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NASA has invented a new wearable device to help stop you from touching your face, something that public health experts have warned against since the COVID-19 outbreak began.

What’s going on:

  • NASA has developed new tech called PULSE, which alerts users when they’re about to touch their face, possibly transmitting the coronavirus from one surface to their body.
  • The tech comes in the form of a round pendant. You wear it around your neck.
  • When you bring your hand toward your head, the device will vibrate, telling you to stop.
  • NASA said: “The haptic feedback from a vibration motor simulates a nudge, reminding the wearer to avoid touching these entryways in order to reduce potential infection.”
  • That said, NASA isn’t selling the device. However, the company released details on how to build the device on your own.
  • NASA said: “We hope individuals or companies will replicate, refine or enhance PULSE and make it easily available for distribution.”

Why it matters

  • According to USA Today, the device is meant to help people stop the spread of COVID-19. The coronavirus can spread through respiratory droplets.
  • Touching surfaces and then touching your face has been known to spread the virus as well.

Another device:

  • The NBA has offered players a “smart” ring that can track people’s health data and possibly predict if the ring-wearer is about the show symptoms of the COVID-19 infection, according to CNN. The $299 Oura ring can monitor sleep, pulse, heart activity and temperature.
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