New NIST Nanopore Test Detects Radiation Damage in Minutes

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a significant breakthrough in radiation detection with the development of a simple, rapid nanopore test that can measure DNA damage in minutes, a process that traditionally takes days. This new technology has the potential to dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of radiation dose assessment in both medical and emergency situations.

How the Nanopore Test Works

The test operates on a clever principle: when ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, strikes DNA, it breaks the long DNA molecules into smaller fragments. The NIST method leverages a tiny hole, or nanopore, to analyze these fragments.

DNA fragments are pulled through the nanopore by an electric current. As each fragment passes through, it creates a brief and distinct dip in the current. By accurately counting these electrical dips and estimating the lengths of the fragments, the system can infer the absorbed radiation dose. This is particularly effective for doses in the 2–10 Gy range, a critical exposure level for humans that requires immediate medical attention.

Applications in Medicine and Emergency Response

The ability to obtain near-real-time results could be transformative. In cancer treatment, doctors could use this technology to fine-tune radiotherapy in real time. This would ensure that patients receive the optimal dose—enough to destroy cancerous cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue—and allow for personalized treatment adjustments.

For first responders, the portable, phone-sized device planned for the future could enable rapid on-site triage after a radiological incident. This would allow medical teams to quickly assess who is most at risk and prioritize care, potentially saving lives by providing timely medical intervention.

Next Steps

Currently, the technology is a proof of concept demonstrated in a laboratory using prepared DNA. The NIST team’s next steps involve testing the method on real biological samples and developing a portable device for clinics and field use. This would move the technology from a laboratory setting to practical, life-saving applications.

For more information, you can find the official news release here: New Technique for Measuring DNA Damage Could Improve Cancer Therapy and Radiological Emergency Response.