MASSACHUSETTS, US: The scientists have invented a low cost light that can detect Ebola in blood samples within 30 minutes.
Experts say the shoebox-sized gadget can be operated by anyone, and could be shipped to west Africa to help monitor the spread of the disease. It works by reflecting light, and has been shown to be effective in spotting the Ebola virus.
One of the big problems hindering containment of Ebola is the cost and difficulty of diagnosing the disease when a patient is first seen, researchers say.
Conventional fluorescent label-based virus detection methods require expensive lab equipment, significant sample preparation, transport and processing times, and extensive training to use.
The Boston University team has spent the past five years advancing its solution. They say the device could be used to diagnose Ebola and other hemorrhagic fever diseases in resource-limited countries.
The first demonstration of the concept, described in the American Chemical Society journal Nano Letters in 2010 and developed by an ENG research group led by Selim Ünlü, a professor of biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and materials science and engineering, in collaboration with Bennett Goldberg, a College of Arts & Sciences professor of physics, showed the ability to pinpoint and size single H1N1 virus particles.
