Scientists, start-ups step up efforts to make masks more effective

They are developing everything from static electricity-generating face covers to kill the virus, to full-face armour for healthcare workers, patients and even delivery personnel

The central government and various states have been pushing for stricter social distancing norms while making face masks mandatory in certain vulnerable zones. Scientists, innovators and start-ups are coming up with innovative solutions backed by science and design to make face masks more effective and durable. 

A team of three scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have developed a mask powered by electro-statics or Triboelectricity to make them more effective.

"It is based on a simple lesson one would have learnt in their school days — 'the