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Technology

CRISPR-Based Biosensors for Real-Time Pathogen Detection

Quick fact

COVID-19 testing kits based on CRISPR, such as SHERLOCK and DETECTR, can deliver results in under an hour with minimal equipment, and some can even be used with a simple paper strip, much like a pregnancy test.

Why this is interesting

Imagine being able to detect a virus in a drop of blood within minutes, using a tool that was originally designed to edit genes. That's the promise of CRISPR-based biosensors—a technology that turns the gene-snipping machinery of bacteria into a rapid pathogen-spotting device.