Published June 5, 2008, last updated on March 8, 2013 under Research News
By Richard Merritt
DURHAM, N.C.
A genetic tool used by medical researchers may also be used in a novel approach to remove harmful microbes and viruses from drinking water.
In a series of proof-of-concept experiments, Duke University engineers demonstrated that short strands of genetic material could successfully target a matching portion of a gene in a common fungus found in water and make it stop working. If this new approach can be perfected, the researchers believe that it could serve as the basis for a device to help solve the problem of safe drinking water in Third World Morey/Gunschcountries without water treatment facilities.
