At a recent O'Reilly/Nature/Google Science Foo Camp, a group of smart folks interested in DIY biology discussed how DNA tests for infectious diseases and the potential of molecular biology in general was unlikely to make it to developing nations anytime soon. The essential tool, a PCR machine that makes copies of DNA fragments, is just too damn expensive. So rather than shrug and move on, they decided to put their ingenuity where their mouths are and make a small, inexpensive PCR machine. The LavaAmp, a portable device for cheap PCR in the field and DIY biotech, is now in prototype. From an email written by Venezuelan biologist Guido Núñez-Mujica, co-developer of the LavaAmp:
LavaAmp is the result of the collaboration of Rob Carlson and his
engineering partner, Rik Wehbring, founders of Biodesic, a Bioengineering firm, Jim Hardy,
bioentrepreneur founder of Gahaga Biosciences, Joseph Jackson, a
philosopher interested in Open Science and DIY Biology and me, a comp.
biologist. SciFoo put us in touch, and in my particular case, exposed
me to a culture of entrepreneurship that I was not familiar with. It
was the catalyst that made us embark in this venture: Try to develop,
manufacture and market a simple, inexpensive device to perform PCR,
the backbone of molecular biology, based on existing technology that
was never developed until we took it over.
Right now, we have developed a prototype and are about to start the manufacturing, if we can get enough funds. In order to gather funds we are competing in a program for social entrepreneurs, The Unreasonable Institute, where we need pledges from supporters in order to gain access
to training, mentoring and funding.
The value of Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors dropped about $1.1 billion after the close today. When will he, and the adults around him, learn? Welp. Friday at Tesla and at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission should be interesting. Have fun with that, Board of Directors and SEC officers. On Thursday afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, […]
Our Jason Weisberger isn’t a huge fan of the Freewrite that he bought a few years back. Others feel differently about the pricey mechanical keyboard and E Ink display-equipped focused writing slab. From the looks of things, enough people dig it that the device’s parent company, Astrohaus, felt that it was time to release a […]
A new trial will be held in a copyright dispute over Led Zeppelin’s hit song ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ An earlier trial ruled in the band’s favor, but an appeals court has now ruled the judge in that trial gave misleading information to jurors.
Whether you’re designing for print or digital, a modern career in graphic design requires more than just an eye for a decent font. Professionals in this fast-growing, artistic field need to be just as nimble with the latest software as any tech worker. If you want to learn graphic design, The Complete Learn To Design Bundle […]
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That persistent ringing in your ears after a long night at the club or a marathon concert? It’s not just an annoyance. It’s a warning. Tinnitus is no joke, and long exposure to sound levels over 85 decibels can permanently damage your ears. But if you really love the music, make sure you can listen […]
