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<keyword id="6355838" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-york">New York</keyword>, <keyword id="6367929" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="scientists">Scientists</keyword> have developed a portable saliva-based <keyword id="10425579" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="smartphone-platform">smartphone platform</keyword> for <keyword id="9357536" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="rapid-covid-19-testing">rapid Covid-19 testing</keyword> that they claim can provide results within 15 minutes without the resource-intensive laboratory tests. The new technique detailed in the journal Science Advances pairs a fluorescence microscope readout device with a smartphone to determine viral load from a CRISPR/Cas12a assay. The new test works as effectively as the well-established quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method, the experiments in a small number of participants showed. "We believe this smartphone platform, a similar future application, offers the potential to rapidly expand Covid-19 screening capacity, and potentially simplify the verification of contact tracing, to improve local containment and inform regional disease control efforts," the authors wrote. Most Covid-19 tests currently require swabbing the upper part of the throat behind the nose -- an uncomfortable process that requires medical professionals in full protective gear to collect samples in airborne infection isolation rooms before running RT-PCR tests. However, recent studies have found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, may be equally present in the nasopharynx and the saliva during early infection, suggesting saliva-based Covid-19 tests could enable comparably reliable but simpler, safer testing. To develop a widely accessible platform for saliva-based testing, Bo Ning from Tulane University School of Medicine in the US and colleagues built a prototype assay chip that uses the CRISPR/Cas12a enzyme to enhance an amplified viral RNA target's signal within a saliva sample. They integrated the chip into a smartphone-based fluorescence microscope readout device, which captures and analyses images to determine whether the virus is present above a threshold concentration. The researchers used this design to analyse saliva from 12 patients with Covid-19 and six healthy controls, finding that the approach successfully distinguished between patients with and without the virus. Additionally, the researchers compared nasal and saliva swabs from non-human primates before and after infection. They found higher SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in the saliva swabs, further suggesting that saliva may provide a robust means of diagnosis after infection. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/dos-and-donts-during-solar-eclipse-surya-grahan/articleshow/76436997.cms">The do’s and don’ts of a Solar Eclipse — here what you need to know to protect yourself</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/solar-eclipse-december-2020-time-date-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/79697355.cms">The total solar eclipse and its 'diamond rings' won't be visible in India on December 14</a>

Saliva-based smartphone platform built for rapid COVID-19 testing

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Carolyn Rickert's tween was diagnosed with emetophobia — a fear of vomiting that stopped her eating.</li><li>The mom said Vivi was severely underweight and was put on a feeding tube to get essential nutrients.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Carolyn Rickert. It has been edited for length and clarity.My daughter, nicknamed Vivi, came home from school one day in September 2021 and said: "I'm never going to eat school lunch. It's gross."She said she'd been eating her <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-school-lunch-trays-look-like-countries-around-the-world-2021-2">lunch in the cafeteria</a> when another kid pointed at her burger and fries and said, "You know they poison the food here, don't you?"It was typical <a href="https://www.insider.com/sixth-graders-react-to-a-teachers-nostalgic-90s-songs-tiktok-2023-3">sixth-grade</a> humor. But the boy had unwittingly reinforced Vivi's fear that food would make her sick. She already had anxiety about going to middle school. It was a much bigger building and overcrowded, and she had to get used to walking there. Her anxiety got worse as the semester went on. We'd always pack her lunch — the usual type of kids' stuff like mac and cheese, Goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, maybe a cookie — but Vivi, who was 11 at the time, would come home with the lunchbox untouched.I'd say, "Honey, why aren't you eating?" but she'd shrug it off. She talked about things in the cafeteria that really bothered her — like somebody chewing and a bit of food or saliva flying out of their mouth. One day a mom called to say that her daughter, who was bringing in extra cookies for Vivi to eat at lunch, was worried about her. I guess that at the time, we didn't realize the situation was so bad. But we contacted the school, and they were wonderful. They said, "What can we do to help?" But there's only so much you can do.We switched her to online schooling in January 2022. We hoped this would be the answer because she wouldn't be in those anxious situations in the school cafeteria. <h2>Vivi told us at the eating-disorders clinic that she was concerned about throwing up </h2>Nothing really changed. She stopped eating breakfast as well as lunch. Then she refused to eat dinner. She'd take a few bites of something like chicken nuggets — like a lot of kids, she didn't like fresh fruits and vegetables — and then want to skip to dessert. She was only comfortable eating sweets like ice cream and Oreos.We got professional help in March last year. She was 5-foot-2 and 65 pounds. She was on the zero percentile for weight and had developed <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/what-to-know-lanugo-and-anorexia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lanugo</a> on her body — soft, downy hairs that can indicate malnourishment. Her primary-care provider did lab work and said it was <a href="https://www.insider.com/anorexia-nervosa-destroyed-my-sex-life-2023-2">anorexia</a>. But it seemed strange to us because she had a healthy body image and never counted calories. She ate desserts and didn't exercise obsessively.Vivi was admitted to a residential center for eating disorders soon afterward. She was immediately diagnosed with <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-know-about-arfid-eating-disorder-genetic-2023-2?_gl=1*rf7crv*_ga*MzUxNjA3NjM0LjE2NTQwMjc4NDc.*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTY4MDI4NjU3NC4xMjAuMS4xNjgwMjg2NTgyLjUyLjAuMA..">avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder</a> and not anorexia. We were relieved that <a href="https://www.insider.com/grew-up-diet-culture-still-learning-how-to-love-body-2023-3">body image</a> wasn't part of her diagnosis. It can play such a big part of self-esteem.But nobody seemed to know what was causing her ARFID.Early on, when my husband, Shawn, and I were visiting the facility, Vivi said that she was very concerned about throwing up. She'd eat with her therapist, not the other patients, because she didn't want anyone to see her vomit, she said.<div type="image" title="Vivi, shown with her back to the camera for privacy reasons, wearing braids and a blue T-shirt." height="2274" width="3024" msid="99220953" hostid="261" sizebytes="466932"></div>Shawn did some research. He read about <a href="https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/specific-phobias/fear-of-vomiting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emetophobia</a> — the extreme fear of vomiting. We'd never heard of the condition but wondered if it was related to the ARFID. We mentioned it on a Zoom call with Vivi's dietitian and therapist. They acknowledged it but didn't suggest treatment.On her 12th birthday in early April, the clinic served Vivi her favorite meal — Wendy's chili and a Frosty dessert. It came with French fries and chocolate milk. It's a lot of food for anyone to eat. But she told us she felt pressured to eat it all and "do the right thing" to please the staff. She threw up everywhere.She's only really vomited about five times before in her life. But we heard that she was hysterical. She told us she'd never go back to Wendy's. "I can't eat chili anymore," she said. She used to love it when I fixed chili. But it's off the list now — along with every other meat or fish.The technique at the center was trying to get Vivi to eat as much as she could on her own. They'd give her so-called "bolus" feeds after meals she couldn't complete. The formula was administered manually via a nasal-gastric tube — something she hated. Then she'd have "continuous feeds" that were automatically pumped into her body during the night while she slept.<h2>Vivi said that she hated the gag reflex of vomiting </h2>She threw up three times during the feeds and began to refuse them. She had the right to pull out the NG tube when she wanted. It usually happened when her stomach felt very full. She gained only eight pounds during her 3½ months at the center. That summer, when we talked about ARFID, she once again said how embarrassed she was about the thought that people would see her throwing up. She said she hated the gag reflex and the sense of lack of control. She'd had anxiety and stomachaches since she was in kindergarten, and we suspected they were all connected.An eating-disorder specialist confirmed she had emetophobia in August last year when Vivi was an outpatient at another facility. He said that he believed emetophobia was the underlying cause of her ARFID. She had counseling and a very small amount of "exposure" therapy. She watched a clip of a cartoon car throwing up, for example. But she quit after a month because she'd simply had enough of being in therapy.<h2><div type="image" title="Carolyn Rickert, wearing a red shirt, and her husband, Shawn" height="966" width="1288" msid="99220956" hostid="261" sizebytes="100708"></div></h2>Vivi's weight was relatively stable until earlier this year. She was admitted to a third clinic in February. She'd increased in height to 5-foot-6 but was only 80 pounds. This time, thankfully, she is doing much better. She got on very well with a particular nurse who helped her get used to the NG tube. She's doing some more exposure therapy to help with the ARFID and emetophobia. At the moment, she said, she's watching cartoons showing characters throwing things up like rainbows.<h2>Vivi has been making a lot of progress </h2>They recently removed her feeding tube after she got to 95 pounds. The doctors said that in an ideal world, her weight should be between 97 to 113 pounds. She's now eating regular meals, getting 2,000 calories a day from food like buttered noodles, Nutella sandwiches, and yogurt.Last week, Shawn and I helped her move her things to a different unit at the center. The care is less intensive because she's made a lot of progress. She picked up a bucket that had always been next to her bed and put her books and portable sound machine in it for storage. She said, "This was my barf bucket, and I've never used it!"Do you have a powerful story to share with Insider? Please send details to jridley@insider.com.

My daughter is so terrified of vomiting, she stopped eating. She had to get a feeding tube because she lost so much weight.

<ul><li>This viral RNA multiplication process, called RT-PCR, requires several temperature fluctuation cycles, specialised equipment, and trained personnel, said Brain Cunningham, another co-author of the study.</li><li>In the current research, the scientists used a simpler process to analyse the viral transport media, called LAMP, which bypasses the RNA extraction and purification steps. </li></ul> Scientists, including one of Indian-origin, have developed a prototype of a rapid <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> test using a simple-to-use portable instrument for reading the results with a smartphone in 30 minutes, an innovation that may enable point-of-care diagnosis without needing to send samples to a lab. According to the study, published in the journal PNAS, the new technology may help overcome bottlenecks in supplies and laboratory personnel which have led to long waiting times for COVID-19 test results in several parts of the world amidst the ongoing pandemic. "If such a device and test were available, we could test for COVID-19 at public events, auditoriums, large gatherings and potentially even at home for self-testing. The results could be sent back to the appropriate public health system for coordination," said Rashid Bashir, a professor of bioengineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in the US. In one of the common methods to test for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, healthcare workers take a sample from patients with a long nasopharyngeal swab, which is put into a substance called viral transport media, and send to a lab for extracting, isolating, and multiplying the viral genetic material, the scientists said. This viral RNA multiplication process, called RT-PCR, requires several temperature fluctuation cycles, specialised equipment, and trained personnel, said Brain Cunningham, another co-author of the study. In the current research, the scientists used a simpler process to analyse the viral transport media, called LAMP, which bypasses the RNA extraction and purification steps. "LAMP only needs one temperature -- 65 C -- so it is much easier to control," said Anurup Ganguli, the first author of the study. "Also, LAMP works more robustly than PCR, especially when there are contaminants in the test sample. We can just briefly heat the sample, break open the virus, and detect the genetic sequence that specifically identifies SARS-CoV-2," Ganguli said. When the researchers compared the LAMP assay with PCR, they found the results were in agreement, following which they documented the sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP test. The scientists then incorporated the assay onto a small 3D-printed cartridge that has two input slots for syringes -- one for the sample-containing viral transport media, one for the LAMP chemicals. Once the two syringe components are injected, they the react within the cartridge, the study noted. "We use modern, high speed additive manufacturing to make these cartridges. The entire thing can be quickly scaled up to hundreds of thousands of tests," said Bill King, another co-author of the study from the University of Illinois. "Production scale-up is typically the biggest obstacle for commercial applications of microfluidic cartridges, and we can overcome that obstacle using this new approach. Modern additive manufacturing is elastic and scalable, and it can be ramped up very quickly compared with legacy manufacturing technologies," King said. According to the researchers, the cartridge can be inserted into a hand-held portable instrument with a heating chamber, which heats the cartridge to 65 degrees Celsius for the duration of the reaction, and a smartphone cradle is in place for reading the results. In approximately 30 minutes, a positive result will emit fluorescent light, they said. "The reader illuminates the liquid compartments with light from blue LEDs, while the phone's rear-facing camera records a movie of the green fluorescent light being generated," Cunningham explained. The scientists noted that they are currently assessing whether the assay would work with saliva samples to eliminate the need for nasopharyngeal swabs. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/ambani-vs-damani-indias-635-billion-retail-ring-will-see-the-countrys-two-richest-men-battle-with-different-strategies/articleshow/77846555.cms">Ambani vs Damani ⁠— India’s $635 billion retail ring will see the country’s two richest men⁠ battle with different strategies</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/its-the-day-airtel-and-vodafone-idea-have-been-waiting-for-heres-the-agr-case-timeline-of-26-years/articleshow/77845908.cms">It's the day Airtel and Vodafone Idea have been waiting for – here’s the AGR case timeline of 26 years</a>

Scientists develop a prototype of a rapid COVID-19 that may enable point-of-care diagnosis without needing to send samples to a lab

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Winter <keyword id="25918" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="allergies">allergies</keyword> are often caused by mold, mildew, dust mites, animal dander, or cockroaches. </li><li>Because people spend more time inside in the winter, it's more common to experience allergy symptoms from indoor allergens. </li><li>However, it's important to know the difference between allergy symptoms and cold or flu symptoms, as some of them overlap. </li><li>This article <a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was medically reviewed</a> by <a href="https://www.providence.org/doctors/profile/759045-omid-benjamin-mehdizadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Omid Mehdizadeh</a>, MD, otolaryngologist and laryngologist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute's Pacific Eye, Ear &amp; Skull Base Center at Providence Saint John's <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> Center in Santa Monica, CA</li></ul>During winter, low temperatures halt pollen-producing plants and spore-sprouting fungi that usually trigger spring, summer, and fall allergies. But, you might still find yourself having allergy symptoms during the winter. This is because the cold temperatures of winter cause people to spend most of their time indoors, which can expose them to higher levels of indoor allergens, says <a href="https://www.rushu.rush.edu/faculty/mahboobeh-mahdavinia-md-phd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahboobeh Mahdavinia</a>, MD, an associate professor of allergy and immunology at Rush University Medical Center. <h2>What causes winter allergies? </h2>Some of the <a href="https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/indoor-allergens#:~:text=Millions%20of%20people%20suffer%20year,how%20your%20body%20defends%20itself." target="_blank" rel="noopener">most common causes</a> of indoor winter allergies are animal dander (dead skin) from pets, dust mites, and indoor mold. About <a href="https://www.aafa.org/pet-dog-cat-allergies/">three in 10 people</a> in the US have allergic reactions to cats or dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Specifically, the dander, saliva, and urine from cats and dogs can trigger the body's immune system and cause allergy symptoms. Since it's cold outside, pets tend to remain indoors, which can <a href="https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/allergy/overview/allergens/animal/worse-in-winter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">worsen</a> your allergic reactions. Mold and mildew are another prevalent indoor allergen. Both of these types of fungi grow around moist areas, such as leaky roofs, doors, vents, and heating or cooling systems. A few common household items that mold can grow on include:<ul><li>Ceiling tiles</li><li>Paints</li><li>Cardboard</li><li>Paper</li><li>Drywall</li><li>Fabric</li><li>Upholstery</li><li>Insulation</li><li>Wood</li></ul>Allergic rhinitis from indoor mold and dampness costs nearly <a href="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c4e267ab/files/uploaded/Valuing%20the%20Economic%20Costs%20of%20Allergic%20Rhinitis_Allergic%20Bronchitis%20and%20Asthma%20from%20Exposure%20to%20Indoor%20Dampness%20and%20Mold%20in%20the%20US_2016.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$3.7 billion</a> in health care expenses annually, according to a 2016 study. "This tends to be more of a problem in old buildings with less ventilation in the large cities and colder areas," says Mahdavinia. <a href="https://www.aafa.org/dust-mite-allergy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dust mites</a> can also trigger allergies. These microscopic arthropods are one-third the size of a millimeter, so you won't be able to see them in your home. Dust mites tend to locate themselves in warm, humid houses and reside in bedding, carpets, stuffed toys, or the inner layers of upholstered furniture, like couches. Mahdavinia says that cockroaches and mice can also trigger allergy symptoms, especially in urban areas. In fact, <a href="https://acaai.org/allergies/types/cockroach-allergy#:~:text=They%20can%20be%20an%20allergy,kicked%20up%20in%20the%20air." target="_blank" rel="noopener">about</a> 63% of US homes contain cockroach allergens, and that number increases to about 78% to 98% of living areas in urban areas. People can be allergic to the cockroaches' saliva, feces, and shed body parts. <h2>Winter allergy symptoms </h2>Indoor allergens from pet dander, dust mites, and mold can trigger the following <a href="https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allergy symptoms</a>:<ul><li>Runny or stuffy nose</li><li>Sneezing</li><li>Cough</li><li>Wheezing or shortness of breath</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Headache</li></ul> Allergy symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and headache can appear like <a href="https://www.insider.com/common-cold-symptoms-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cold</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-the-flu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flu symptoms</a>, especially in the winter, during the peak of <a href="https://www.insider.com/when-is-flu-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flu season</a>. However, these symptoms differ in these key ways, says <a href="https://scholars.duke.edu/person/matthew.ellison" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matthew Ellison</a>, MD, an assistant professor of head and neck surgery at Duke University:<ul><li>Color of nasal discharge. The mucus produced during allergies tends to be white, Ellison says. Nasal discharge during a cold or flu tends to be yellow or white. "Colds, whether it's viral or bacterial, tend to have more of a discolored mucus — more cloudy or yellow — whereas with allergies it tends to be clear," Ellison says. </li><li>Bodily symptoms. <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-fever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fevers</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-chills" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chills</a> tend to accompany colds and flu more so than allergies, Ellison says. </li><li>Length of symptoms. Allergy symptoms will clear up in about 12 hours, unless you're continuously exposed to the allergen, like with pet dander. Cold and flu symptoms will last three days or longer, and should resolve after a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/clinical.htm#:~:text=Uncomplicated%20influenza%20signs%20and%20symptoms,those%20with%20chronic%20lung%20disease." target="_blank" rel="noopener">week</a>.</li></ul><h2>How to treat winter allergies </h2>Ellison says one of the best ways to treat winter allergies is to avoid exposing yourself to allergens. Here's what you can do during the winter to clear up indoor allergens. <ul><li>Get dust mite covers if you're allergic to dust. These are zippered <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&amp;contentid=P016811681" target="_blank" rel="noopener">covers</a> that go over the mattress. They have pores too small to let dust mites enter your mattress or box spring, reducing the prevalence of dust mites when you sleep. You can also wash your sheets every one to two weeks in hot water to kill any dust mites. </li><li>Vacuum the house frequently to remove pet dander. If vacuuming yourself spurs allergy symptoms, try having someone else do it. </li><li>Change your home's air filters frequently to improve indoor air quality. Those who have allergies will want to change air filters every <a href="https://www.caageorgia.com/blog/2018/june/how-often-do-i-need-to-change-my-air-conditioner/#:~:text=If%20you%20or%20someone%20in,or%20more%20frequently%20if%20needed." target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 to 45 days</a>, according to the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia. Also Check your furnace, heating, and ventilation systems to make sure there's no moisture that could feed mold. </li><li>Get a portable air purifier. Air purifiers can be used when you can't get rid of an indoor allergen source. They can <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/allergies/do-you-need-a-portable-air-purifier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce</a> the severity of allergens like pet dander, dust, mold, and pollen and help those with allergies breathe better indoors. Our colleagues at Insider Reviews have put together a buying guide for the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-air-purifier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best air purifiers</a>. </li><li>Use a <a href="https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HEPA filter</a> in your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, or with your air purifiers. HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air," as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. A HEPA filter can remove at least 99.97% of pollen, mold, dust, bacteria, and any other airborne particle bigger than 0.3 microns. </li></ul>If you still need relief from winter allergens, you could use non-sedative <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-antihistamines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antihistamines</a> like Claratin to reduce the body's allergy response. You could also use saline <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-use-nasal-spray" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nasal sprays</a> to help breathe better through your nose. Just make sure you don't use saline sprays with <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-a-decongestant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decongestants</a> for more than three days, as Ellison says it could cause problems in the nose. <h2>Related articles from our <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a> library:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-runny-nose">How to get rid of a runny nose from both allergies and illness</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/summer-allergies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What causes summer allergies and how to treat them</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/fall-allergies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The major causes of fall allergies and how to relieve your symptoms</a></li></ul>

How to tell if you have winter allergies and treat your symptoms

<ul><li>The <keyword id="14727" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="cocaine">cocaine</keyword> sensing chip can allow on-the-spot testing for the drug. </li><li>The raw materials for the chip cost less that seven rupees. </li></ul>Researchers at the University of Buffalo, New York have fabricated <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smtd.201800045">a new, low-cost chemical sensing chip which can detect cocaine</a>. This chip can be further integrated into a handheld, portable device in samples of blood, urine or spit and could serve as on the spot drug test. This is a step closer to a device that could test for cocaine, opioids and marijuana as quickly as a breathalyzer identifies alcohol. This chip was able to detect cocaine within minutes of the experiment. Further, the researchers will even use this to detect other opioids and even marijuana. The chip could be manufactured with raw materials that cost less than seven rupees. The <keyword id="6355118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="technology">technology</keyword> has a long shelf life, with researchers finding that it performed well after a year in storage. The new chip is an engineered <keyword id="3555324" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="nanostructure">nanostructure</keyword> that traps light on gold and silver nanoparticles. When biological or chemical particles land on the chip’s surface, some of the captured light interacts with the molecules and is “scattered” into new light patterns. This effect occurs in unique patterns that act as fingerprints, revealing information about what compounds are present. The chip could speed up <keyword id="96504" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Drug-testing">drug testing</keyword> procedures in countries, including India. It also has obvious benefits for authorities, who will be able to conduct on the spot tests for more drugs. The researchers said that <a href="http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2018/05/011.html">the next step</a> in their research is to install the chip in a simple, portable testing device. The device would first run blood, breath, urine or saliva through a purification process, extracting specific molecules, such as cocaine or other drugs. Then, any chemicals captured through this procedure would be transferred to the chip for detection and identification.

This chemical sensing chip can detect cocaine and costs less than ₹ 7

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">Spartan Bioscience</div></div></div>DNA testing is getting smaller, faster, and more convenient. In 2014, scientists unveiled <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a11142/first-handheld-reusable-dna-sequencer-17137715/">a sequencer the size of a brick</a>, and now a biotechnology company has built one the size of a coffee cup.On May 31, Spartan Bioscience, which is based in Ottawa, unveiled a portable DNA tester called the Spartan Cube. The cube measures 4 inches in all directions, which makes it the world's smallest genetic testing device. The company says it can yield results in less than half an hour.The machine can test for a range of human diseases, and can also be used to detect infectious bacteria in foods, find harmful microbes in water, or see if your dog has kennel cough. Here's how it works: Users place the sample they want to test - be it saliva, water or another substance - into a small tube and place it inside the cube. The device comes with a variety of test kits that correspond to the specific diseases and bacteria that users might want to test for. Each kit has a barcode, and when you scan it, the machine runs the appropriate program to test the sample.The cube uses a polymerase chain reaction system to see if there's a match. if you took high school biology, you probably did this with cheek swabs - think of it like searching for a specific term in a body of text on a computer, except with DNA. Users can connect the cube to a tablet or laptop via WiFi, and the results will show up there once they're ready. So if you want to find out whether you have Strep throat, for example, you can insert a throat swab into a test tube, place it in the cube, scan the pre-programmed kit for Strep, and get a yes or no answer on your computer in less than 30 minutes.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Spartan Bioscience</div></div></div>Spartan CEO Paul Lem tells Tech Insider in an email that the device is meant to be used as a "detector," not a full sequencing service."It's not a genome sequencer that provides millions of data points. It's a portable DNA testing system that provides several data points. This device is ideal when you want a quick and accurate yes or no answer," Lem says.Spartan Bioscience has a prototype ready, but has not disclosed a timeline for a wider market release. The company plans on making the initial "assays," or scannable test kits, available at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry's Clinical Lab Expo in Philadelphia on July 31. In <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/blog/post/coffee-cup-sized-dna-testing-device-runs-test-in-under-30-minutes">an interview with ResearchGate</a>, Lem said that he's aiming for the product to be "affordable." Though no specific price has been announced yet, Lem said he hopes the Spartan Cube will make DNA testing available to mainstream consumers in the same way that Microsoft's PCs turned computers into household products.Other companies are also bringing DNA testing technology - which has been used in forensics and hospital labs since the early '90s- to mainstream consumers. Genetics testing company <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/i-tried-the-new-23andme-genetic-test-2015-12">23AndMe</a>, for example, allows customers to send saliva samples into a lab to be sequenced and scanned for hereditary diseases and health conditions. Ancestry.com, which helps users learn about their heritage and find potential relatives, also provides a similar mail-in test kit.Direct-to-consumer genetics testing comes with several privacy concerns, however. 23AndMe has been criticized for making genetic data too easily available to <a href="http://fusion.net/story/215204/law-enforcement-agencies-are-asking-ancestry-com-and-23andme-for-their-customers-dna/">law enforcement</a> and for <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/23andme-is-terrifying-but-not-for-the-reasons-the-fda-thinks/">collecting its customers' genetic data.</a> But Spartan Bioscience says this won't be a concern for the Cube, since any data generated will be kept on the user's tablet rather than in a centralized database.Soon, you won't have to lug yourself to a lab or even mail in a sample to get tested for STDs or staph infections. You'll be able to do it in the privacy of your home. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/acorn-worm-humanity-genetic-cousin-2015-11">Scientists just discovered humans share most of their DNA with this creepy ocean worm</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="dqaHN5eDqi47FcupCr_AKQsnBQC9FvAG" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

This four-inch cube is the world's smallest DNA tester

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The best home remedy to get rid of a <keyword id="6361885" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cough">cough</keyword> is drinking hot tea with lemon and honey. </li><li>Other <keyword id="54649" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="home-remedies">home remedies</keyword> to stop coughing include gargling saltwater or consuming thyme.</li><li>If your cough is dry and due to irritation or allergies, invest in an air purifier or humidifier. </li></ul>Coughing is a natural reflex that occurs when something irritates your throat or airways. Occasional <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/basics/definition/sym-20050846" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coughs</a> are normal and even healthy as they help the body flush out built-up mucus and debris. However, that doesn't make them any less painful or exhausting. The most <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/basics/causes/sym-20050846" target="_blank" rel="noopener">common causes</a> of coughing are: <ul><li>Irritation from sources like cigarette smoke or pollutants </li><li>Bacterial infections like bronchitis or sinusitis </li><li>Allergies</li><li>Asthma</li><li>Viral illnesses like the cold or flu </li></ul>Coughs caused by asthma, infections, and allergies should be treated by a healthcare provider. However, if your cough continues to linger after a viral infection or is the result of irritation, here are eight tips to help treat it at home. <h2>1. Take honey</h2>Honey is highly viscous and works similarly to a cough drop. When it is consumed, it coats the lining of the throat, alleviating soreness or scratchiness. Most types of honey that are studied for use in coughs are dark honey, like dark buckwheat honey, rather than the more commonly available clover honey.Related Article Module: 4 science-backed benefits of honey and which type is healthiest for youA 2007 <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/571638" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> published in the Journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that honey was more effective in treating nighttime coughs than Dextromethorphan, a common cough medicine, which is generally not recommended for children - especially under age 6.The study consisted of 105 children from ages two to 18 years old. Thirty minutes before the children went to sleep their parents administered either a dose of honey, Dextromethorphan, or no treatment at all. Honey was the most effective treatment for reducing the severity of the child's cough and improving their sleep.Honey also has anti-inflammatory, <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-antioxidants-good-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidant</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antibacterial properties</a> - which may contribute to its relieving effect. These properties help fight off infections and can <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-boost-immune-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boost your immune system</a>. While you can consume honey plain, adding it to warm tea may increase its soothing effect on the throat. Important: Children under the age of one shouldn't take honey, because it can contain bacteria that cause infant <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-botulism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">botulism</a>, a rare but life-threatening illness. <h2>2. Gargle saltwater </h2>Gargling salt water can help <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kill bacteria and loosen mucus</a> in your throat. Loosening mucus in your throat will help clear your sinuses and get rid of your cough faster. A saltwater gargle can also help reduce swelling and irritation caused by persistent coughing.Although most people prefer to gargle warm salt water, cold water may have the same relieving effect on your cough. "It really just depends on what feels best to the particular person to soothe the cough that they have," says <a href="https://medicine.tamu.edu/faculty/mcknight.html#education-and-focus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason McKnight</a>, MD, clinical professor at Texas A&amp;M University. Though, warm water may help the salt dissolve faster. Note: For best results, add <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one-fourth to half</a> a teaspoon of salt to an eight-ounce glass of water. <h2>3. Try ginger</h2><a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ginger</a> is a tropical plant commonly used as a dietary supplement. It can help treat various <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> issues including <a href="https://www.insider.com/home-remedies-for-nausea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nausea</a>, the <a href="https://www.insider.com/common-cold-symptoms-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">common cold</a>, or chemotherapy symptoms. Like honey, the bioactive compounds in ginger have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616534/#B2-foods-08-00185" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidant, antimicrobial, and </a>anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger also has a spicy taste, which <a href="https://www.wired.com/2010/09/why-does-spicy-food-taste-hot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stimulates saliva production,</a> and can help improve a dry mouth or throat. McKnight says reactions to consuming spices, herbs, and spicy foods may vary between people who have a cough. For some, it may be helpful, but for others, it can cause further irritation and worsen your hacking. Most people consume ginger via fresh or dry ginger root, though, you can also take it as a supplement in either a capsule or tincture formulation. For added cough-relieving capabilities, try adding ginger and honey to your tea. <h2>4. Breathe in steam </h2>Breathing in steam helps <a href="http://www.ipswichandeastsuffolkccg.nhs.uk/Portals/1/Content/Members%20Area/Clinical%20Area/Medicine%20managment/Self%20care%20and%20patient%20information%20leaflets/self%20care_cough%20and%20colds.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">loosen nasal congestion</a>. This will make blowing your nose easier and, if you're experiencing post-nasal drip, release built-up mucus in the throat. Because steam can <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-sore-throat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moisturize a sore throat</a>, it may also provide pain relief. For temporary relief, try breathing in steam from a boiling pot of water. Once the water begins to produce steam, take it off the stove, and place your face above it. Drape a towel over your head to help trap the steam, but be careful not to get too close or you may burn yourself. You can also get a similar effect by taking a hot shower. Related Article Module: 5 humidifier benefits: How the portable device may reduce the spread of germs and improve your skinA humidifier may also be a good option to help keep your sinuses clear during the winter or if you live in a dry climate. <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/cool-mist-humidifiers/faq-20058199" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humidifiers</a> add moisture to the air by emitting water vapor or steam into a room. The size of your humidifier will determine how much area it will cover. McKnight says they usually only add enough moisture for one room, so it is best to keep it in a place where you spend the majority of your time, such as the bedroom. If you do use a humidifier, be sure to change the water frequently and keep it clean so you don't accidentally end up spreading mold or bacteria around your home. <h2>5. Invest in an air purifier </h2><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-air-purifier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Air purifiers</a> help remove allergens from your home that trigger sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. They work by moving the air in your home through a series of filters that clear mold, bacteria, or dust - producing fresh, clean air.McKnight says that air purifiers may be especially helpful for people who suffer from <a href="https://www.insider.com/seasonal-allergies-symptoms-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seasonal allergies</a>. Like humidifiers, air purifiers tend to be effective in just one room, so remember to place it wisely. It's also important to regularly clean purifiers to ensure the filters work properly. <h2>6. Use marshmallow root </h2>Marshmallow root is an herbal supplement thought to <a href="http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&amp;pid=33&amp;gid=000265d=000265" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soothe irritated mucous membranes</a> located in the throat and mouth. The roots and leaves of marshmallow contain a thick substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, mucilage forms a gel-like texture that can coat the throat, much like honey. A 2018 <a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/489560" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> published in Complementary Medicine Research with over 800 participants found that both lozenges and marshmallow root extract helped treat dry coughs. Most participants saw their symptoms improve within 10 minutes of taking the extract.Marshmallow root is available in dried leaf form, teas, tinctures, or capsules. <h2>7. Consume thyme </h2>Thyme is an herb thought to soothe smooth muscle spasms, including those caused by coughing. A 2006 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17063641/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> published in the German journal, Drug Research, found that a combined treatment of thyme and ivy improved coughing and other symptoms of acute bronchitis. To relieve coughing, thyme can be consumed as a tincture, herbal tea, or in pill form. <h2>8. Drink water</h2>One of the easiest and safest ways to improve your cough is to stay hydrated. Drinking water helps <a href="https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Managing-Cold-and-Flu-Season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thin mucus</a>, allowing it to leave the body through your mouth or nose. It can also help those who are sick replace lost fluids from sweating or having <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-runny-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a runny nose</a>. <h2>When to see a doctor for your cough</h2><ul><li>Trouble catching your breath</li><li>Coughing up blood or discolored mucus</li><li><a href="https://insider.com/home-remedies-for-fever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fever</a></li><li><a href="https://insider.com/home-remedies-for-headaches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Headaches</a></li><li>Persists for several weeks </li></ul>Note: It is not uncommon for a cough to continue even after you stop feeling sick, says <a href="https://health.tamu.edu/care/providers/susan-roberman.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Susan Roberman</a>, MD, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&amp;M University. <h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Although some home remedies like drinking tea with honey or gargling warm salt water may help you stop coughing, they won't treat an underlying illness. That's why Roberman advises you to first address any illness or condition that may be causing the cough before working on alleviating the symptoms. "If your cough is caused by smoking or tobacco use, no home remedy is going to help you," says Roberman. Likewise, she says if your cough is the result of allergies, asthma, or an infection, you should try to take medication for the underlying condition before relying on these home remedies. <a data-type="5f87671002495a4f41000177">6 science-backed health benefits of ginger and how to add it to your diet</a><a data-type="5f11e7af4dca683c7328e28c">5 of the best home remedies for acid reflux</a><a data-type="5fc51a7019a24643e7656656">The most common causes of fatigue and how to figure out why you're always tired</a><a data-type="605baeeb33d3030680567ec1">5 science-backed tips to reduce bloating, pain, and gas - and prevent it from occurring again</a>

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This four-inch cube is the world's smallest DNA tester

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