International

Researchers develop nose-only mask for eating

Published

3 years ago

March 25, 2021

Screen Shot 2021 03 25 at 12.42.59 PM scaled

Researchers in Mexico have designed a new mask to allow people to eat while wearing one, according to a Wednesday report. The caveat: it’s nose-only mask.

These nose masks are worn underneath a full face mask and feature similar strings that loop behind the ears. The new mask design was revealed in a demonstration video where a man and woman sit down for lunch, according to Reuters.

The video, which features no talking, shows the duo removing their regular face masks to unveil their nose coverings before dining at an outdoor table. The new mask is designed to allow people to eat, drink, and talk—all while covering their noses.

Cells that give humans their sense of smell are a major entry point for coronavirus, making nose coverings important, according to Johns Hopkins University, as The New York Post pointed out. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that individuals wear masks that fully cover their nose, mouth, and chin in order to best safeguard themselves and others from COVID-19.

Researchers in Mexico have made a nose-only Covid mask, which they say reduces the risk of infection of coronavirus during eating and talking. pic.twitter.com/ArUEGZaJj3
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 24, 2021

Furthermore, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that more mask material and more mask layers are usually better than less. In February, the CDC updated its guidance to recommend double-masking as an additional protection measure, saying it can significantly lower the spread of COVID-19.

In the United States, just over 30 million people have contracted the virus, and 545,000 people have died from it, according to COVID-19 data from Johns Hopkins University as of Thursday.

The nose-mask video, it should be noted, did not mention the names of the Mexican researchers, their company or organization, or when the nose masks could become publicly available.

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.

Related Topics:coronavirus COVID19 dining masks Mexico

International

The Guardian Removes Osama bin Laden’s “Letter to America” Amidst Viral Resurfacing

Published

3 weeks ago

November 16, 2023

Alexander Carter

The Guardian, a left-wing media outlet, has taken down Osama bin Laden’s notorious “Letter to America” from its website this week after the words of the deceased terrorist mastermind, responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001, gained traction on social media.

The letter, which had been published on The Guardian’s website since 2002, resurfaced online, causing a sudden spike in traffic. Social media users unearthed and shared the anti-American and antisemitic content, propelling the document to viral status. The Guardian, acknowledging the increased circulation without the full context, opted to remove the transcript.

According to reports from Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for The Guardian stated, “The transcript published on our website 20 years ago has been widely shared on social media without the full context. Therefore we have decided to take it down and direct readers to the news article that originally contextualized it instead.” The outlet declined to provide additional comments on the matter.

Osama bin Laden’s letter, translated into English, justified al-Qaeda’s attacks against the U.S. by citing American actions in Palestine. The deceased terrorist accused the U.S. of supporting the creation and continuation of Israel, labeling it one of the “greatest crimes” that must be erased. Bin Laden’s letter also propagated antisemitic tropes, claiming Jews control American policies, media, and the economy.

The 9/11 attacks, orchestrated by al-Qaeda, resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and left thousands more injured. The letter’s resurgence occurred as it was shared by social media influencers on platforms like TikTok, with some expressing a change in perspective. Pro-Palestinian activist Lynette Adkins was among those who shared the letter online, prompting discussions and reflections.

The Guardian’s decision to remove the letter from its website underscores the sensitivity surrounding the content and its potential impact, particularly as young individuals across America engage with pro-Palestinian talking points. The episode has sparked debates about the influence of social media in reshaping perceptions and the responsibility of media outlets in disseminating controversial historical documents.