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

Home → Science → News

Scientists are working on a biosensor that detects COVID-19 and the flu at the same time

The novel testing kit would work with only a saliva sample.

Tibi PuiubyTibi Puiu
June 26, 2020
in Health, News
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit
This sensor is the size of a micro USB drive and is capable of testing for influenza and COVID-19 simultaneously. Credit: Dmitry Kireev, University of Texas at Austin.

We’ve said it before, and we’re saying it again now: COVID-19 is much more dangerous than the flu. However, the two viral infections share some symptoms, such as fever and cough. In anticipation of the upcoming flu season in autumn and winter, researchers at the University of Texas are now working on a sensor that can differentiate between the two types of viruses from a single sample.

Having the flu during the pandemic can be confusing and downright scary since some of the symptoms overlap. Do you quarantine yourself because you’re not sure what’s going on? Do you go straight to the hospital to get a test, where you might actually risk contracting a coronavirus infection?

Researchers at the University of Texas are working on a dual test that might dispel such concerns, potentially saving millions in tax dollars and many man-hours for medical personnel.

“With a second wave of the coronavirus likely to appear right as we get into flu season, there’s an urgent need for diagnostics that can differentiate between COVID-19 and influenza,” said Deji Akinwande, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Previously, Akinwande and colleagues created a graphene-based biosensor that accurately detects iron deficiency in children. Graphene, the atom-thick sheet of carbon arranged in a honeycomb-shaped lattice, is very sensitive to charged particles. When combined with anti-ferritin antibodies, the biosensor becomes reactive to that one biomolecule.

Graphene is so sensitive that it can even detect tiny biomolecules, such as viruses.

“It became clear that just by changing the antibody, we could pivot the platform to focus on the coronavirus,” Akinwande said.

The dual test would be infused with antibodies of both the coronavirus and influenza, with one side being sensitive to COVID-19, while the other side reacts only to the flu.

The sensor, which is no larger than a micro USB drive, would save precious resources and save time for medical personnel. It would also reduce the usage of nasal swabs, currently in short supply.

RelatedPosts

The pandemic is hitting lower-income American workers the most
Vaccination starts with pregnancy, for everyone’s good health
Anti-COVID-19 measures could lead to large, delayed outbreaks of other diseases if we don’t prepare
Hamsters confirm — face masks work against the coronavirus

Although there have been no sanctioned experiments yet, the research team plans on initially using inactive samples of coronavirus and influenza for their first tests. These early results will determine how well the sensor can connect to the coronavirus’ spike protein, which it uses to bind to human cells and cause infection.

If the prototype is proven effective, mass production will be ramped up as soon as the researchers find a suitable partner. For now, the dual test is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Tags: coronavirusCOVID-19fluinfluenza

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

Biology

This Chewing Gum Can Destroy 95 Percent of Flu and Herpes Viruses

byRupendra Brahambhatt
4 weeks ago
Diseases

That 2022 Hepatitis Outbreak in Kids? It Was Apparently COVID

byMihai Andrei
1 month ago
Genetics

Finally, mRNA vaccines against cancer are starting to become a reality

byMihai Andrei
2 months ago
Health

America’s Flu Crisis Is a Public Health Disaster in the Making

byMihai Andrei
3 months ago

Recent news

This Superbug Learned How to Feed on Plastic from Hospitals

May 20, 2025

China’s Tiangong space station has some bacteria that are unknown to science

May 20, 2025

Hidden Communication Devices Found in Chinese-Made Inverters Could Put U.S. Electrical Grid at Risk

May 20, 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.