Young scientist exhibition: Mask that fights viruses among Covid-related projects

A Co Wicklow student has created a face mask that prevents transmission of Covid-19 but also combats viruses.

Matthew Lawless’s research is one of numerous projects at this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition which examine aspects of the pandemic, with many seeking to enhance healthcare.

The student attending St David's Secondary School, who wants to be a doctor, designed a multilayered mask with 100 per cent polyester, a material known for its anti-microbial properties.

Included is a cloth filter dipped in a combination of essential oils including aloe vera and almond oil which are believed to have anti-viral characteristics.

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He evaluated its performance after 12 hours of usage and compared it with a medical face mask. Only one colony of harmless bacteria was found with his prototype, while a number of different microbes were found with the medical mask when samples cultured in the lab.

A report by the Central Statistics Office indicating there were 2,000 extra deaths in Ireland due to Covid-19 in 2020, prompted Conor Quigley, a second year student at Oatlands College, to assess excess deaths in areas near him in Co Dublin on RIP.ie.

He was surprised the figures matched "the relatively low CSO" figures but shocked by gender differences. Male deaths were up by 1 per cent in 26 areas, while female deaths were up by 15 per cent – with levels even higher for women in Blackrock, Shankill, Dalkey and Sallynoggin. Critically, he believes January figures suggest Covid-19 was in Ireland earlier than officially acknowledged.

Transition-year students Millie Sheehan, Chloe O'Halloran and Barbara Puig of Tarbert Comprehensive School, Co Kerry, evaluated the extent to which a person's opinion on Covid-19 vaccines affects their relationships with others in school and workplace settings.

Following a survey of pupils and staff, they established 70 per cent of respondents knew someone who was against vaccination, while 8 per cent had fallen out with someone due to a difference of opinion on the issue. Some 11 per cent of respondents said they would exclude the unvaccinated, though “45 per cent said they would only do so if it made people uncomfortable”, Sheehan explained.

“There is a clear divide between vaccinated and unvaccinated based on their opinion,” she added, with some people not wanting to be treated by an unvaccinated healthcare worker.

As to whether Covid-19 has brought lasting benefits with remote working, Faye Pican (15) of Laurel Hill School in Limerick, researched the commuting habits of those living in Ballina, Co Tipperary.

It has 4,500 inhabitants with most workers commuting 54km a day to and from Limerick pre-Covid. The vast majority used a fossil fuel-powered car –“hundreds of cars every day” – and few availed of public transport by bus or nearby rail connection though services were limited.

When she evaluated possible increased data centre demand due to home working, she was surprised to find it was carbon neutral. Ultimately, home working was bringing benefits in terms of a reduced carbon footprint to her area.

Another effect of the pandemic was the indication from dog owners that their pet was significantly happier, especially with less time being left at home alone compared with before Covid-19.

Chloe Nagle of Edmund Rice College in Carrigaline surveyed more than 400 owners in her locality, and found their dogs had become more anxious even if left alone for short periods, but this did not translate into aggression. The upside was dogs had experienced higher activity levels. "Overall they coped very well," she added.

She confirmed a big increase in dog ownership but was glad to report only one respondent had returned their dog, in contrast to indications of a significant rise according to rescue centres.