Science: A Faster DNA Test

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By Matthew Philips

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A tiny silicon device half the size of a fingernail is on the verge of changing the world of DNA testing. Thermal Gradient, a small biotech company in upstate New York, has developed a mechanism that reduces DNA amplification--the third most time-consuming stage of testing--from several hours to four minutes. While traditional machines need to cycle through extreme hot and cold temperatures to amplify a sample of DNA, the new device operates much more quickly by using microscopic preheated and cooled layers of silicon. "It's like we're breaking the sound barrier," says Bob Juncosa, Thermal Gradient's chief technical officer.

The technology has the potential to revolutionize the highly regulated medical-diagnostics industry by giving doctors the ability to perform "instant" DNA tests, but its inventors don't see it being used that way for at least three to five years. For now, its trial run will come in the realm of biodefense. The Department of Homeland Security has awarded the company an initial $500,000 contract to develop an instant biological airborne-detection system. It will monitor the air in places like airports and government buildings, quickly identifying the DNA signature of deadly pathogens and alerting first responders to a possible terrorist attack. "We need-ed something that was fast and accurate," says former Homeland Security employee Mike McLoughlin, who was part of a team that picked Thermal Gradient's device over a host of other submissions.

Thermal Gradient is also looking into ways to design a deployable unit for the U.S. Army that would enable soldiers to identify dangerous chemical agents on the battlefield. And companies in England have expressed interest in using the device to equip police stations with DNA-testing kits.

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