This week we explore a nanotube sensor capable of detecting COVID-19 in five minutes. We also look at a new method that has the potential to improve gene editing systems, a new blood screening test for detecting early stages of cancer, an artificial intelligence startup focused on improving new drug safety, as well as research work on tracking another coronavirus variant.
Each week we highlight five things you need to know in the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
MIT engineers develop nanotube sensor capable of detecting COVID-19 in five minutes
MIT researchers have developed a working prototype of a sensor using a specialized nanotube. The modified carbon nanotube uses polymers that chemically recognize specific molecules associated with COVID-19. The technology eliminates the need to process antibodies or other reagents, reducing screening time down to as little as five minutes. The technology is promising and could be used for other viruses and future pandemics to quickly screen and quarantine infected individuals.
Princeton and MIT scientists develop method to improve gene editing
Working collaboratively, research teams developed a screening method called Repair-seq to generate insights that can help design more accurate and efficient gene-editing systems. Genome editing is prone to unwanted mutations; the new screening method enables researchers to map how different repair pathways are linked to these mutations. By understanding certain mutations better, it may allow researchers to improve gene-editing techniques and applicability.
Blood test accurately detects early-stage colorectal cancer
This week, Guardant Health shared a study that showed their LUNAR-2 blood test—which was developed to screen average-risk patients for colorectal cancer—accurately detected early-stage CRC at an overall sensitivity of 96% and 94% specificity. Early detection of CRC improves the patient’s chances of survival. Screening for CRC via a blood sample is also much less invasive and timely than current screening options including colonoscopy and stool sampling.
AI platform that predicts drug safety raises $9 million
Startup Quris Technologies announced last week a $9 million seed round of funding to support the development and commercialization of their AI screening technology. The platform uses stem cell disease modeling to screen thousands of potential drug formulations to predict which drug candidates will safely work in humans. The company hopes to reduce the risk and costs associated with failed clinical trials and eliminate the reliance on animal testing. The company will focus initially on rare genetic diseases that cannot be modeled in animals.
Another variant known as “Delta Plus” emerges
Researchers are tracking another variant called AY.4.2, also referred to as “Delta Plus,” to determine if it could be slightly more transmissible than the delta variant. It’s too early to determine if the variant is more contagious, but in England it now accounts for about 10% of sequenced virus samples. Researchers are sounding the alarm that the virus may still mutate into a more transmissible form and given delta’s current global domination, that future form will likely be descendants of this original strain.
