UChicago team creates ultra-sensitive test for PFAs
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Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new, highly sensitive test that can detect PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, at extremely low levels. PFAS are industrial compounds linked to environmental and health concerns due to their persistence in water, soil, and the human body. The new testing method could help regulators and public health officials identify contamination more accurately and evaluate exposure risks in communities, potentially improving efforts to monitor and manage these long-lasting chemicals.
Source
Wang, Y., Jang, HJ., Topel, M. et al. Reversible parts-per-trillion-level detection of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in tap water using field-effect transistor sensors. Nat Water 3, 1187–1197 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-025-00505-9
Additional Reading
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/university-of-chicago-researchers-sensitive-test-pfas/
https://pme.uchicago.edu/news/tiny-sensors-rapidly-detect-forever-chemicals-water