A sensor that can “see” and “feel” airborne viruses could help contain the spread of epidemics, say Swiss scientists who have developed a device that sends alerts when it detects high concentrations of Covid-19.
The biosensor uses receptors engraved with the “fingerprint” of specific strands of RNA (a single strand of genetic material as opposed to the DNA double strand), which are unique to each virus. The sensor only scores a match when it comes into contact with the virus it is looking for, and is precise enough that it can tell the difference between the 2003 SARS virus and the current novel coronavirus.
To back up this “visual” match, the sensor also tests the temperature of the virus strands as they hit the receptors. When the correct virus comes into contact, it results in a thermal reaction that can also be measured to confirm the initial findings of the sensor.
The device was developed by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in collaboration with Zurich’s Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ). The team was already working on a sensor to detect airborne viruses and bacteria. Now they have shown that it can be calibrated to reliably detect Covid-19.
The biosensor could be deployed in public spaces, such as hospitals or train stations, to detect high concentrations of specific viruses in the air. This could help the authorities to limit infections by keeping people away from such areas.
While it would be a complementary method to established lab tests, rather than a replacement, the designers of the biosensor say that their method offers improvements on existing means of detecting viruses. However, the device is not yet ready for use in public spaces.
“A number of developmental steps are still needed to do this – for example, a system that draws in the air, concentrates the aerosols in it and releases the RNA from the viruses,” reads a media statementExternal link.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Legal action filed against Swiss purchase of Israeli drones
This content was published on
Legal action aims to put an end to the delivery of the six Elbit reconnaissance drones already plagued by delays and setbacks.
Higher direct payments fail to curb scrub encroachment on alpine pastures
This content was published on
The scrub encroachment on Swiss alpine pastures leads to the loss of grassland and damages the typical landscape. It is also responsible for the decline in biodiversity. Despite higher direct payments, the bushes continue to spread.
Head of Swiss financial regulator’s Banks division quits
This content was published on
Thomas Hirschi, head of the Banks division of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA will leave at the end of August.
Swiss population satisfied with life according to survey
This content was published on
In a survey, the population of German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland expressed general satisfaction with their lives. Respondents were less happy with politics and their personal finances, according to the online comparison service Moneyland.
WHO ‘extremely concerned’ about growing vaccination scepticism
This content was published on
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccination scepticism and a collapse in funding for vaccination campaigns pose a major threat to the health of the world's population.
High-net-worth individuals prioritise well-being over material possessions
This content was published on
The priorities of wealthy private individuals have shifted against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. While spending on luxury goods is declining, demand for travel and experiences is unabated.
Swiss researchers sequence genome of 1918 Spanish flu virus
This content was published on
Researchers from the Universities of Basel and Zurich (UZH) have sequenced the genome of the Spanish flu virus, thanks to a sample taken from an 18-year-old Swiss boy who died in the city on the Limmat in 1918, when the pandemic spread around the world.
Government’s loosening lockdown plan under scrutiny
This content was published on
Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin says state aid to compnies coming out of coronavirus lockdown should not become a “pillow for laziness”.
Warning against complacency over coronavirus risks
This content was published on
The Swiss government has again urged residents against complacency even as the country’s coronavirus infection rate slows.
Easing of Covid-19 restrictions highlights Swiss mask shortage
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it is doing everything it can to procure face masks, which are still not officially recommended for the public.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.