Suitcase-Sized Device to Detect Anthrax on the Anvil

A suitcase-sized device to detect anthrax, which normally requires a full-sized lab and take days to detect, has been developed by researchers at Cornell University.

Anthrax is an infectious disease due to a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis and it affects both humans and other animals. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs.

Anthrax - Bacillus - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and spreads when the anthrax spores are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin lesion on a host.

The so-called microfluidic device has fluid-pumping, power and computation equipment nicely packed into a 1 centimetre by 3-centimetre space, reports Discovery News.

It integrates sample purification and real-time DNA analysis chambers as well.

The detector only needs a small biological sample. Insert the sample and the machine automatically picks up cells and separates the DNA, which is then analysed in real-time.

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NHS Borders has confirmed that no traces of anthrax have been found at Mr.Norris's home but minute traces of anthrax have been found in other properties

With this system, tests can be done in the field more quickly and easily, and the inventors claim it can detect anthrax even if only a few dozen spores are present.

The discovery was published in the International Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

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Source-ANI