TED: How germs travel on planes -- and how we can stop them | Raymond Wang

The video discusses the role of air travel in spreading diseases like Ebola, H1N1, and SARS. It highlights the challenges of pre-screening passengers and the inefficiencies of current airflow systems in planes. The speaker introduces a new solution, the Global Inlet Director, developed through simulations, which significantly reduces pathogen transmission and increases fresh-air inhalation. The innovation is cost-effective and can be installed overnight, offering a promising future for safer air travel.

What is a significant risk associated with the high volume of global air travel?

• Longer flight durations

• Spread of disease epidemics

• Higher ticket prices

• Increased fuel consumption

Why is it difficult to pre-screen passengers for diseases before they board a plane?

• There are too many passengers to screen

• Passengers often hide their symptoms

• Diseases can be in a latency period without symptoms

• Airports lack the necessary technology

What is the main issue with the current airflow system in airplane cabins?

• It causes turbulence

• It is too noisy

• It is expensive to maintain

• It allows pathogens to swirl and spread

What technology did the speaker use to develop a solution for pathogen transmission in airplanes?

• Virtual reality

• Computational fluid dynamics

• Artificial intelligence

• Blockchain

How does the Global Inlet Director improve air quality in airplane cabins?

• By filtering out all air pollutants

• By reducing cabin temperature

• By creating personalized breathing zones

• By increasing cabin pressure

What is a potential economic benefit of the Global Inlet Director?

• Increasing the speed of flights

• Lowering the cost of disease outbreaks

• Decreasing the need for in-flight meals

• Reducing the cost of airplane tickets

What does the speaker suggest is crucial for future innovation?

• More government funding

• Longer flight durations

• Advanced computing and internet development

• Increased passenger numbers