SciTechDaily: Silk offers homemade solution for COVID-19
UC biologist Patrick Guerra found that silk prevents infection better than other fabrics
SciTechDaily highlighted a study by the University of Cincinnati that concluded that silk masks were better at preventing infection from COVID-19 than cotton or synthetic fibers.
UC assistant professor Patrick Guerra and postdoctoral researcher Adam Parlin found that in the absence of a single-use N95 respirator or a surgical mask, homemade masks made of silk were a good alternative. Silk face masks are comfortable, breathable and repel moisture, which is a desirable trait in fighting an airborne virus.
Silkworms that eat mulberry leaves produce silk containing copper, which has natural virus-killing properties.
The study was published in the journal PLOS One.
“We’re trying to address this critical problem. Health care workers still don’t have enough personal protective equipment, namely N95 respirators or basic surgical masks,” Guerra said.
Featured image at top: UC tested face masks on styrofoam heads. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
UC assistant professor of biology Patrick Guerra's work with moths and butterflies inspired his research into silk masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo/Lisa Ventre/UC Creative + Brand
Related Stories
Ohio looks to fast-track wastewater discharge permits
December 16, 2025
Bradford Mank, James B. Helmer Jr. Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with WVXU for a story about a proposal by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to streamline the way wastewater discharge permits are issued to data centers.
Tariff troubles for online shoppers
December 16, 2025
This year’s new regulations on tariffs and customs are leaving holiday shoppers with unexpected fees on some of their purchases, according to recent reporting by WLWT. Associate Dean of Impact and Partnerships for the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business Charles Sox spoke to WLWT about why shoppers are only just now feeling the impact, despite these policies being in effect for months.
Tips to avoid headaches this holiday season
December 15, 2025
A University of Cincinnati migraine expert offered a list of potential headache triggers around the holidays, and how you can try to avoid them, to 91.7 WVXU News. "There are a number of different factors that make this a very headache provocative time," said Vincent Martin, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine and director of the Headache and Facial Pain Center at the Gardner Neuroscience Institute.