Developments in Point-of-Care Diagnostic Technology for Cancer Detection.

Cancer is the cause of death for one in seven individuals worldwide. It is widely acknowledged that screening and early diagnosis are of vital importance for improving the likelihood of recovery. However, given the costly, time-consuming, and invasive nature of the many methods currently in use, patients often do not take advantage of the services available to them.

Biosensors for the monitoring of harmful algal blooms.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a major global concern due to their propensity to cause environmental damage, healthcare issues and economic losses. In particular, the presence of toxic phytoplankton is a cause for concern. Current HAB monitoring programs often involve laborious laboratory-based analysis at a high cost and with long turnaround times.

Strategies for overcoming challenges for decentralised diagnostics in resource-limited and catastrophe settings.

Globally, both communicable and non-communicable diseases pose a serious threat to populations in developed as well as developing countries. Access to reliable diagnostic testing along with qualified health practitioners is severely limited in low resource and very remote areas and following natural catastrophes. Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of the challenges involved and suggests strategies to address them.

The need for effective pancreatic cancer detection and management: a biomarker-based strategy.

Pancreatic cancer (Pa) is generally a very aggressive disease, with few effective approaches available for early diagnosis or therapy. These factors, combined with the aggressiveness and chemoresistance of Pa, results in a bleak outcome post-diagnosis. Cancer-related biomarkers have established capabilities for diagnosis, prognosis and screening and can be exploited to aid in earlier less-invasive diagnosis and optimization of targeted therapies.