New Inexpensive Device Rapidly Detects E. Coli Bacteria

A small tool with life-saving power.

Developed by scientists at the University of Waterloo, the palm-sized device could help save lives and reduce illness by rapidly and inexpensively detecting toxic bacteria in water supplies.

Every year, E. coli bacteria cause ~230 deaths and three million illnesses, predominantly affecting babies and young children. To help solve this, the Waterloo research team is building on the technology it originally developed to detect the COVID-19 virus during the global pandemic.

“We’re confident our technology could have a significant health impact. Testing shows it is very accurate, both in terms of specificity – the ability to differentiate between E. coli and other bacteria – and sensitivity.”

— Dr. Carolyn Ren

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