Smart solutions for good health Disease prevention is one of the world’s biggest challenges. Here, Nic Mitchell showcases four examples of how multidisciplinary research at Northumbria is spearheading innovative approaches around the globe, including mobile screening for viruses, dementia detection, support for those nearing the end of their life, and the health benefits of yoga
‘The catalyst for finding a better way to test for a virus or disease was the Ebola outbreak in West Africa’ 8
POWERFUL PORTABLE SCREENING Technology designed for a quick and mobile way to screen for viruses – such as Ebola in West Africa – could one day find its way into UK GP surgeries and pharmacies, allowing the detection of flu symptoms and bacterial infections such as meningitis, and helping to detect HIV and hepatitis in prisons. So predicts Sterghios Moschos, associate professor of cellular and molecular sciences at Northumbria University, who has led an international team of researchers from the UK, the US and Africa to develop a machine capable of testing for viruses on the spot, rather than expecting sufferers to trek miles for treatment. “The catalyst for finding a better way to test for a virus or disease, wherever the patient might be, was the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014,” says Dr Moschos. “People were exhausted when they reached treatment centres and were then put at substantial risk by being placed with others who may have the disease. “Why not produce something portable and take it to where the outbreak is?” It took 12 months to produce a prototype, known as QuRapID, using proprietary technology developed by Cambridge-based manufacturer BioGene. It is mobile, A3-sized, weighs just 12kg and can test very small blood samples for viruses from eight people, either serially or at once. BioGene is testing the prototype to see if it could be used to screen for Zika, dengue and other viruses in Brazil, Africa and Turkey. Dr Moschos believes it could be used to test all manner of high-risk viruses – including MERS, SARS and flu viruses – and for identifying infectious diseases such as meningitis and malaria. He wants to develop a version to test for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in prison inmates and hopes that the technology will be available one day in pharmacies and GP surgeries for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. “It would be very cost-effective for the NHS,” he says.
Tools for treatment Above: the Ebola virus can now be tested for using a portable device Below: Sea Hero Quest provides researchers with insights into dementia