Parasites and the microbiome

Parasite infections are a constant presence for many people who live in tropical regions, particularly in less industrialized areas. These often chronic conditions are at best unpleasant; more seriously, children with parasite diseases that cause diarrhea can die of malnutrition or dehydration. In Genome Biology, a study led by University of Pennsylvania scientists investigated the…

Rapid chip medical tests prototyped for premature babies

Scientists at the University of Southampton’s Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics are developing a rapid bedside test for diagnosing neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (nRDS) in premature babies. The photonic platform combines the complementary capabilities of fingerprint Mid-IR and Raman spectroscopies to create a compact, versatile and easily operable device that could underpin a range…