At a meeting in Lindau, Germany, Jaymi Leigh January talked about new biosensors. Her research uses nanotechnology to detect very small disease signs linked to tuberculosis, cancer and viral diseases. Early detection could allow doctors to treat people before symptoms become severe.
January has an honours degree in Chemistry and an MSc in Nanoscience from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She finished a PhD in 2025 and now works at UWC’s Sensor Laboratories. Her work combines nanotechnology and electrochemistry and uses nanobodies, which are small antibodies from camelids. To move the sensors to clinics will need clinical validation, better manufacturing, regulatory approval and partnerships with industry. She hopes to commercialise the tests in South Africa and make cheap, portable diagnostics for local health needs.
Difficult words
- biosensor — Device that finds signs of disease or chemicalsbiosensors
- nanotechnology — Study and use of very small materials
- detect — Find or notice something not obvious
- nanobody — Very small antibody from camelid animalsnanobodies
- clinical validation — Tests to prove a medical tool works in clinics
- commercialise — Sell a product and make it available to buyers
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Discussion questions
- Do you think early detection is important? Why?
- Would portable diagnostics help health in your area? How?
- What problems might there be when selling medical tests locally?
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