CPU's Heat Output to Amplify DNA Could Make Drastically Cheaper Tests 27
Posted
by
timothy
from the only-waste-heat-is-wasted dept.
from the only-waste-heat-is-wasted dept.
MTorrice (2611475) writes "Researchers have harnessed that heat from a computer CPU to run the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA in a blood sample. The team developed software that cycles the temperature of the CPU to drive PCR's three distinct steps.The method allowed them to detect miniscule amounts of DNA from a pathogenic parasite that causes Chagas disease. They hope their technique will lead to low-cost diagnostic tests in developing countries." (Always good to put waste heat to a practical purpose.)
You completely missed the point of the article (Score:2, Insightful)
The big deal is they could do this with the existing machine, and they didn't need to make modifications.
Waste heat has nothing to do with it.