PathChip: the Diagnostic Microchip

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We have seen microchips, so many times in sci-fi movies. Their usage varies, from being implanted in humans, or used to carry information of great value, or to track people; the idea of microchips has been circulated for a long time.

With the advancement of technology, the introduction of microchips into our daily life has entered mainstream thought and brings no surprise to us when we hear about it.

So, when you hear about an electronic microchip created by a research team in Singapore that can identify 70,000 different viruses and bacteria all at once, you will not be surprised, but will definitely be amazed at how advanced the technology has become.

PathChip can be plugged into an existing DNA analysis machine and can check blood or saliva samples of patients for 70,000 different viruses and bacteria. The microchip will help with diagnosing illness and will speed the process with which a patient receives treatment. Some patients are admitted to the hospital, and remain without diagnosis for weeks. With this chip, whatever ails them, will be discovered at a much quicker pace, and therefore will alleviate the suffering of patients more efficiently.

The chip, which took 10 years to develop, makes use of an array of DNA probes to identify parts of the genome of the pathogen being tested. PathChip can detect any pathogen whose genomes are available on public databases, and its range expands as the databases are updated.

PathChip will save a lot of money hospitals spend on a myriad of diagnostic tests, as well as time, lend a helping hand to doctors, and allow them to do their jobs more proficiently.

The microchip has made the news, check out this video:

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