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As new variants emerge and surges of disease continue to ebb and flow, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of clean air. Invisible, airborne particles can impact the lives of billions in highly significant and consequential ways, spreading infection despite multiple rounds of vaccination. As the pandemic persists, personal protective equipment (PPE) like face masks remain crucial for protection against the virus by reducing exposure to this particulate matter.

More than two years after the first identified case of COVID-19 and with over half the worldwide population fully vaccinated, an onslaught of breakthrough infections have left scientists wondering what more can be done to prevent transmission. Rather than improve on existing vaccination methods, researchers at the University of Maryland are looking to stop the spread of COVID-19 at its source–in the nose.