Researchers developing danger-sensing BioPen

Scientists at Ben Gurion University in Israel are out to make detecting dangerous biological agents as simple as a pregnancy test with their yet-to-be-completed BioPen, which they say could eventually be in use everywhere from the battlefield to the veterinary lab. The pen uses a modified form of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (or ELISA) antigen detection to detect potentially harmful compounds, and can apparently also be used to determine if water is drinkable, along with ratting out environmental toxins, Ebola, Hepatitis B and C, Dengue, West Nile virus, and bird flu, among other nasty things. It works by taking a blood sample with a disposable tip, which is then automatically processed in the non-disposable cap, delivering the verdict in twenty minutes or less. Of course, they haven't actually gotten it into pen size yet -- for that, they're looking for one or two million dollars of funding -- but when/if it gets fully developed, they foresee the BioPen being a fairly affordable option, costing about $15 per test.

[Jason @ Nov 17th 2006 12:51PM]

So, can I write with this or what?

[Whynot @ Nov 17th 2006 12:52PM]

Well, I guess we do live in a dangerous world...
A portable danger-sensing device would be very useful for people who have to face danger on a daily basis. Say you're waiting in line in front of a store for days, and some guy comes and spread ebola (much more fun than just mugging people or shooting them with BB bullets, of course) :P :P :P

[Matt B @ Nov 17th 2006 12:53PM]

I would guess that if the pen showed a positive sign, it would already be too late for you.

[blackfeather @ Nov 17th 2006 12:55PM]

This will go right along with my "Peril-Sensetive Sunglasses"...

[strider_mt2k @ Nov 17th 2006 1:12PM]

lol @ blackfeather

They also go nicely with the "distinct unease" sensing underwear.

[grahamgibson @ Nov 17th 2006 1:30PM]

My spidey-pen is tingling!