Deep learning-powered biochip to detect genetic markers

A team of scientists from Nanyang Technological University Singapore has developed a new biochip that, when paired with computer vision, can detect quickly and accurately extremely small amounts of microRNAs, which are tiny genetic markers linked to diseases such as heart disease. Published in the scientific journal, the new biosensing platform combines a specially designed nanophotonic chip with AI-automated image analysis. With a tiny drop of blood loaded into the chip, it can rapidly detect multiple microRNA biomarkers. With its integrated AI imaging function, thousands of microRNA signals can be imaged and analysed in a single snapshot. Compared with the current gold standard of detecting microRNA - PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detects tiny amounts of genetic material by copying them many times - the new device can cut detection time from hours to 20 minutes. MicroRNAs are short RNA molecules that help regulate genes that work in the body.