The malaria doctor in a box

• Autores: Cat Ferguson
• Localización: New scientist, ISSN 0262-4079, Nº. 2933, 2013, pág. 20
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Detecting malaria in blood samples is relatively simple--but the equipment that does it is often far too expensive to be practical for communities in developing countries. A device called Amplino, developed by a group of Dutch "biohackers" puts cutting-edge diagnostics in a shoebox-sized package that costs just $250. Microscopy is the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, but requires trained staff and a clinic. With a finger prick, Amplino can identify almost anyone with malaria within 20 minutes, even people who are infected and don't have symptoms. Each test only costs about $1 and it can also tell what strain is responsible, which standard field tests cannot. An Internet connection allows public health groups and governments to track outbreaks and act quickly to combat them.