Astronomers and physicists have long used a laser-based sensor called an “optical frequency comb” to study the material makeup of the cosmos and to make timekeeping more accurate. But the COVID pandemic has pushed this versatile tool from the world of space and physics into health care.

In a recent study, scientists proved this tool can detect COVID from Breathalyzer-type tests in which subjects simply blow into a tube—potentially paving the way for fast, noninvasive diagnostic tests for a multitude of diseases.[1]

Figure 1. Astronomy Tool Can Identify COVID in Breath

Astronomy Tool Can Identify COVID in Breath is shown in figure 1. With each breath, humans exhale more than 1,000 distinct molecules, producing a unique chemical fingerprint or “breathprint” rich with clues about what’s going on inside the body.

For decades, scientists have sought to harness that information, turning to dogs, rats and even bees to literally sniff out cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis and more.

The multidisciplinary team of physicists, biochemists and biologists is now shifting its focus to a wide range of other diseases in hopes that the “frequency comb breathalyzer”—born of Nobel Prize-winning technology from CU—could revolutionize medical diagnostics.[2]

The first device that can detect Covid-19 in breath samples has been given an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration. The InspectIR Covid-19 Breathalyzer is about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, the FDA said, and can be used in doctor's offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites, according to AP report.

Notably, the test can provide results in less than three minutes and must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. Dr Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, called the device “yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for Covid-19."[3]

Laser-based optical frequency combs, originally developed to time atomic clocks, can also perform fast, noninvasive tests for COVID—and potentially other diseases as well

Astronomers and physicists have long used a laser-based sensor called an “optical frequency comb” to study the material makeup of the cosmos and to make timekeeping more accurate. But the COVID pandemic has pushed this versatile tool from the world of space and physics into health care.[4]

References:

1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/astronomy-tool-can-now-detect-covid-in-breath/
2. https://www.colorado.edu/today/2023/04/10/new-laser-based-breathalyzer-sniffs-out-covid-other-diseases-real-time
3. https://www.livemint.com/science/news/first-breath-testing-device-to-detect-covid-19-infection-authorised-for-emergency-use-details-here-11649983828980.html
4. https://brazilcham.com/astronomy-tool-can-now-detect-covid-in-breath/

Cite this article:

Gokula Nandhini K (2023), Now, an Astronomy Tool Can Identify COVID in Breath, Anatechmaz, pp.205