It all comes down to aptamers, short strands of DNA which can mimic the action of antibodies traditionally used for testing.

AuramerBio, a biotech company spun out of the MacDiarmid Institute, is about to field trial their first biosensing product. Their handheld device can be used roadside, in workplaces or in hospital triages to tests for recreational drugs.

In just three minutes a saliva sample can identify if you have taken any of six different recreational drugs. Unlike traditional roadside testing units, AuramerBio’s device can detect the levels of drugs in saliva, not just the presence. . . . read on >