New study uncovers innovative DNA detection technique

A new study from the US has revealed an innovative new method of DNA detection that could have positive implications for future healthcare research.

The University of Notre Dame has published a paper detailing the potential applications of laser transmission spectroscopy, a technique that is able to determine the size, shape and number of nanoparticles in suspension.

In doing so, it is able to rapidly detect species-specific DNA in cases where the presence of an invasive species was differentiated from a closely related invasive sister species.

According to researchers, this new method is quicker and more sensitive than established DNA detection techniques, noting that it could one day potentially eliminate the need for polymerase chain reaction amplification.

This would make it an important tool for the investigation of genetic diseases such as cancer, as well as for the detection of human pathogens.

DNA research is becoming an increasingly vital component of healthcare research, with a Lancet Oncology paper last week showing how human papillomavirus DNA testing can be a key indicator for early signs of cervical cancer.