Biden administration launches $500,000 contest to improve face masks

The Biden administration is launching a $500,000 contest in search of ideas to get rid of some of the biggest annoyances of everyday mask wearing, like fogged glasses or irritated skin.

Americans have until April 21 to submit their ideas to the "Mask Innovation Challenge" hosted by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the same federal health agency behind billion-dollar deals to make the nation's COVID-19 vaccines and drugs. "With this mask challenge, we want to get people across the country involved in developing new masks that are both effective and comfortable. This will help us control COVID-19 and be better prepared for future public health emergencies," Nikki Bratcher-Bowman, the acting assistant secretary for preparedness and response, said in a statement announcing the contest.