Immune Sensor

The US has had universal genetic testing since 1970—in the form of neonate screening for about four dozen inherited diseases.  It’s a low-cost screen, but researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine may have an even less expensive approach.  Their device, called an integrated microfluidics-waveguide sensor, sorts and measures white cells in a blood sample.   The original aim was to determine primary immunodeficiencies—e.g. the so-called “Bubbly Boy Disease,” or x-Linked SCID—in newborns. But, in fact, many diseases and conditions among all ages are indicated by white blood cell counts, and this device only cost $60 in materials.  MORE

Image Credit:  Manish Butte and Stanford University School of Medicine