By Kerry Steinhofer, Centre College

(Centre College photo)

Daniel Scott, assistant professor of chemistry at Centre College, received the two-year grant from the Kentucky IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) to develop an inexpensive, easy-to-use diagnostic device system to enable rapid medical test results in less developed or remote areas. The proposed device system is intended to help people who live with limited access to medical care. Scott received his doctorate in bioanalytical chemistry from the University of Kentucky. 

“This project is initiating a new vision to develop better diagnostics and monitoring for patients,” Scott said. “The devices we are working toward will be small and portable diagnostic tests that will give you rapid feedback. If you imagine them as similar to the at-home COVID tests many of us are familiar with, but for an array of different diseases and new ways to monitor a patient’s response to treatment.”

Scott said that one reason rural or socioeconomically challenged communities are disproportionally affected by disease is because of the lack of testing services and capabilities, which are critical for early detection and disease management.

Scott’s new device will be inexpensive to make, and the results will be easy to understand for both trained and untrained personnel. “With the rise of telehealth opportunities, our diagnostic devices can be used by patients in the comfort of their own homes and expand the care that can be given remotely.”

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