Scientists have developed a test that helps quickly detect tuberculosis. The development was developed by American and Chinese scientists.
According to the Tulane University press service, they adapted the CRISPR/Cas system.
Using the Cas12 enzyme and guide RNAs targeting fragments of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and RNA, the test can detect the disease from a swab taken from the tongue.
Testing has shown that the test's sensitivity is 83–93% for sputum and other biofluids, and approximately 74% for tongue swabs.
Since the swab procedure is similar in format to rapid COVID-19 tests, this enables mass screening of vulnerable groups.
As a reminder, a drug screening system using "human-on-a-chip" technology is being developed in Russia. Scientists have also developed a technology that could significantly reduce the cost and safety of gas distribution networks.