Rep. Sykes Announces $435,293 National Science Foundation Grant to The University of Akron
AKRON, OHIO — U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) announced the National Science Foundation Award to the University of Akron in the amount of $435,293 to support the project entitled: Ultrasensitive, Rapid, Amplification-Free RNA Virus Detection Using Nanodimer-Based Nucleic Acid Target Sequence Recognition.
“As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and a proud product of the birthplace of champions, I am proud to advocate for and support initiatives that push the boundaries of scientific exploration and prioritize public health. The potential applications of this research in point-of-care testing, pandemic prevention, and environmental monitoring of viral contamination are exceptionally promising,” said Rep. Sykes. “I commend the work of Dr. Jiang Zhe and the entire research department at the University of Akron College of Engineering and Polymer Science. I am confident this project’s success will significantly contribute to our nation’s preparedness in facing viral threats and reinforce our commitment to scientific progress and innovation.”
The Ultrasensitive, Rapid, Amplification-Free RNA Virus Detection Using Nanodimer-Based Nucleic Acid Target Sequence Recognition project works to tackle the threat of ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses that can cause diseases in humans, like the common cold, dangerous fevers, and even deadly viruses like Ebola and COVID-19. Detecting these viruses quickly and accurately is crucial to stop them from spreading and to treat affected individuals. Currently, the most common method used for polymerase chain reaction virus detection (PCR) is time-consuming and requires specialized equipment and trained staff. As such, this project aims to create a new, portable device that can rapidly and sensitively detect RNA viruses without the need for PCR.
Read more about the grant here.
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