A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has developed a portable device called the Airborne Biomarker Localization Engine (ABLE) that can detect gas molecules associated with certain diseases in the air. This device has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat diseases, especially in hospitals and public places. The ABLE device uses a cooled condenser surface, an air pump, and microfluidic enrichment modules to detect biomarkers in the air, which can then be analyzed using conventional liquid-phase biosensors.
Forecast for 6 months: The ABLE device is expected to be tested in real-world settings such as NICUs and outpatient clinics, with the potential for widespread adoption in hospitals and public places.
Forecast for 1 year: The ABLE device is expected to be miniaturized and optimized, with enhanced sensitivity and energy efficiency, paving the way for its use in homes, clinics, and underserved areas.
Forecast for 5 years: The ABLE device is expected to become a standard tool for disease diagnosis, with widespread adoption in hospitals, clinics, and public places, and potential applications in infectious disease surveillance and food spoilage detection.
Forecast for 10 years: The ABLE device is expected to be integrated with wearable sensors and other technologies, enabling real-time feedback and personalized medicine, and potentially leading to a new paradigm in preventative and personalized medicine.
