American scientists develop equipment to detect covid-19 virus using bioluminexes
Researchers have developed a new portable tool that uses light to rapidly detect the virus. This device also promises rapid, accurate diagnosis in remote areas, improves initial treatment options.
In short
- A new tool uses light to identify viruses in blood or nose samples
- This gives 500 times bright signal and is eight times more than old tests.
- The tool showed 94% accuracy in detection of covid-19, HIV and hepatitis samples.
Researchers have developed a new virus detection tool that uses light to find the infection quickly and accurately.
The device is called Lucas (small for luminesns cascade -based sensors) and can help doctors and patients to detect diseases such as Covid -19, HIV and hepatitis in less than 25 minutes.
Lucas works using a special natural enzyme that brightens things, just as fireflys light. This brightness helps doctors to “see” whether the harmful viruses are present in a person’s blood or nasal sample.
While the old trials using this method, weakened and short-stagnant indications, Lucas produces a sign that is 500 times brighter and lasts 8 times longer.
Dr. Hadi Shafi, who led the study at Mass General Brigham (the largest hospital-based research firm in the US), reported how difficult it can be to detect the virus in body fluids. Conclusions are published in nature biomedical engineering.
Dr. Shafi said, “Finding a virus particles in the blood is like finding an ice cube in a jelly -filled Olympic swimming pool, while blindfolding.” But with Lucas, it becomes very easy.
Researchers tested Lucas on samples of people with Kovid -19, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, and found that the tool gave 94% of the time accurate results.
It was able to do this in only 23 minutes, much faster than many laboratory tests.
Lucas makes even more special that it is portable and easy to use. This means that it can be used in hospitals and remote areas where access to laboratories is limited.
The team hopes that Lucas may help detect other diseases one day, such as Alzheimer’s, as scientists discovered a new warning signs or biomarkers. Researchers are now working to improve it further so that it can test for several infections at a time.
A team researcher Dr. Sungwan Kim said, “Initial detection makes a lot of difference in treatment. Our goal is to make that initial identity easier and to all.”
