via University of Oxford
Scientists have developed a world-first diagnostic test, powered by artificial intelligence, that can identify known respiratory viruses within five minutes from just one nasal or throat swab.
The new diagnostic test could replace current methods that are limited to testing for only one infection, such as a lateral flow test for COVID-19, or otherwise are either lab-based and time-consuming or fast and less accurate.
The new virus detection and identification methodology is described in a paper published in ACS Nano, authored by DPhil student Nicolas Shiaelis and Professor Achillefs Kapanidis from the Department of Physics, and Dr Nicole Robb from the University of Warwick who is a Visiting Lecturer at Oxford’s Department of Physics.
The paper demonstrates how machine learning can significantly improve the efficiency, accuracy and time taken to not only identify different types of viruses, but also differentiate between strains.
Nicolas Shiaelis and Dr Robb collaborated with the John Radcliffe Hospital to validate the new method. The ground-breaking testing technology combines molecular labelling, computer vision and machine learning to create a universal diagnostic imaging platform that looks directly at a patient sample and can identify which pathogen is present in a matter of seconds – much like facial recognition software, but for germs.
Preliminary research demonstrated that the test could identify the COVID-19 virus in patient samples and further work determined that the test could be used to diagnose multiple respiratory infections, within five minutes and with over 97% accuracy.
Dr Robb and Nicolas Shiaelis founded Pictura Bio, a University of Oxford spinout, that now licences the technology. They are now looking for further investment to accelerate development and get it to the front line of healthcare.
‘Our aim at Pictura Bio is to turn the method into a diagnostic test by creating a dedicated imager and single-use cartridge for use in point-of-care testing, with limited input from the user. We are also expanding the number of viruses that the models are trained on and will eventually start looking at other pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, in respiratory samples, blood and urine.’
Nicolas Shiaelis
Dr Robb said: ‘Cases of respiratory infections this winter have hit record-breaking highs, increasing the number of people seeking medical help. This combined with the COVID-19 backlog, staff shortages, tighter budgets and an ageing population puts the NHS and its workforce under immense and unsustainable pressure.
‘Our simplified method of diagnostic testing is quicker and more cost-effective, accurate and future proof than any other tests currently available. If we want to detect a new virus, all we need to do is retrain the software to recognise it, rather than develop a whole new test. Our findings demonstrate the potential for this method to revolutionise viral diagnostics and our ability to control the spread of respiratory illnesses.’
Original Article: Oxford scientists develop test that can identify respiratory viruses within five minutes
More from: University of Oxford | University of Warwick
The Latest Updates from Bing News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Respiratory virus test
- Here’s How Long the CDC Says to Isolate if You Test Positive for COVID in 2024
The CDC has released new COVID guidelines. See the current guidelines to follow after testing positive, including whether to isolate and when to return to work.
- Rapid Antigen-based Testing for Respiratory Syncytial Virus
For these reasons, it is the most widely used diagnostic test for RSV. RADTs are rapid immunoassays ... where antibodies targeting the virus fusion protein can bind the antigen in the sample.
- What We’re Reading: Drug Shortage Legislation; US Respiratory Virus Levels; Child Death Racial Disparities
The Senate Finance Committee has introduced bipartisan legislation that proposes using Medicaid and Medicare programs to help prevent and reduce generic drug shortages; US indicators for COVID-19, flu ...
- US respiratory virus levels tail off to low levels
Though the flu season is winding down, the CDC received 10 more reports of pediatric flu deaths, including one from a flu A/flu B coinfection.
- Health Department warns of increase in respiratory infections
With an increase in cases, a local doctor also told the Polokwane Observer that swine flu is a result of Influenza A and that it is not worse than seasonal flu, it is just a variant.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Viral diagnostics
- Global HIV Diagnostics Market Poised for Remarkable Growth targeting USD 6.4 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.9%: Future Market Insights Report
The global HIV diagnostics market is set to experience a significant surge, as projected by the latest report from Future Market Insights. With anticipated growth from USD 3.0 billion in 2022 to an ...
- ASGCT: Ring's 'new class of viral vector' is re-dosable in primates, overcoming key challenge of AAVs
Ring Therapeutics revealed data at the 2024 American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy meeting showing that a viral vector based on the anellovirus can express genes in the retinas of primates and be ...
- The Oatzempic Diet Is Going Viral, but Does It Work? Here’s How To Tap Real Weight Loss Benefits
We’ve seen enough tricks on social media claiming to help us lose weight fast or trim inches instantly that we know to be wary. Even so, the more people singing praises of a trend, the harder it is to ...
- Princess Kate's Winning Moment Goes Viral
Princess Kate's competition victory over Prince William during an official visit to Wales has gone viral as the couple celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on April 29.Kate has been out of the ...
- Beckman Coulter and MeMed Extend Partnership Advancing Host Immune Response Diagnostics
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a global leader in clinical diagnostics, and MeMed, a leader in the emerging field of advanced host-response technologies, today announced expansion of their host immune ...