Chemists create new diagnostic method for difficult climate conditions
(PHYSorg.com Chemistry)

Scientists from the SCAMT Laboratory of ITMO University developed a method to detect viral RNA without special equipment. The sensor is based on a polymerization reaction: if the sample contains traces of the target virus, then under ultraviolet irradiation the liquid-sensor turns into a gel. The results of such an analysis can easily be detected even by people with limited vision. As the required reagents are widely available and resistant to temperature extremes, the method can be used in difficult field conditions. The results are published in RSC Advances.