<![CDATA[Gizmodo: avian flu]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: avian flu]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/avianflu http://gizmodo.com/tag/avianflu <![CDATA[Bird Flu Detection by "VereFlu" Disposable Lab-on-a Chip]]> You thought avian flu was so 2006, didn't you? Not so STMicroelectronics, which has been quietly working away to build a new lab-on-a-chip device to detect the virus. Dubbed VereFlu, it's actually able to detect many strains of influenza virus, including human type A and B, and the killer avian H5N1 strain. Better yet, the disposable chip takes just two hours whereas traditional tests take much longer, increasing its life-saving potential. Having passed hospital trials in Singapore last year, its launch means you may expect to see it pop up in hospitals and airports over the coming years. [Reuters]

]]> http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=371440&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Bird Flu Alert Service]]> A company called UpSnap has decided to be complete assholes and try to profit from the potential cataclysmic epidemic of bird flu. The service will inform persons when bird flu has reached their area with a text message.

On a more positive note, this isn't just some jackhole sitting in his basement watching the news everyday sending text messages. UpSnap's information comes directly from the Homeland Security Department, Centers for Disease Control, FEMA and the FBI.

The service costs $3.99 per month and it even includes a bonus of a weekly voice summary of all of the homeland security threats. Hooray! You can subscribe by text messaging "usa" to UpSnap at 27627. – Travis Hudson

Mobile Phones Can Become A Tool To Help Fight Spread Of Avian Flu [Via MobileMag]

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