Low Cost Universal Optical DNA Rapid Detection System for Pathogens Including COVID-19
11 Feb 2021
OZ Optics offers an exceptionally affordable yet reliable optical DNA/detection system based on Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Much like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, LAMP is a highly sensitive method of DNA detection that creates millions to billions of copies of a target DNA from a minute amount of sample RNA or DNA. However unlike PCR, LAMP applies an isothermal process that does not require expensive and complex equipment, as well as time consuming thermal cycling. It is a more cost-effective and rapid system. LAMP is especially ideal for rapid diagnosis of pathogens or infectious diseases, with results usually within 30 minutes and for high viral loads less than 20 minutes.
Marine Natural Products Identified with Potential to Treat Lethal RNA Viruses
Russia. Shaded relief map of Russian Federation, with rivers, major urban areas. Surrounding territory greyed out. Colored according to vegetation.
January 8, 2021
Three RNA virus families have been responsible for epidemics and pandemics throughout recorded human history. Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California, San Diego, have broken down the biology, genomic makeup, life histories, and key drug targets of these three viral families. The authors also identified structurally diverse natural compounds in the marine ecology that could be used to develop antiviral therapeutics with the potential to disrupt the spread of these notorious viruses and highlight possible treatment strategies.