The California Institute of Technology has unveiled a prototype of the EBCare smart mask. It can monitor health indicators, including asthma and kidney disease, in real time. The mask analyzes chemicals in exhaled air, which can detect respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and infections after COVID-19. The researchers have incorporated a “passive cooling system” using hydrogel and radiation cooling, which allows real-time analysis. “The smart mask can not only monitor breath nitrite levels - a marker of inflammation - but can also accurately measure blood alcohol levels, opening up the possibility for use in DUI checks. Monitoring blood urea levels to diagnose kidney disease is also being considered. The team plans to expand the functionality of the mask by adding new biomarkers to monitor various health conditions. The cost of the development is expected to be around $1 in the future