October 14, 2004

Japan Invents Mad Cow Disease Tester

Japanese researchers say they have developed a small detector that can more accurately identify mad cow disease.

The researchers from the Kyushu University say the detector, which is smaller than a mobile phone, may quickly identify bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as BSE or mad cow disease.

They say special organic molecules can capture prion protein, one of the main causes of mad cow disease, on poles in the detector.

Once put onto beef, the prion protein can be seen in the detector.

They say the new technology is more precise than previous testers and can test cattle aged 20 months or younger.