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Playing safe

Physicians, engineers, and scientists from Penn are working with The Philadelphia Orchestra to study the aerosol droplets that wind and brass musicians produce when playing. Their findings, aimed at reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, could help the Orchestra once again play together in person.
testing droplets from the philly orchestra brass instruments
A green laser and a drug store humidifier are part of an experiment that will shed light on how musicians produce aerosols when they play. As part of it, members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, including Carol Jantsch, principal tuba player, have taken part in studies led by Penn scientists Paulo Arratia and Douglas Jerolmack. (Image: Courtesy of Paulo Arratia)

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