This research develops a rapid digital PCR workflow to quantify Salmonella contamination in chicken products. Unlike traditional yes-or-no testing, digital PCR measures bacterial levels directly, enabling faster and more accurate food safety decisions within eight hours. The work improves risk assessment, intervention strategies, and prevention of foodborne illness outbreaks.

Prion diseases like CJD are extremely hard to detect early because harmful prions resemble normal brain proteins. This research introduces a new “flashbody” detection tool that binds only disease-causing prions, providing rapid, accurate, equipment-free diagnosis. Early lab results and patient-screening trials are promising, with potential applications to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.