MSU researchers create quicker tests to spot viruses in food, water

Michigan State University researchers say they’ve created new technology, that can cut food and water safety testing time from days to just hours. The team is developing magnetic particles that latch onto bacteria in food and water, so they can be quickly identified. It’s considered a breakthrough for Michigan, which has more than 14,000 contaminated water sites still awaiting cleanup. MSU Engineering Professor Evangelyn Alocilja led the research. She explained that instead of sending water samples to a lab, new tests can be performed on site, greatly speeding up the process. “It’s a game changer, right,” said Alocilia. “Because now you can make decisions as to whether the food is safe to process, or safe to eat, safe to send to the market, or water is safe to drink.” Alocilja po