Johns Hopkins develops new DNA technique

BALTIMORE, Dec 5, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Johns Hopkins University scientists say they've developed a method of finding specific sequences of DNA by making them light up under a microscope.

The researchers say the technique, which uses tiny semiconductor crystals, biological probes and a laser, will have important uses in medical research. They demonstrated the method's potential in their lab by detecting a sample of DNA containing a mutation linked to ovarian cancer.

"Conventional methods of finding and identifying samples of DNA are cumbersome and time-consuming," said Jeff Tza-Huei Wang, senior author of the paper and supervisor of the research team. "This new technique is ultra-sensitive, quick and relatively simple. It can be used to look for a particular part of a DNA sequence, as well as for genetic defects and mutations."

The university has filed for a provisional patent covering the DNA nanosensor technology.

The Johns Hopkins team described the new DNA nanosensor in a paper published in the November issue of the journal Nature Materials.

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