“What is this and what does it do?” We get this a lot at PATH. Take the diagnostic devices pictured above.
We develop some pretty out-there technologies at PATH, and these prototypes, developed in our lab are no exception. (Admittedly, we used a filter to enhance the photo.)
But then you notice the wires and the components, and it’s apparent there’s a purpose to the design. Have you guessed what it is?
The Non-Instrumented Nucleic Acid Amplification (NINA) device. Photo: PATH/Patrick McKern.
What is this? This is a prototype for an electricity-free self-heating diagnostic platform called NINA (Non-Instrumented Nucleic Acid Amplification).
What it does: NINA helps accurately diagnose a wide array of infectious diseases in even the most remote settings by eliminating the need for electricity. Using an exothermic chemical reaction and engineered phase-change material, this device is the first example of electricity-free nucleic acid amplification.
Why this is important: Right now, there are limited options for detecting HIV-1 in individuals and newborns during the early stages of infection, when it is most important to diagnose and treat. NINA can facilitate easy and rapid detection, even in areas that lack well-equipped labs and reliable electricity, so health workers may identify infected individuals and treat them in a single visit. Early treatment of newborns will decrease the harmful effects of the disease. And treatment of highly infectious, acute-stage individuals can reduce the likelihood of transmitting the disease.
Find out more about the NINA diagnostic device and the impact it could have by diagnosing diseases in hard-to-reach areas: