Fast Company: Scientists are racing to design a face mask that can rip coronavirus apart
UC expert explains how mask technology keeps COVID-19 from spreading
Fast Company interviewed Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC College of Medicine for a story on efforts by scientists to design and produce face masks that are effective against the spread of COVID-19.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC College of Medicine who talked to Fast Company about methods for designing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand
Fichtenbaum says one of the ways in which COVID-19 is spread is through nose and mouth secretions and probably by airborne transmission.
“If somebody were to sneeze or cough, the mask should not fall off their face," he told Fast Company. "So you have to know whether the copper or other chemically enhanced masks have the same ability as an N95 mask to form a tight seal and whether there are sufficient layers to prevent droplets or airborne particles from getting through.”
Read the entire article here.
Lead graphic/iStock.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.
What is squalane, and how does it work to moisturize skin?
October 27, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos was featured in a Women's Health article discussing squalane, an ingredient being increasingly used in moisturizing skincare products.