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New Computer Chip Detects Bird Flu

by Thomas Houston on March 25, 2008 at 02:21 PM



STMicroelectronics announced it has created a microchip with the ability to identify influenza viruses, including bird flu. The VereFlu Chip, built in partnership with Veredus Laboratories, can scan and detect multiple human strains of influenza within hours (current diagnostic testing can take days to weeks).

According to the World Health Organization, there have been 236 human deaths linked to Avian Flu (H5N1 strain). Reuters reports hospitals, airports and border checkpoints have expressed interest in the technology, but the VereFlu Chip is still being tested in Singapore. The technology sounds promising, but we hope it doesn't make airport waits any longer.

From Engadget and Reuters

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Tags: birdflu, health, microchip, science

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