Thursday, August 8, 2013

UW, GE Team To Develop Device To Detect Infections

Scientists at the University of Washington have teamed up with GE Global Research to work on developing paper-based, disposable devices for detecting infection and disease, the two announced Thursday. According to the two, they've developed a new medical device which detects infectious disease via a simple nasal swab, in less than an hour, which is being aimed at use in remote areas without access to medical diagnostics equipment. The new technology is based on DNA sequencing and paper strips which turn color depending on a diagnosis. The companies said the research is being developed as part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program. GE Global Research is the research and development arm of GE. The two said the project is being funded via an 18-month, $9.6 million grant from the DARPA. plus Seattle Children's, Epoch Biosciences, and PATH.