Internet of Things - Technology focus

Researchers have figured out a way to use images from a smartphone to identify potentially harmful bacteria on the skin and in the mouth.  A new method using smartphone-derived images can identify potentially harmful bacteria on the skin and in the mouth, research shows.  The approach visually identifies microbes on the skin contributing to acne and slow wound healing, as well as bacteria in the oral cavity that can cause gingivitis and dental plaques. Researchers combined a smartphone-case modification with image-processing methods to illuminate bacteria on images taken by a conventional smartphone camera. This approach yielded a relatively low-cost and quick method that could be used at home.  Augmenting a smartphone camera’s capabilities by attaching a small 3D-printed ring containing 10 LED black lights around a smartphone case’s camera opening. The researchers used the LED-augmented smartphone to take images of the oral cavity and skin on the face of two research subjects. The LED lights ‘excite’ a class of bacteria-derived molecules called porphyrins, causing them to emit a red fluorescent signal that the smartphone camera can then pick up.   

Other components in the image—such as proteins or oily molecules our bodies produce, as well as skin, teeth, and gums—won’t glow red under LED. They’ll fluoresce in other colors.

Since the start of the pandemic, new technologies have been developed to help reduce the spread of the infection.

Some of the most common safety measures today include measuring a person’s temperature, covering your nose and mouth with a mask, contact tracing, disinfection, and social distancing. Many businesses have adopted various technologies, including those with artificial intelligence (AI) underneath, helping to adhere to the COVID-19 safety measures.  While there are many AI solutions to help ensure that COVID-19 prevention practices are observed, many of them have flaws or limits. In this article, we will cover some of the issues creating obstacles for fighting the pandemic.   

Issue #1. Manual temperature scanning is tricky
Issue #2. Monitoring crowds is even more complex
Issue #3. Contact tracing leads to privacy concerns
Issue #4. UV rays harm eyes and skin
Issue #5. UVC robots are extremely expensive
Issue #6. No integration, no compliance, no transparency
Regardless of the safety measures in place and existing issues, innovations are already playing a vital role in the fight against COVID-19. By improving on existing technology, we can make everyone safer as we all adjust to the new normal.