App detecting food bacteria to be launched soon

A method for easily detecting dangerous bacteria is in the works, and all it requires is an app and a USD 30 microscope attachment that clips right onto your smartphone camera.

University of Massachusetts Amherst scientists have been developing a device that detects sickness-causing bacteria in food through a chemically-coated chip that binds to bacteria. After sitting in contaminated water for 30 minutes, the chip displays results.

The scientists warn that the technology is preliminary, as it can detect bacteria with the iPhone, but can't tell if they’re pathogenic. The product won't be available for a few more years, but the university says that several food companies are already interested.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass

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