Droplet paths (IMAGE) American Institute of Physics Caption Left: Droplet paths from patient to extraction device: small, medium, and large droplets. Right: Maximum horizontal distance covered by exhaled water droplets for various droplet diameters: heavy vs. quiet breathing. The red dot indicates the global minimum in distance covered. In this case, the minimum is attained for droplets of diameters between 50 and 80 microns. Credit Cathal Cummins Usage Restrictions Journalists may use this image only with appropriate credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.