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Tuesday, 30th June 2009 (3440 views)

Scientists in the US have utilised gold in a new technique that can detect respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

David Wright and Frederick Haselton of Vanderbilt University suggested in the Analyst journal that the method could help to solve a problem that has restricted improvements within the field of respiratory medicine, ANI reports.

"We hope that our research will help us break out of the catch-22 that is holding back major advances in the treatment of respiratory viruses," Mr Wright commented.

DNA hairpins are attached to gold filaments as part of the 'virus detector', which can identify RSV - the chief cause of respiratory problems among young children - in the early stages.

It can spot infection at lower levels than current laboratory tests within a few minutes and is capable of being used in a doctor's surgery.

Gold has also been utilised recently by a team from the University of British Columbia in their diagnostic medicine experiments.

 

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