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Fluorescent biosensors light up high-throughput metabolic engineering

Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors allow researchers to visualize the formation of valuable products in real-time and test billions of candidates at a time. This breakthrough enables efficient identification of the most productive microbes for fine chemicals, therapeutics, and biofuels production.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2016

New technology uses smartphones and paper to analyze samples

A new study presents a portable smartphone-based detection system using a paper sensor that produces strong signals to detect pesticide thiram. The system integrates nanoparticles, a mini-laser, an optical filter, and software that runs on Android, giving reliable and accurate detection readings at low concentrations.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 15, 2015

New Ebola test could help curb disease spread

A new Ebola test using magnetic nanoparticles is 100 times more sensitive than current tests and easier to use, enabling faster isolation of patients and prevention of disease spread. This technology has potential applications in diagnosing other infectious diseases like flu and detecting tumors.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateSep 9, 2015

Picture this -- biosecurity seen from the inside

Researchers have developed a fluorescent hormone biosensor that reveals the dynamics of jasmonate signalling in plants, allowing for the imaging of plant defence mechanisms in real time. This breakthrough enables the study of how plants coordinate their defence responses to mechanical damage and disease.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2015

New absorber will lead to better biosensors

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new nanostructure that absorbs a very narrow spectrum of light, enhancing the sensitivity of biosensors. This ultranarrow band absorber can detect smaller changes in the environment and has been shown to exceed 90% absorption at visible frequencies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Graphene sensor tracks down cancer biomarkers

A graphene biosensor has been developed to detect cancer risk biomarkers, such as 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), with high sensitivity and speed. The sensor is capable of detecting concentrations as low as 0.1 ng mL-1, outperforming conventional detection methods.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateSep 19, 2014

New disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery

A new disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery by monitoring intestinal movements. The device, AbStats, uses sound waves to measure the rate of acoustic events in the intestines, allowing doctors to make evidence-based decisions about post-operative feeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateAug 7, 2014

Building 'smart' cell-based therapies

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new technology to modify human cells for programmable therapeutics that can target cancer and disease sites. The Modular Extracellular Sensor Architecture (MESA) enables cells to sense specific factors and respond with customized gene expression programs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateApr 17, 2014

Salmonella sensing system

A novel design uses a magnetoelastic biosensor and surface-scanning coil detector to detect Salmonella on food surfaces, enabling real-time testing of food and processing plant equipment. This handheld device can be used in agricultural fields or processing plants to quickly identify contaminated surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 18, 2013

Detecting cocaine 'naturally'

A team of researchers has adapted natural mechanisms to detect specific molecules like cocaine more accurately and quickly. The new biosensor responds optimally even with a large concentration window, paving the way for applications in cancer-targeting drugs and administration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 12, 2013

Sensor detects glucose in saliva and tears for diabetes testing

Researchers have developed a non-invasive biosensor that can detect minute concentrations of glucose in saliva, tears, and urine, with the potential to reduce the frequency of pinprick testing for diabetes. The sensor uses graphene nanosheets and platinum nanoparticles, enabling it to distinguish between glucose and other compounds.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 23, 2012

Diagnostics for viruses a step closer to reality

Scientists at the University of Leeds create a biosensor technology that can detect Adenovirus viruses, identify individual strains, and count virus particles. This breakthrough could lead to faster, simpler, and less costly testing for viruses, ultimately benefiting patients.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 14, 2012