 |
|
Chemical warfare agent detection technology used to treat lung disease
January 24, 2006A new technique based on the same technology used to detect chemical warfare agents and explosives is being employed by scientists at The University of Manchester to treat hospital patients with lung disease.
Dr Paul Thomas and a team of researchers are using a sensor, commonly used to detect explosives at airports, to develop a new way of diagnosing lung disease.
The microDMx" sensor, developed by Sionex Corporation, is being used to develop a new technique which is able to detect 'unhealthy' molecules present in the breath of a patient.
The technology is currently being tested at Wythenshawe Hospital's North West Lung Research Centre (NWLRC). The aim is to produce a device which will enable doctors to monitor patients with lung or respiratory conditions by simply asking them to breathe into it.
The microDMx sensor is based on a Differential Mobility Spectrometer (DMS) and is a significant advance over the current Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS) systems which are currently deployed in airports to detect minute traces of explosives or drugs. The microDMx sensor is able to identify molecules that may be the cause of lung diseases such as cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by smoking.
Dr Paul Thomas from the University's School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, who is leading the research, said: "Our vision is that one day we will be able to detect a previously undetectable tumour metabolising inside a human lung simply by asking a patient to breathe into a device like this. For now our aim to use the microDMx sensor to develop better instruments which will improve patient care and treatment.
"The potential is such that we will not only be able to provide more accurate diagnosis, but we will also be able to tailor treatments to the individual. For instance, if a patient is taking steroids for asthma, we would be able determine whether they were being given the right amount of steroids from the molecules in their breath which relate to the severity of the inflammation in their lungs."
NWLRC Consultant Dr Dave Singh, said: "This research could make dramatic improvements to the detection of lung diseases. We are really excited about the future possibilities for diagnosing diseases, and monitoring the response to treatment."
The microDMx sensor can be used to detect and analyse a broad spectrum of molecules associated with different conditions with extreme sensitivity. It can also be configured to block out molecules produced by common ailments such as sore throats or chesty coughs which may interfere with the accuracy of data.
"What is unique about this sensor, and the use of the microDMx technology, is the fact that it can be configured to not just analyse one disease or condition, but it has the potential to be used to analyse a broad spectrum of conditions from asthma, to cancer and metabolic disorders such as diabetes," says Dr Thomas.
Dr Thomas' research will form part of a new National Initiative in Ion Mobility Spectrometry (NIIMS), which aims to explore the use of IMS measurement within the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Alongside Professor Colin Creaser from Nottingham Trent University he will lead a consortium of experts and industrial partners, who will be evaluating DMS and IMS potential in areas such as high-speed separations of complex mixtures and structural characterisation of pharmaceuticals and biomolecules.
Pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca have already pledged their support for the NIIMS initiative, along with Micromass UK, committing £530K.
The University of Manchester
The technology is currently being tested at Wythenshawe Hospital's North West Lung Research Centre (NWLRC). The aim is to produce a device which will enable doctors to monitor patients with lung or respiratory conditions by simply asking them to breathe into it.
The microDMx sensor is based on a Differential Mobility Spectrometer (DMS) and is a significant advance over the current Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS) systems which are currently deployed in airports to detect minute traces of explosives or drugs. The microDMx sensor is able to identify molecules that may be the cause of lung diseases such as cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by smoking.
Dr Paul Thomas from the University's School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, who is leading the research, said: "Our vision is that one day we will be able to detect a previously undetectable tumour metabolising inside a human lung simply by asking a patient to breathe into a device like this. For now our aim to use the microDMx sensor to develop better instruments which will improve patient care and treatment.
"The potential is such that we will not only be able to provide more accurate diagnosis, but we will also be able to tailor treatments to the individual. For instance, if a patient is taking steroids for asthma, we would be able determine whether they were being given the right amount of steroids from the molecules in their breath which relate to the severity of the inflammation in their lungs."
NWLRC Consultant Dr Dave Singh, said: "This research could make dramatic improvements to the detection of lung diseases. We are really excited about the future possibilities for diagnosing diseases, and monitoring the response to treatment."
The microDMx sensor can be used to detect and analyse a broad spectrum of molecules associated with different conditions with extreme sensitivity. It can also be configured to block out molecules produced by common ailments such as sore throats or chesty coughs which may interfere with the accuracy of data.
"What is unique about this sensor, and the use of the microDMx technology, is the fact that it can be configured to not just analyse one disease or condition, but it has the potential to be used to analyse a broad spectrum of conditions from asthma, to cancer and metabolic disorders such as diabetes," says Dr Thomas.
Dr Thomas' research will form part of a new National Initiative in Ion Mobility Spectrometry (NIIMS), which aims to explore the use of IMS measurement within the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Alongside Professor Colin Creaser from Nottingham Trent University he will lead a consortium of experts and industrial partners, who will be evaluating DMS and IMS potential in areas such as high-speed separations of complex mixtures and structural characterisation of pharmaceuticals and biomolecules.
Pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca have already pledged their support for the NIIMS initiative, along with Micromass UK, committing £530K.
The University of Manchester
Chemical Warfare Current Events and Chemical Warfare News RSSStuff of stink bombs investigated for role in pregnancy
Scientists at the University of Leicester are investigating how the stuff of stink bombs and flatulence could play a critical role in the human reproductive system.
Researchers describe 'implausible' chemistry that produces herbicidal compound
A soil microbe that uses chemical warfare to fight off competitors employs an unusual chemical pathway in the manufacture of its arsenal, researchers report, making use of an enzyme that can do what no other enzyme is known to do: break a non-activated carbon-carbon bond in a single step.
Structure of enzyme against chemical warfare agents determined
The enzyme DFPase from the squid Loligo vulgaris, is able to rapidly and efficiently detoxify chemical warfare agents such as Sarin, which was used in the Tokyo subway attacks in 1995.
Researcher working on destruction of chemical weapons
America's war on terror includes fighting the dark side of deadly chemical agents, and Texas A&M University chemist Dr. Frank Raushel is helping with the fight by developing an enzyme that might neutralize one such chemical agent, the organophosphates.
Researchers probe geographical ties to ALS cases among 1991 Gulf War veterans
Researchers from Duke University, the University of Cincinnati (UC) and the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center are hoping to find a geographical pattern to help explain why 1991 Gulf War veterans contracted the fatal neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at twice the normal rate during the decade after the conflict.
Researcher discovers pathway plants use to fight back against pathogens
Plants are not only smart, but they also wage a good fight, according to a University of Missouri biochemist. Previous studies have shown that plants can sense attacks by pathogens and activate their defenses.
MIT gas sensor is tiny, quick
Engineers at MIT are developing a tiny sensor that could be used to detect minute quantities of hazardous gases, including toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents, much more quickly than current devices.
Amber specimen captures ancient chemical battle
It appears that chemical warfare has been around a lot longer than poison arrows, mustard gas or nerve weapons - about 100 million years, give or take a little.
Biosensor sniffs out explosives
Temple University School of Medicine researchers have developed a new biosensor that sniffs out explosives and could one day be used to detect landmines and deadly agents, such as sarin gas, according to a paper in the June issue of Nature Chemical Biology.
Diode laser could be vital for safeguarding aircraft
Terrorists can strike anywhere, at any time, and aircraft, both military and civilian, are targets for heat-seeking missiles, one of many tactics in use by groups hostile to the United States.
More Chemical Warfare Current Events and Chemical Warfare News Articles
 |
Chemical Warfare by The Alchemist The Alchemist is one of the most sought-after hip-hop producers in the genre today. His hard knocking drums and gritty east coast flavored rhythms have blessed the likes of Mobb Deep, Eminem, Nas, Snoop Dogg, and many others. This album was entirely produced by The Alchemist himself. |
 |
War of Nerves: Chemical Warfare from World War I to Al-Qaeda by Jonathan Tucker (Author) In this important and revelatory book, Jonathan Tucker, a leading expert on chemical and biological weapons, chronicles the lethal history of chemical warfare from World War I to the present. At the turn of the twentieth century, the rise of synthetic chemistry made the large-scale use of toxic chemicals on the battlefield both feasible and cheap. Tucker explores the long debate over the military utility and morality of chemical warfare, from the first chlorine gas attack at Ypres in 1915 to Hitler’s reluctance to use nerve agents (he believed, incorrectly, that the U.S. could retaliate in kind) to Saddam Hussein’s gassing of his own people, and concludes with the emergent threat of chemical terrorism. Moving beyond history to the twenty-first century, War of Nerves makes clear... |
![Chemical Warfare [Explicit]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51olWQfUpjL._SL160_.jpg) |
Chemical Warfare [Explicit] The Alchemist (Primary Contributor) |
 |
A Higher Form of Killing: The Secret History of Chemical and Biological Warfare by Robert Harris (Author), Jeremy Paxman (Author) A Higher Form of Killing opens with the first devastating battlefield use of lethal gas in World War I, and then investigates the stockpiling of biological weapons during World War II and in the decades afterward as well as the inhuman experiments con-ducted to test their effectiveness. This updated edition includes a new Introduction and a new final chapter exposing frightening developments in recent years, including the black market that emerged in chemical and biological weapons following the breakup of the Soviet Union, the acquisition of these weapons by various Third World states, the attempts of countries such as Iraq to build up arsenals, and--particularly and most recently--the use of these weapons in terrorist attacks. |
 |
Toxic Agents: Viruses and Chemical & Biological Warfare (The History Channel) Also With: Gayle Gilman (Producer), Susan Werbe (Producer), Charlie Maday (Producer), Margaret Kim (Producer), Mike Wallace (Primary Contributor) Viruses, bacterial diseases, biological and chemical warfare are thoroughly explored. Discover the long history of each and find out what new outbreaks are on the horizon. What are we doing to fight them? · A real-life Andromeda Strain! · 8 complete programs from the authoritative History Channel on a 2 disc set · Set exposes the myths surrounding chemical and biological warfare while alerting you to the real danger they present. Discover the world of viral killers, from the 1918 flu that killed 22 million people worldwide to modern-day outbreaks of AIDS, Ebola and hantavirus. These viral killers are brought on by profound changes in the environment and human behavior. Listen to scholars, scientists, researchers, physicians, and military historians as we navigate the cutting edge of... |
 |
Colors Of The Day: Thanks to the Chemical Warfare Service, G.I. Joe nw talks a new battle language - in color. ..... 1945 Camel Cigarettes Ad, A3054 This Item is an original Magazine ad, taken from a vintage magazine of the year indicated. The ad is suitable for framing and displaying in your home or office. The scan of this item was taken through plastic film, however it is an accurate representation of the item. The nominal size is 10.5 inches by 14 inches. |
|
Nightline: Chemical Warfare [VHS] Starring: Nightline | |
 |
Slave Chemical Warfare Complete Skateboard - 7.75 W/ Raw Trucks & White Wheels by Slave This is the perfect set up for any skateboarder. This pro skateboard ships assembled with raw silver Essentials trucks, white blank Essentials 52mm wheels, black skate strong hardware and ultra long lasting and fast Essentials Abec-3 bearings. |
 |
Slave Chemical Warfare Skateboard Deck - 7.75 by Slave This Slave Skateboard Deck is 7.75 inches wide. This is for a skateboard deck only, don't forget to add grip. |
 |
Chemical Warfare-Maryland Photographic Poster Print by Andreas Feininger, 24x32 by Art.com Chemical Warfare-Maryland is digitally printed on archival photographic paper resulting in vivid, pure color and exceptional detail that is suitable for any museum or gallery display. Finding that perfect piece to match your interest and style is easy and within your budget! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |