ARPA-H Invests $150 Million in 'Immune Systems' for Buildings

Scientists want to protect us from tiny germs that float in the air inside buildings.

These germs can make people sick, like when you catch a cold or the flu.

A group called ARPA-H is spending a lot of money to build 'immune systems for buildings.'

Just like your body fights off germs, these buildings would detect germs in the air and clean them away.

One machine can find things like dust mite allergens, which can cause asthma attacks.

The machine uses sensors to spot viruses, bacteria, and allergy triggers.

When a building detects a threat, it can turn on air purifiers or ultraviolet lights to kill the germs.

This could help keep children in daycare, students in school, and patients in hospitals healthy.

Right now, these systems are too expensive, so scientists want to make them cheaper and energy-efficient.

That way, every building can keep us safe from germs in the air.