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Tiny, portable 'laboratories' sort germs using electricity


//science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. e-laboratories-sort-germs-using-electricity.html
Published in Science and Technology on by Live Science   Print publication without navigation

Pathogens have distinct electrical charges, shapes and sizes. Measuring how quickly they move through an electric field can help researchers separate different species in a sample in minutes.

The article from Live Science discusses a groundbreaking development in medical diagnostics where researchers have created tiny, portable laboratories capable of sorting germs using electricity. These devices, known as microfluidic chips, utilize electric fields to separate different types of bacteria and viruses based on their unique electrical properties. This technology could revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics by allowing for rapid identification of pathogens directly at the site of care, such as in a doctor's office or even at home, without the need for large, expensive lab equipment. The chips work by applying an electric field that causes different microbes to move at varying speeds due to their size, shape, and surface charge, effectively sorting them. This innovation promises to enhance the speed and accessibility of diagnosing infections, potentially leading to quicker treatment and better outcomes in managing infectious diseases.

Read the Full Live Science Article at:
[ https://www.livescience.com/health/tiny-portable-laboratories-sort-germs-using-electricity ]

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