ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Health → Diseases

New, tiny device can extract clean DNA material within minutes

Tibi PuiubyTibi Puiu
May 8, 2013
in Diseases, Genetics, Research
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit
Hand-held device for extracting DNA. (c) UW/NanoFacture/KNR
Hand-held device for extracting DNA. (c) UW/NanoFacture/KNR

The human genome has been sequenced a mere few years ago, and since then a great deal of advancements have been made in the field. This is extremely important since in the future, personalized medicine needs each individual’s genetic markup such that treatment may get the most effective punch or diseases and afflictions might be avoided altogether.

The DNA sequencing industry is growing rapidly, having turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. Since the turn of the new millennium, however, a lot of companies have seen rapid growth, only to plummet at the hand of counter effective technology.

Collecting and sequencing DNA is still expensive, too expensive for gross use at least. That may soon change. For instance, University of Washington engineers and NanoFacture, a Bellevue, Wash., company, have recently unveiled a small, light-weight device that can allegedly collect viable DNA material for samples in mere minutes, instead of hours – all without risking damaging the DNA itself as is the case with current methods.

“It’s very complex to extract DNA,” said Jae-Hyun Chung, a UW associate professor of mechanical engineering who led the research. “When you think of the current procedure, the equivalent is like collecting human hairs using a construction crane.”

Chung isn’t overreacting at all. Current methods rely on centrifuges and chemical solutions, some of which are toxic, to extract DNA. Micro-filters that strain DNA from the bulk fluid is also commonly used. These methods are slow and expensive, however.

The UW device is comprised of tiny, microscopic probing tips that dip into a fluid sample – saliva, sputum or blood – and apply an electric field within the liquid. The field guides particles towards the surface of the probing tips, however larger ones bounces away while DNA molecules stick. Using this method, it takes only 2-3 minutes to purify and separate DNA. The researchers claim they can scale the technology to analyse 96 samples at a time, which is standard for large-scale handling.

A miniature version, the size and shape of a pen, has also been developed which patients can use to swipe saliva at home and ship them to hospitals where their DNA is readily separated and collected for analysis, without having to leave their homes.

Combined with other recent efforts geared towards cheap sequencing, the technology developed by Chung and colleagues might lend a great hand in the strive to form a huge medical DNA database to battle diseases.

RelatedPosts

Scientists Blasted Human Cells With 5G Radiation and the Results Are In
Scientist decode the largest genome so far – and it belongs to the axolotl
Lifeless prions are capable of evolution
Origin of life a fluke? Study suggests more’s at play than just randomness

[source University of Washington]

Tags: dnadna sequencinggenomehuman genome

ShareTweetShare
Tibi Puiu

Tibi Puiu

Tibi is a science journalist and co-founder of ZME Science. He writes mainly about emerging tech, physics, climate, and space. In his spare time, Tibi likes to make weird music on his computer and groom felines. He has a B.Sc in mechanical engineering and an M.Sc in renewable energy systems.

Related Posts

Genetics

UK Families Welcome First Healthy Babies Born With DNA From Three People

byTudor Tarita
5 days ago
ozzy osbourne in concert
Genetics

Ozzy Osbourne’s Genes Really Were Wired for Alcohol and Addiction

byMihai Andrei
6 days ago
Biology

The Strangest Microbe Ever Found Straddles The Line Between Life and Non-Life

byTudor Tarita
4 weeks ago
Health

Herpes Virus Hijacks Human DNA Within Just an Hour of Infection

byTudor Tarita
1 month ago

Recent news

ancient map 400 years old with China at its center

The 400-Year-Old, Million-Dollar Map That Put China at the Center of the World

July 29, 2025

Stuttering Has Deep Genetic Roots and May Affect Your Ability to Clap to a Beat

July 29, 2025
a tall building made from timber

What If We Built Our Skyscrapers from Wood? It’s Just Crazy Enough to Work (And Good for the Planet)

July 29, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.