3 Innovations in China as Result of the Corona Pandemic
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Ever since the rise of the virus known as COVID-19, many people have been trying to find new ways to handle the pandemic. Inside this article, you will learn about three different ways that the Chinese are dealing with COVID-19.
- Phone Powered DNA Tester
A team of Chinese scientists have developed a device that can check a person’s DNA for genetic mutations along with detecting bacterial infections in both food and rivers. With the dangers of going to the doctor’s office, this innovation might be just the thing to lower the amount who do end up going there.
The device, known as POCKET, is small in order to maximize its portability. POCKET itself only contains two parts, an integrated chip and a fold-able detection box, as it uses a smartphone as a heater, incubator, detector, and result reader. The team chose to use a smartphone to work with the device because of this along with the fact that many people in the world either own or have access to a smartphone.
POCKET uses a laboratory-based detection method known as PCR, standing for polymerase chain reaction. Along with this, the device is based on Point-of-care testing, known as POCT. The difference between POCT and POCKET is that POCKET is much more portable and does not require an AC power supply or a sample preparation stage.
The team behind POCKET hopes to expand the sample types usable by the device along with improving the prevention of cross-contamination from positive samples. They also hope to better control the reagent loading method by using a power-free method.
Why this device is such an important innovation is that it paves the way for future portable testers which can prevent the spread of COVID-19 by allowing people to test themselves for illnesses. Furthermore, POCKET can aid the prevention of a disease spreading by transmitting results to hospitals or public health officials. It also can use the phone it connects to to map the location and distribution of a disease.
Read the full research article here
- Delivery Driver Exoskeleton
An exoskeleton, known as the HEMS-GS Heavy Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robot, developed by ULS Robotics is in early testing stages for the Chinese food delivery App, Ele.me.
The exoskeleton is used to help delivery drivers carry more, especially in older areas that lack elevators. With the aid of this device, drivers are able to comfortably hold up to 50kg (110 lbs). Furthermore, the device weighs around 7kg (15.4 lbs).
Furthermore, the exoskeleton has a battery life of around 6 hours of use. This battery allows the device to be powered by green energy. This separates the device from machines with similar uses such as forklifts as it does not require fuel, meaning it does not release carbon. While the exoskeleton can not lift as much as a forklift, it could be used as a replacement in areas that do not have as much heavy cargo. Especially if the exoskeleton is shown to be more cost efficient.
Due to both the fact that the device is still in its experimental stages, along with its high price, widespread use of it will not be common. ULS Robotics says that they’re device will have uses in various forms of manufacturing such as car and home appliance manufacturing , logistics, and uses in the military such as emergency rescues.
The importance that this device brings is its potential efficiency. By enabling workers to carry more, Ele.me would be able to more quickly provide food to its customers. The device also can serve a variety of other uses, increasing its ability to innovate the modern world.
Watch a video article here
Read another article here
- Live Streamed Cats for Adoption
Not all innovations are solely about inventing new technology or medicine. Some are simply how individuals such as Chinese citizen, Xia Aipinh, use already present technology in a new way.
Due to COVID-19, many more stray cats have appeared and by live streaming, Xia Aipinh plans on finding many of the strays she encountered at home. Xia Aipinh, has begun to live stream the stray cats that she rescues in order to get them adopted. She decided to start live streaming on the app Douyin after a friend suggested it to her. Xia Aipinh was surprised to discover that while her first stream only had around 10 viewers, her streams began to rise in popularity, reaching over 2,500 viewers.
What makes Xia Aipinh different from other commercial streamers is that she is focused on getting the cats adopted into good homes instead of strictly business. Xia Aipinh says that she has strict standards and she will refuse to let any one who does not meet them adopt a cat. It is evident that she really cares about these stray cats and puts in a lot of effort in order to make sure they receive the homes that they deserve.
It is easy to acknowledge that not every viewer is looking to adopt one of her cats and instead is simply wanting to see cute cats. However, a useful side effect of this is that it allows her streams to become more popular and reach more people, some of which may adopt one of her cats. This means her live streams have two benefits, it helps increase positivity for those who need it and allows these stray cats to find homes they otherwise would not have.
If other pet shelters follow her, they may also find an increase in adoptions, helping even more animals find homes. Not only this, it makes adopting easier as people can see the animals and how they interact with people and each other from the comfort of their home.
Watch a video article here
All of the innovations mentioned help people handle the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways. One may ask if these innovations will remain once this pandemic ends. I believe that each one will find its place in the post COVID-19 world. The DNA tester has uses that do not apply to COVID-19 itself and as the device advances, it will gain more and more uses. ULS Robotic’s exoskeleton has uses in helping people carry more weight which can be useful in a variety of different fields. Not only this, but given enough time and advancements, similar exoskeletons could help the paralyzed move once more. Xia Aipinh’s live streams have proven to be successful for her and I foresee that she has no intentions of ending them. In fact, she has mentioned wishing to open a cat cafe for her to stream from one day.
There are many more innovations that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic besides the select few mentioned inside of this article. Each and every innovation contributes to the aiding individuals in the time of this pandemic in its own way. Some deal with the virus itself, some prevent its spread, and others simply try to make the life of people easier in these difficult times.
If you would like to read more about various innovations that have spawned from the COVID-19 Pandemic, click here to visit the “Great Ideas in Times of a Pandemic” which has not only many more articles but also many more innovations.
