According to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a new medical device which combines nanotechnology with a pregnancy tester could help diagnose and treat the one million people in the UK who do not know they have kidney disease.
According to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a new medical device which combines nanotechnology with a pregnancy tester could help diagnose and treat the one million people in the UK who do not know they have kidney disease.
Created by Bio Nano Consulting, the device – called quantitative electrochemical lateral flow assay (QELFA) – uses nanoparticles to test the patient’s urine giving results in seconds and is linked to their surgery via mobile technology so doctors can track how the disease is developing.
The Institution’s new report – Nanotechnology: The Societal Impact of the Invisible– highlights the enormous potential for nanotechnology in our society but calls on the Government to increase funding for nanotech development to ensure the UK does not fall behind other nations.
Report author, Dr Helen Meese, head of materials at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “Nanotechnology could revolutionise the way we live our lives – it can be used in everything from food and healthcare to electronics, clothing and cosmetics. But despite its 40 years in the public domain, the nanotechnology industry is still failing to engage with society in an open and clear way, and governments continue to lack impetus in committing to international regulation. The UK Government must provide more funding to ensure that the UK benefits fully from nanotechnology’s potential.”
