Wondering why washing your hands is so important and how it helps deter this coronavirus? Thomas Gilbert, an associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology explains the science behind it.

“Surfactants basically pry open coronavirus particles and encapsulate viral molecules within micelles suspended in the lather clinging to your hands. This allows the deactivated viral material to be washed away as you rinse your hands.”

This article was originally published on March 20, 2020 on News@Northeastern. To learn more, follow this link!