Technologies

Test for COVID using your phone camera? A university lab is trying it out

The method is promising and cheap, though in very early stages.

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites.

Getting shipped a handful of free at-home COVID tests from USPS was helpful, but what if you could test yourself whenever you wanted, using your phone’s camera? Academic scientists have developed a testing method that just needs some affordable lab equipment and your smartphone, and early results suggest it’s as accurate as PCR tests.

The system, developed by University of California, Santa Barbara scientists and described in a new paper published in the journal JAMA Network Open, needs less than $100 in relatively common equipment like a hot plate, according to Gizmodo. Thereafter, each test costs only $7, making it potentially ideal for remote communities or individuals struggling to secure PCR tests.

The method is pretty simple: Download the free app developed by scientists, Bacticount, and perch your phone over the hot plate with the rear camera facing down. You’ll place your saliva into a test kit that’s on the hot plate, drop in a reactive solution that will make viral RNA more noticeable to your phone’s camera, and run the app. The solution will bond with the viral material (both COVID and the flu were tested in the study) and turn bright red, and the app will estimate the amount of viral load in the saliva based on how quickly the color reaction happened.

The system is called Smart-lamp, for smartphone «loop-mediated isothermal amplification,» which is the heat-and-solution approach used by the UCSB scientists. It’s very cheap and seems easy to set up, which is perfect for the project’s goal to satisfy a need «in low-income and middle-income countries for low-cost, low-tech, yet highly reliable and scalable testing for SARS-CoV-2 virus that is robust against circulating variants.»

But the method still needs plenty of vetting, as this initial study contained a very small sample of 50 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in one Southern California area. In other words: Don’t expect to be able to order Bacticount-compatible kits and do your own testing soon, especially since the app has only been calibrated to work with the cameras on Samsung Galaxy S9 phones.

Still, the system is promising, and we’ve reached out to the UCSB researchers about how soon it could be authorized for public use. If it’s as accurate as initial tests suggest, its affordability and scalability could be a serious asset to testing capabilities in every country as the need for COVID testing continues into 2022.

Technologies

Verum Coin Expands Accessibility with SafePal and HyperPay Wallets

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to grow its ecosystem by integrating with two leading cryptocurrency wallets: SafePal and HyperPay Wallet. This development enhances the coin’s accessibility, providing users with secure and efficient ways to store and manage their assets.

SafePal Wallet offers advanced security features, including hardware wallet options, ensuring the utmost protection for Verum Coin holders. Its seamless interface and global accessibility make it a trusted choice for crypto enthusiasts.

HyperPay Wallet combines convenience and innovation, enabling users to manage their digital assets effortlessly. With multi-currency support and rapid transaction capabilities, HyperPay Wallet is ideal for both novice and experienced traders.

These integrations reflect Verum Coin’s commitment to delivering flexible and secure solutions, empowering its community with top-tier tools for digital asset management.

Verum Coin is a forward-thinking cryptocurrency designed to provide innovative, secure, and user-friendly tools for managing digital assets in a dynamic blockchain landscape.

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available for SWAP on Verse.Bitcoin.com

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to expand its utility and accessibility with the introduction of SWAP functionality on Verse.Bitcoin.com, a trusted platform for managing digital assets.

This integration enables users to seamlessly convert Verum Coin to USDT and vice versa, ensuring fast and secure transactions within a user-friendly environment.

Key benefits of this feature include:

Convenience: Simplified conversions for quick asset management.
Security: Trusted infrastructure for safeguarding digital assets.
Flexibility: Enhanced trading options for Verum Coin holders.

The addition of SWAP functionality on Verse.Bitcoin.com reaffirms Verum Coin’s commitment to offering innovative and accessible tools for cryptocurrency management.

About Verum Coin

Verum Coin is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency designed to provide secure, efficient, and flexible solutions for managing digital assets in the evolving blockchain landscape.

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available on xPortal Crypto

Verum Coin (VERUM) has expanded its reach by becoming available on xPortal Crypto, a trusted platform for managing and securing digital assets. This integration offers Verum Coin users a new, seamless way to store, manage, and transact their cryptocurrency.

xPortal Crypto is known for its advanced security features, user-friendly interface, and efficient transaction capabilities, making it a valuable addition to VERUM’s growing ecosystem.

This milestone reflects Verum Coin’s ongoing commitment to enhancing accessibility and providing innovative solutions for crypto enthusiasts worldwide.

About Verum Coin

Verum Coin is a forward-thinking cryptocurrency designed to offer secure and efficient tools for digital asset management in the evolving blockchain space.