Malaria is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in the world, and after decades of progress, the number of cases is rising again. The main problems is that in rural areas, access to accurate diagnostic tools aren’t always available—especially affordable ones that work efficiently. Now that’s set to change after scientists from the University of Glasgow created a cheap, origami-like strip of paper that can accurately detect malaria in 98 percent of cases. Unlike many diagnostic tools which require labs and trained technicians, this paper test only requires a drop of blood to be placed on the paper, which is then folded and warmed up. Then, within an hour, the paper sensor reveals whether or not that person has malaria. Accurate, cheap, and easy-to-use, this origami-like test could help greatly in the fight against malaria.
Origami-like paper sensor diagnoses malaria quickly and easily
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