NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop paper-based diagnostic tool for infectious disease detection
2 June 2025 11:10
ABU DHABI (WAM)A team of scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi has developed a breakthrough paper-based diagnostic device that can detect COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in under 10 minutes, without the need for sophisticated lab equipment or trained personnel.The Radially Compartmentalized Paper Chip (RCP-Chip), engineered by researchers at the Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab), offers a fast, affordable, and portable solution for on-site screening of infectious diseases.The RCP-Chip has been developed to detect even minute traces of viral genetic material using a droplet of fluid and a visible color change.It operates without electricity or special equipment, needing just a source of mild heat at around 65°C, similar to the temperature of warm water.The research is detailed in a paper titled Single-Layer Radially Compartmentalized Paper Chip (RCP-Chip) for Rapid Isothermal Multiplex Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Gene Targets, published in the journal Advanced Sensor Research. The study reports the development and validation of the RCP-Chip as a rapid, multiplexed diagnostic platform for infectious disease detection suitable for low-resource settings.NYUAD Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering and senior author Mohammad A. Qasaimeh said, 'The RCP-Chip is designed for real-world impact. It can be reconfigured to detect other infectious diseases, making it a powerful tool for global health.'
'This is a fast, affordable, lab-free test that detects multiple gene targets in under 10 minutes,' said NYUAD Research Assistant and co-first author of the study Pavithra Sukumar. 'What makes it truly impactful is its real-world potential. This portable test could significantly improve outbreak response by enabling faster isolation, treatment, and control.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
3 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
SRTI Park and Doctory launch smart medical bag for Hajj pilgrims
Innovation designed for real-world pilgrimage challenges The Hajj season presents a critical opportunity to test practical health innovations. 'Masand' is a portable smart medical bag that integrates cutting-edge diagnostic tools, enabling fast, efficient health assessments in demanding environments. This solution was designed to address the specific healthcare needs of pilgrims during Hajj, where timely medical response is crucial. Built in SoiLAB: A hub for advanced medical prototyping Developed through collaboration between Doctory's experts and SoiLAB's engineering team, the bag uses technologies such as 3D printing, additive manufacturing, laser cutting, and custom circuit design. The partnership reflects SRTI Park's position as a nexus for innovation, where academia, government, and industry converge to build life-enhancing products. Enabling health innovation through partnership Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, emphasized the importance of collaboration: 'Doctory's innovative products, designed within SoiLAB, are a model of health innovation. This project reflects our commitment to empowering creative and innovative companies to turn their ideas into tangible solutions that improve lives.' He further highlighted the Park's goal of fostering an environment where healthcare innovation thrives, backed by advanced research facilities, technical expertise, and investor support. 'Masand' brings mobile healthcare to the forefront The 'Masand' bag can connect patients remotely with a network of medical professionals, making it an essential tool in regions with limited healthcare access. During the current Hajj season, it has gained recognition from medical and regulatory authorities for effectively managing emergency cases at holy sites—affirming its real-world value. A legacy of successful innovation at SRTI Park This is not the first health innovation to emerge from SRTI Park. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Park supported the production of protective masks using advanced lab processes. It also led initiatives like the development of smart prosthetic limbs. The 'Masand' project continues this legacy of meaningful, impact-driven innovation. Doctory's vision: From concept to solution Osama Shamsi Pasha, Co-Founder and COO of Doctory, shared his perspective on the collaboration: 'The 'Masand' medical bag represents a significant leap in mobile healthcare, made possible by the advanced innovation environment and world-class team at SoiLAB.' He noted previous successful collaborations, such as the 'Doctory Chair,' as further proof that SRTI Park is a prime destination for testing and launching innovative health technologies. SoiLAB: Sharjah's engine for future health tech SoiLAB serves as the prototyping and innovation hub of SRTI Park. It supports startups, researchers, and industry with capabilities ranging from 3D printing (metals, polymers, and concrete) to electronics manufacturing, textiles, robotics, and digital fabrication. This environment helps transform bold concepts into real-world devices, particularly in the health tech space. Positioning Sharjah as a regional health innovation leader By fostering collaborations like the one with Doctory, SRTI Park continues to attract healthcare innovators and medical diagnostic companies. It offers a flexible, resource-rich environment for research and manufacturing—strengthening Sharjah's role as a key exporter of advanced medical technology across the region and beyond.
Al Etihad
8 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Saudi Arabia announces successful first trial of drone-based medicine delivery at holy sites
7 June 2025 16:29 MINA (WAM)Saudi Arabia announced the successful pilot launch of drone-based medicine delivery between primary healthcare centres and hospitals at the holy sites, marking a significant milestone and a first-of-its-kind initiative, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Saturday. The project aims to enhance the efficiency of healthcare services provided to pilgrims during the 1446 Hajj achievement was made possible through active collaboration between the Makkah Health Cluster and the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), which jointly ensured the supply of medicines and medical equipment to the holy sites using initiative is designed to accelerate response times and support healthcare operations by delivering medicines and medical supplies during Hajj. In one key instance, Mina Emergency Hospital received a drone delivery of ice packs used for treating heat exhaustion and sunstroke, as part of intensified preparedness efforts coinciding with the start of the stoning ritual on the first day of Eid Al-Adha. The initiative aligns with the healthcare system's commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment that enables pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and comfort. It also reflects efforts to deliver world-class healthcare services in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
UAE sets global benchmark in peaceful nuclear energy development
6 June 2025 20:12 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE continues to cement its status as a global role model in developing a peaceful nuclear energy programme that adheres to the highest standards of safety, transparency, and international comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to reliable energy sources that can support the transition to climate the outset, the UAE adopted a collaborative and open approach, forging robust international partnerships, most notably with the Republic of Korea and the United States, to drive forward its nuclear Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the international stature of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy highlighted the country's success in developing a global model for integrating nuclear power into a diverse and innovative energy Hammadi noted that this achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of the UAE, a clearly defined roadmap, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, underpinned by strong international statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hammadi added that the UAE has been a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination within the nuclear energy sector. He pointed to the country's significant efforts in this vital field, which culminated during the COP28 with over 30 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the drive toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and banks worldwide committed to supporting this ambitious also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation between the UAE and the US, which addresses the demands of the modern era and its rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data Hammadi emphasised that securing clean and reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, is essential to support initiatives like the ''Stargate UAE'' project. Launched by a consortium of tech companies, the initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI their part, key UAE entities, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), play a central role in advancing the UAE's nuclear programme. Through a robust network of strategic and technical international partnerships, these institutions have facilitated knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and the development of specialised human with the Republic of Korea has served as the cornerstone for the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Over time, this partnership has expanded to include new investment opportunities in international ventures, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).On the regulatory front, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capacity building. These ties are further strengthened through regular meetings to monitor technological advancements and regulatory the United States, the UAE has signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing nuclear innovation and sustainability. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah Nuclear Energy UAE has also partnered with TerraPower to support the development of advanced reactors, and signed an MoU with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology part of its efforts to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE is actively exploring avenues of cooperation with China in the development and operation of nuclear power plants, both domestically and in third countries. Areas of collaboration include the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply chains, and investment parallel, FANR has strengthened its ties with counterpart agencies through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global nuclear a move that underscores the expanding international footprint of the UAE's nuclear programme, ENEC has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania. As part of the agreement, the UAE will support the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Romania, backed by an investment of $275 UAE continues to affirm its leadership as a regional model for countries pursuing nuclear energy as a strategic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded the first bilateral cooperation initiative in the nuclear regulatory industry. The cooperation follows the 2019 agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the two was followed by regulatory partnerships focused on exchanging expertise, enhancing legislative frameworks, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Further expanding its regional outreach, the UAE and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28. The MoU sets the framework to explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing the use of peaceful nuclear energy and knowledge exchange.
