaging to public transport. Scientists still have a lot to learn, but this material could change how we fight viruses.

How much do you know?

What type of virus can the new surface break apart?

Human immune virus

Human parainfluenza virus type 3

Influenza virus

Bacterial virus

What percentage of virus particles were destroyed when they touched the new material?

80%

90%

94%

100%

What is a potential environmental concern regarding traditional cleaning products?

They can be less effective

They can be harmful to the environment

They are too expensive

They are hard to find

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a surface that many people touch every day?

Kitchen counters

Bus handrails

Desks

Car seats

Which aspect of the new surface design is important for its effectiveness?

Color

Size of particles

Arrangement of tiny pillars

Thickness of the material

Where can the new technology potentially be used?

Only in hospitals

Food packaging and public transport

Personal protective equipment only

Home cleaning products

Viruses and germs do not spread easily on surfaces.

True False

Testing showed that the new surface is completely ineffective against viruses.

True False

The new material could be used to help fight diseases.

True False

Traditional cleaning products are always the best solution for cleaning surfaces.

True False

Researchers have developed a surface using a special type of plastic.

True False

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 is a type of bacteria.

True False

Many people touch many surfaces such as kitchen counters, bus handrails, and .

When a person touches a dirty surface, they can get sick by touching their .

The way the tiny pillars on the surface are arranged is very for their effectiveness.

Researchers have created a new type of surface using a special plastic with very small .

The new material could change how we fight .

This new surface can help reduce the spread of on items like phones.

This question is required