Nanotechnology sensors in development to detect H1N1 Swine Flu in public places

www.cbc.ca CBC -- Canadian researchers are testing a new device that may soon detect flu viruses circulating at malls or airports and warn people about them. The sensor is designed to detect a specific strain of flu virus, such as the new strain of swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), as well as measure its concentration in the air. It is being developed by physicist Luc Beaulieu and his team at Memorial University in St. John's, NL Beaulieu suggested the sensor could be installed in public places where the virus is easily spread, such as office buildings, hospitals, schools or even airplanes. If it detects high concentrations of a virus on a plane, authorities might decide to turn the aircraft around, Beaulieu said. "Or to land it and then quarantine passengers," he said. "So that's the ultimate goal, to make something people can use." The device has already detected influenza viruses in some lab tests, but is currently entering a more rigorous trial phase that is expected to take about a year. The tests are very sensitive, and Beaulieu wears four sets of protective gloves when working with the sensor to ensure he doesn't contaminate it. The sensor itself consists of tiny silicon strips, each as thin as a human hair. The strips, which are called cantilevers because they are anchored on only one side, like a diving board, are mounted and lined up on a chip no bigger than a piece of confetti. Virus makes cantilever bend The antibodies are supplied by virologist Ken Hirasawa ...
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www.mqm.org http Virologist Dr. Muhammad Khalil Chishti who returned recently after spending 20 years in India, called on Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan at the Governor House. The Governor said that 82-year old Dr. Chishti's expertise and experience is of great significance. He said that those who had remained Dr. Chishti's pupils are now serving at important position in the discipline of virology. Dr. Ishrat was of the view that now it is our collective responsibility to benefit from the expertise of Dr. Chishti. He said that due to absence of Dr. Chishti this area could not make the headway that it should have. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Karachi, stated that after the return of Dr. Chishti the University will attain its rightful place in the realm of virology as well. He also requested Dr. Chishti to provide guidance in the discipline of virology. Dr. Chishti accepted the offer and said that he would try to come up to the expectations in this regard. Ishrat ul Ebad said that in the past few years there have been fatalities in the country owing to viral infection. He was of the view that there is urgent need for research in this field and that Dr. Chishti was the best person for performing this task. Dr. Chishti thanked the Governor Sindh for making a lot of efforts for his release.
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