Mobile health technologies to rapidly test and track infectious diseases

Early-warning sensor systems that can test and track serious infectious diseases – such as major flu epidemics, MRSA and HIV – using mobile phones and the internet are being developed by Newcastle scientists. The major new Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration (IRC) led by UCL (University College London) and working with Newcastle University scientists has been awarded £11 million. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) with a total investment of £16 million, its aim is to develop mobile health technologies that allow doctors to diagnose and track diseases much earlier than ever before. Researchers from different disciplines, policy makers, industry and clinicians will work together at the IRCs to ensure that their research leads to the maximum benefit for healthcare users as rapidly as possible. The project is part of a £32 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) which establishes three new Healthcare Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations (IRCs). Welcoming...