In New York, during a project that began as a search to find a cost-effective, simple way to detect cholera, Columbia University researchers developed a tool that is likely to revolutionize the way we detect and treat pathogens in everything from human health to agriculture to water. The resulting capability is an extremely low-cost, low-maintenance, on-site dipstick test using only common household baker’s yeast.
“Our biosensor allows us to detect a pathogen for less than one cent per test; it is easy to use, cheap to produce and doesn’t require cold-storage facilities,” said Principle Investigator and Columbia University Chemist Virginia Cornish. “It stands to impact agriculture and health, especially in developing countries, where it is arguably needed the most. We’re excited about the possibilities.”
The Columbia team is currently in conversations with global health non-profits and worldwide research, technology, development and citizen groups to determine the needs of specific countries.