I was more than a little surprised to read that there's an X Prize in the works for a fast inexpensive tuberculosis test. Years ago, we heard of tests that could detect ridiculously attenuated molecular concentrations. DNA detection arrays have also been around for years. Many other approaches have been developed to detect a wide variety of molecules, including sensors that can detect single molecules.
The world badly needs a TB test that is quick, inexpensive, and can be used in low-tech environments. But apparently, such a test is still so far away that no one even knows how to design it: instead of simply funding the development of a suitable test, the Gates Foundation is planning to fund a $10 million prize for whoever can develop a suitable test.
So why, with all the techniques of modern nanotechnology, is it so hard to identify a few relevant molecules and develop a quick inexpensive test for them? I'm honestly puzzled by this.
It seems there are $5 DNA tests and several programs to get them deployed. Plus there are cheaper, faster and more sensitive tests on the way. Perhaps there are some situations where they will not work ?
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-07/2008-07-01-voa6.cfm?CFID=298056391&CFTOKEN=65066583&jsessionid=8830485addef8d1612791a3c516b1a462433
In 2008, The World Health Organization and a number of global health partners announced the $26.1 million initiative to begin converting laboratories in more than two-dozen of the poorest nations from molecular-based testing to genetics testing for tuberculosis.
The DNA test, called a "line probe assay," could tell clinicians within a day whether someone is infected with a strain of tuberculosis that is resistant to the more common antibiotic drugs so more aggressive therapy can be started.
Current TB tests involving a culture can take weeks to months to process, at a time when the number of cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, or MDR-TB, is growing.
Rick O'Brien is head of project evaluation for FIND, a Geneva-based organization that developed the rapid TB test for clinical use and is now helping countries to prepare to use the new laboratory technology.
"We see this test as having the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of MDR-TB and make a significant contribution to controlling this expanding and critical epidemic," he said.
The initiative follows field trials of the DNA test in South Africa which showed that it performed as well or better than the old-fashioned method of diagnosing TB with a microscope.
Officials says each DNA test costs an average of five dollars, and it takes about one week to train a laboratory technician. A pilot project was conducted in Lesotho, which officials say now has a state-of-the-art laboratory system.
recently - new DNA nanosensors
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23575/
Posted by: Brian Wang | October 05, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Hoping that you can find the solution
http://www.craigspr.org
Posted by: sharon | October 07, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Seems like your CAPTCHA is no longer protecting you from auto-spammers.
Sharon, Papers Research, and Linear Actuators are likely all bots...or at best 3rd world wage slaves entering CAPTCHAs for bots.
Posted by: Tom Craver | October 12, 2009 at 05:02 PM