GE Research, a research and development division of GE (General Electric) technology, announced that it has obtained NIH grants from the National Institutes of Health for the development of a small sensor that can detect the Corona 19 virus using the display of a mobile device such as a smartphone or a surface such as a table. did. Accordingly, over the next two years, the project will improve detection accuracy.
Usually, a microwave oven size analyzer is required for virus detection, but this time, it is characterized by being a small sensor that is smaller than a finger while having such a detection function. This miniaturization was not originally aimed at the Corona 19 virus, but is a result of research over the past 10 years. It is said that the miniaturization of the sensor allows it to be integrated into a smartphone screen, a fingerprint sensor, or a keyboard.
Unlike in a laboratory, various kinds of viruses, bacteria, and particulates exist in the environment in which these devices are used. GE Research says that the sensing technology under development is separated from other factors, has excellent performance, and is highly reliable. The sensor says it’s like a bloodhound, and it’s trained to discover certain objects and can detect things well without being disturbed by others.
After receiving a subsidy, it will improve the sensor for two years and demonstrate that it can reliably detect several nanoparticles of concern about the novel Corona 19 virus in a general environment. Two years later, considering the Corona 19, it feels a bit slow, but technically, it can be said that it is highly practical as it can be used for other viruses such as flu and noro. In a few years, virus scanning may be done on a smartphone. Related information can be found here.