Researchers have devised a diagnostic test capable of detecting pathogens such as hepatitis C and other deadly superbugs, accordig to Physics News.
Here are five facts:
1. John Brennan, director of McMaster's Biointerfaces Institute, stated the test gives researchers the opportunity to identify targets at unprecedented levels.
2. The test is approximately 10,000 times more sensitive than previous detection systems.
3. The device made of DNA can be turned on by a specific molecule that the researcher chooses such as a specific type of disease indicator or DNA molecule representing a genome of a virus. This function allows researchers to spot the large, amplified signal.
4. The diagnostic test additionally does not need complicated equipment, allowing tests to run at room temperature under ordinary conditions.
5. Researchers are working on the next step to move the test to a paper surface to create a point-of-care testing, allowing users to run the test.
More articles on infection & quality control:
4 things to know about rising rates of chlorine-resistant parasite
UI Health Care to invest $100M for research funding: 5 key notes
Using data to increase patient engagement — 5 notes
