As reported on October 15, 2020, a scientific research study, published in the journal Soft Matter, states that a method to detect both viruses and antibodies has been developed by scientists from New York University, using holographic imaging. The researchers say that this proposed test could be done in under 30 minutes if fully realised, and is highly accurate, which can be performed by minimally trained personnel.
As per the study, the method uses laser beams to record holograms of their test beads, the surfaces of which are activated with biochemical binding sites that attract either antibodies or virus particles, depending on the intended test. Binding antibodies or viruses cause the beads to grow by a few billionth parts of a metre, which can be detected by scientists through changes in the beads’ holograms. The test can analyse a dozen beads per second, i.e., cutting the time for a reliable thousand-bead diagnostic test to 20 minutes.
Holographic Imaging
Holography is a process of creating three-dimensional images, called holograms, using laser beams, the properties of interference and diffraction, light intensity recording, and illumination of the recording. Holographic images change as per the relative position of the individual viewer and appear as if the objects displayed were actually present.
Holography is of two types—conventional and dynamic. While conventional holography represents static images of 3D objects, whereby a change in viewing angle of the viewer results in a change of perspective of the holographic object, dynamic holography adds motion to the 2D or 3D image created. The motion represents a significant advancement to current 3D static images, and also opens the door to three major potential uses of holography in radiology: i) teaching anatomy, ii) picture archiving and communication system (PACS) storage, and iii) displaying more complex anatomic images that can be used to present more informative reports to treating physicians and their patients.
Courtesy: Indian Express, appliedradiology.com