Airborne disease detector developed by UChicago researchers

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In a study published in Nature Chemical Engineering, researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a groundbreaking device capable of detecting airborne signs of disease. The compact sensor can identify trace biological markers in the air, such as proteins or genetic material, potentially allowing for earlier detection of infectious diseases and monitoring of public health threats. This innovation could one day be used to diagnose a wide array of diseases.

Source

Ma, J., Laune, M., Li, P. et al. Airborne biomarker localization engine for open-air point-of-care detection. Nat Chem Eng 2, 321–333 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44286-025-00223-9

Additional Reading

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/uchicago-scientists-invent-breakthrough-device-detect-airborne-signs-disease#:~:text=The%20researchers%20envision%20the%20device,four%20by%20eight%20inches%20across.

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/new-device-developed-university-of-chicago-scientists-medical-answers/

https://www.livescience.com/health/new-breathalyzer-could-detect-signs-of-disease-in-human-breath-scientists-say