An unusual cross application of the technology that allows explosives experts to detect improvised explosive devises is aiding medical professionals in their work as well. A technique developed in Australia, originally used light intensity to check for and detect the presence of residues used in explosives. The same light concentrating technique is now being used to detect the presence of a particular vitamin in human blood. Researchers believe the technique shows promise for use in the development of diagnostic testing where in a laser could pinpoint certain molecules that reveal certain human diseases. The laser vibrates the molecule and this vibration is like the molecule’s fingerprint which may be deciphered by a spectrometer for identification. Researcher’s next steps will be improving the sensitivity, scale, and affordability of such potentially ground breaking technology.
Key Points:
- 1A technique for detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is being used to identify vitamins in the bloodstream linked to dementia.
- 2Vitamin B12 is a highly complicated vitamin, which is vital in the functioning and health of nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells.
- 3The technique was still being modified for commercial use but could also be used to detect a range of different molecules useful in identifying other diseases.
The National Institute of Health in the United States claims people older than 14 years-of-age should consume about 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day, pregnant women 2.6 mcg and lactating women 2.8 mcg.
Read the full article at: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-10-technology-early-dementia-diagnosis.html
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