The Smartphone That Can Diagnose Diseases in Minutes

Phone 562x500
author profile picture

by Jessica Tabinor on

A portable smartphone lab which is being developed at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio has the potential to rapidly diagnose diseases through its custom-made app.

But how does it work? The patient puts a single-use plastic lab chip into their mouth whilst plugging the chip into a slot in the smartphone lab. The phones app will then use its accessory to test the saliva for viruses and diseases. The chip uses natural capillary action to draw a sample down two channels. One channel mixes the sample with freeze-dried detection antibodies. The other contains a freeze-dried luminescent material to read the results when the split samples combine again on three sensors.

The results can be reviewed within a matter of minutes as the device automatically transmits the results to the patient’s doctor via the smartphone app, providing an almost instant diagnosis.

Although it’s still in development, in a recent study published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, representatives from the University of Cincinnati have said that the device can test for HIV, Lyme disease or health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Professor Chong Ahn, from the UC and his research team, used the smartphone device to test for malaria, but it is claimed the device could be used for smart point of care testing for countless chronic or infectious diseases or to measure hormones related to stress.

He said:

“Right now, it takes several hours or even days to diagnose in a lab, even when people are showing symptoms. The disease can spread.”

“The performance is comparable to laboratory tests. The cost is cheaper. And it’s user-friendly,” Ahn added. “We wanted to make it simple so anyone could use it without training or support.”

UC doctoral student Sthitodhi Ghosh, the study’s lead author, said the biggest advancement in the device is in the novel design of its tiny channels that naturally draw the sample through the sensor arrays using capillary flow.

“The entire test takes place on the chip automatically. You don’t have to do anything."

Ghosh claimed that this device could be the future of personal healthcare.

If you're an organisation looking to attract the best talent or a candidate wanting to progress your career, then get in touch with Morson or browse our latest jobs here.

Cx Jobs

Stores Operative

Summary of Role:The post-holder will be a competent Stores Operative who is able to manage their own workload and work to deadlines to help achieve the overall objectives of the operations teamThe post-holder must have the ability to work within a team as well as individually. It is essential that the post-holder has a flexible attitude so that they can become a versatile, multi-skilled individual who has the ability to work across different areas of the Despatch departmentPrincipal responsibilitiesBooking transport for the movement of stock/materialsWrapping/packing of stock/materialsControl of stock rotation / material shelf lifeResponsible for stocktakingResponsible, as part of the Despatch team, for the daily management of stockEfficient measuring / monitoring of stock movements at all timesResponsible, as part of the Despatch team, for the control of inventoryWorking effectively to plan and distribute daily workloadCompleting necessary reporting as required/when requestedProactive thinking with regards to waste reduction, and how costs can be minimisedResponsible for the despatching of finished goodsWithin the Despatch team assist in the Managing the Material Control, GI & Tool storesDemonstrating commitment to Lean principles and Continuous Improvement at all timesCompleting relevant KPI reportingAbility to monitor min/max stocking, JIT, consignment stocking and direct line feedThe Post holder is expected to work flexibly within the role. It is expected for the post holder to carry out activities for which they are competent. Additionally, the post holder will also carry out additional duties upon request from Team Leaders, Senior Cell Leaders and/or Senior ManagementQualifications/ExperiencePrevious store experience, ideally in a manufacturing environmentKnowledge and understanding of stores/stock control systemsComputer literate (primarily Microsoft Office applications)Any previous experience of cost control would be highly beneficialUnderstanding and/or knowledge of Epicor system would be highly beneficialEffective communicator at all levelsWell organized, with excellent attention to detailAbility to work on own initiative

 Steering Systems Design Engineer

Currently recruiting for a Steering Systems Design Engineer for a well known automotive client.The role will involve: Ensuring all milestones and KPIs are metSupplier testing/reports I submitted and managed appropriatelyEnsuring that costs (piece price, vendor tooling) are managed reported into the business correctlyAll quality concerns are addressed and managed appropriately within/throughout the business, identifying records and countermeasuresCommodity/Project management (management of suppliers)Support the plant with any concerns raised and trial buildDesign release/design reviews/ BOM managementResponsibilitiesBe the EPS technical lead on some European projectsLife-cycle/service and the developmentTravel requirementsCandidate will be required to travel periodically within Europe and occasionally abroad; For supplier visit and design meetingsTraining to othersCandidates will be expected to share knowledge within the team and sometimes train/ mentor othersGood experience in the specific commodity (steering)Specific experience on our steering (Electric)Be able to operate CANalyzer software or similarMust have good knowledge of control theoryGood FTA experience / Root cause analysisComputer literate, the ability to use Microsoft office to a high level.

 Senior Project Manager (healthcare)

Senior PM, Contract (Inside IR35) , OxfordWe are currently recruiting for a Senior Project Manager to work on our Clients Science, Healthcare and Infrastructure projects that range from £20m to in excess of £250m.Job Responsibilities:You will need to be from a consultancy or healthcare client organisation with the ability to undertake a lead role on small projects or work with an Associate or Director, leading on a significant component of a large project. The role would cover the whole project lifecycle from initial inception and business case development, through the design, procurement process, site delivery, commissioning phase and defects management.Key Experience:Understanding of building technologySite experienceAbility to ask questions of designers to understand how solutions will be built.Understanding of the roles of different parties and how these roles change over the life of the project.Working knowledge of the differences between different forms of procurement.Working knowledge of HSE issues and legal obligations of parties and able to facilitate discussions on these topics. Minimum RequirementsKnowledge and experience of the Healthcare, Science or Infrastructure sector (including current issues and business drivers) and local construction market.Knowledge and experience of the NHS Business Case Approval ProcessDemonstrable experience initiating a project inclusive of defining effective project processesExperienced in a Client management role - Able to manage the account in terms of projects that are 'live', plus seeking new opportunities.Ability to present to a large groupChairing and taking accurate notes of meetingsChange Management processExcellent communication and organisational skillsHighly motivated and with excellent industry networkJCT Contract AdministrationNEC 3/4 Contract Administration (Accreditation a positive)Lead Risk Management experience (Workshop, compile and maintain accurate risk registers)Robust Stakeholder Management processStrong Project Management process Preferred QualificationsProfessional Qualification - ideally Project Management/ Construction/Engineering/Quantity Surveying Master's DegreeChartered Status with the RICS, CIOB, RIBA, ICE or other equivalent institutionAPM affiliation preferred (as secondary accreditation)Prince 2 or MSP experience is desirable but not essential

Defence Programme Planner and Scheduler

Morson Talent are currently looking to recruit a Project Planner and Scheduler to work for our Aerospace/Defence Client within a team across the Fixed Wing Portfolio of Programmes and Projects.This role will be based at their Bristol office with some opportunity for remote working. Working closely with Programme Managers, you will work across our Client's businesses, entities and countries, requiring flexibility to accommodate global time zones. This position will suit someone with significant experience in both scheduling and coaching and guiding others who is able to overcome challenges and find solutions. Responsibilities * Executing role in accordance with the planning and scheduling processes and tools * Developing planning strategies for proposals and programme execution * Coaching mid level and junior members of the planning and scheduling team within the portfolio * Working with campaign and programme teams to develop planning artefacts including WBS, RAM, High level flow, Master Summary Schedule, Master Assumptions list * Creation and maintenance of integrated schedules to meet the programme requirements * Undertaking Schedule risk analysis and applying schedule risk reserve * Review of metrics for schedules and change activities across the lifecycle of a programme * Identifying, analysing and reporting performance variances to management and working with teams to develop performance recovery plans and incorporate recovery plans into schedules where appropriate Preferred Knowledge and Skills * The ideal candidate will already be familiar with scheduling tools including Open Plan or P6, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and SharePoint * Certification in Planning or Scheduling or equivalent experience
Skills and qualifications needed for a career in cyber security

Advertisement