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Leeds researchers give medics a head-start in testing - 20/03/08
Leeds-based researchers have developed a highly-sensitive device that will give medics a head-start in testing for a range of diseases.
The diagnostic device developed by engineers from Leeds University works by identifying certain processes in blood or urine which are generally indicative of certain diseases.
Researchers at the university say the device is ten times smaller than existing models while offering the same level of accuracy.
Dr Christoph Wälti, who was part of the research team, said: "Size is as important as accuracy for these devices.
"With new born babies, for example, only small amounts of blood can be taken for tests, so any sensor has to be able to detect a large range of proteins with only a small test area to work from."
Dr Wälti and Professor Giles Davies from the university's faculty of engineering replaced the conventional glass slide used in other devices as the base with an array of electrodes.
These electrodes have been created using the same technology that is used to create microchips, meaning that they are very small in size, spaced around ten micrometres apart.
In related news, Leeds University announced this week that it is going into partnership with Sheffield University and York University to launch a new £10 million academy that will train the next generation of multi-skilled scientists in September this year. 
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