Logo

Detecting the Small Stuff

Oct 05, 2009

A cheap nanoscale detector for bacteria could be available in a few years, says Technology Review. The University of Rochester Medical Center's Benjamin Miller developed a sensor that combines a hairpin complementary DNA, a fluorescent tag, and a gold film. "The DNA stays folded over until a target genetic sequence links to it. Its unfolding results in the fluorescent molecule moving away from the gold film and glowing, which can be seen under a fluorescent microscope," the article notes. Diagnosis of infections could then take 15 minutes to two hours.

Breaking News
The Scan

Could Cost Billions

NBC News reports that the new Alzheimer's disease drug from Biogen could cost Medicare in the US billions of dollars.

Not Quite Sent

The Biden Administration likely won't meet its goal of sending 80 million SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses abroad by the end of the month, according to the Washington Post.

DTC Regulation Proposals

A new report calls on UK policymakers to review direct-to-consumer genetic testing regulations, the Independent reports.

PNAS Papers on Mosquito MicroRNAs, Acute Kidney Injury, Trichothiodystrophy

In PNAS this week: microRNAs involved in Aedes aegypti reproduction, proximal tubule cell response to kidney injury, and more.