Molecular Nanoswitches May Help to Diagnose Diseases

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          Biomedical engineers at UC Santa Barbara and the University of Rome have recently developed a quick method to diagnose diseases using a technique similar to the body's own sensing mechanisms.The scientists created synthetic molecular nanoswitches which can detect and signal the presence of certain molecules much like the receptor proteins on cell membranes.These nanoswitches can signal the presence of certain molecules via a change in electric current which can easily be measured on cheap electronics. For example, using this technique the researchers were able to detect the presence of anti-HIV antibodies in a matter of minutes. The switches are capable of detecting dozens of different disease markers, including STDs, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

          This breakthrough could have huge benefits once it gets to market (which may take several years) because it would greatly reduce the time required to diagnose diseases and allow patients to get treatment sooner. Whereas today blood samples must be sent to a lab, analyzed, and the results sent back to the doctor's office before the patient can be diagnosed, hopefully in the future this new technology will allow patients and doctors to start discussing treatment options within a matter of minutes.