Imagine getting critical medical information without needles or blood samples. A new breakthrough from the University of Chicago may soon make that possible. Scientists have developed a small, portable device—called ABLE—that can capture and analyze molecules from the air, including those found in a person’s breath.
Traditionally, detecting health markers requires liquid samples like blood, which means invasive procedures such as pinpricks. ABLE changes this by converting airborne molecules into tiny liquid droplets that can be easily analyzed with existing lab equipment. The device works by drawing in air, humidifying it, and cooling it to condense particles onto a slick surface, collecting them for testing.
This technology opens doors to numerous applications. For example, it could allow people with diabetes to monitor glucose levels from their breath or help doctors track the health of premature infants without invasive tests. The device can also detect airborne bacteria, viruses, and markers of inflammation, which could revolutionize hospital infection control and patient care.
One of the project’s inspirations came from neonatal doctors seeking gentler ways to monitor vulnerable newborns. While the technology is still early, its creators envision further miniaturization, making it wearable and even more accessible.
ABLE represents a promising step toward a future where medical diagnostics are simpler, faster, and painless—potentially transforming healthcare across many fields.
Article written by Louise Lerner
21/05/2025
Source:
The University of chicago