The researchers are led by Jennifer Doudna, a professor at the University of California-Berkeley, who (won this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry) with the Frenchman Emanuel Sarpentier για for the discovery of the CRISPR method, schools and offices, displaying the results with the help of a mobile application.

It is the fastest CRISPR diagnostic test that has been developed to date (the fastest so far took about an hour) while standard molecular PCR tests take around 24 hours.

CRISPR tests detect a RNA genetic sequence – about 20 bases long – that is unique to SARS-CoV-2. The new improved CRISPR test can detect up to 100 coronavirus particles in one microliter of solution compared to conventional tests on expensive laboratory machines that “catch” up to just one particle per microliter.

The test shows, in addition to the high speed, great accuracy in its results, while at the same time it makes an assessment of the viral load of the person from where the sample is taken. Researchers are working on standardizing the test and marketing it.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ