At the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany (28 June–3 July), Jaymi Leigh January spoke about next‑generation biosensors. She was among more than 650 young researchers invited and one of six from South Africa. She described how nanotechnology can detect very small biomarkers linked to tuberculosis, cancer and viral diseases, and said early detection could allow treatment 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 completed a PhD in 2025 on electroanalytical biosensors and nanomaterials. At UWC’s Sensor Laboratories she combines nanotechnology and electrochemistry to build sensitive platforms that target biomarkers for TB, cancer and long COVID. She uses nanobodies—small antibodies from camelids—that bind targets with high specificity and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Her research was a finalist in the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards. Moving sensors from lab to clinic will require clinical validation, manufacturing optimisation, regulatory approval and partnerships with industry. January hopes to commercialise the technologies in South Africa and develop affordable, portable diagnostics for local healthcare needs.
Difficult words
- biosensor — device that detects biological molecules or signalsbiosensors
- nanotechnology — science of very small materials and devices
- biomarker — a biological sign of disease or conditionbiomarkers
- nanobody — a very small antibody from camelidsnanobodies
- specificity — ability to bind or recognize a specific target
- validation — process of proving something works correctly
- commercialise — make a product available for sale
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think affordable, portable diagnostics would help healthcare in your area? Why or why not?
- Which of the challenges listed (validation, manufacturing, regulation, partnerships) seems most difficult? Explain briefly.
- How could universities and industry work together to bring a lab sensor into clinics in your country? Give one or two ideas.
Related articles
Emory study: 2023–24 COVID vaccine gives lasting antibodies
Emory University measured antibody responses in 24 people after the 2023–24 monovalent vaccine targeting Omicron XBB.1.5. The study found long-lasting antibodies, cross-reactive protection with the ancestral WA1 strain, and a 2.8-fold boost from immune imprinting.
