NIST Unveils Rapid DNA Damage Test to Aid Cancer Care, Emergencies

• NIST develops nanopore technique for fast DNA damage measurement
• Delivers results in minutes, covering critical radiation exposure range
• Potential to improve cancer therapy and emergency response

Breakthrough Nanopore Technique Measures DNA Damage in Minutes

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have introduced a new technology that dramatically accelerates the measurement of DNA damage caused by radiation. The method, detailed in Analytical Chemistry on August 20, 2025, leverages nanopore sensing to detect and quantify DNA fragmentation—an indicator of radiation exposure—within minutes, a significant improvement over existing approaches that can take days.

Traditional methods for assessing radiation’s biological effects, such as counting dead cells or culturing cells to observe chromosomal changes, require at least two to three days and are limited in the radiation doses they can accurately measure. These limitations hinder timely medical intervention, especially in cancer radiotherapy and during radiological emergencies. The new NIST technique fills this gap by enabling rapid, accurate measurement in the critical 2 to 10 gray (Gy) dose range, where immediate clinical decisions are often necessary.

How the Nanopore Approach Works

The technique operates by passing DNA fragments, produced when ionizing radiation breaks DNA strands, through nanopores—microscopic holes with an electric current running through them. As each DNA fragment transits the nanopore, it disrupts the current, allowing scientists to determine both the number and length of fragments. This data provides a precise calculation of the absorbed radiation dose.

“With nanopore sensing, we’re not just measuring radiation damage; we’re rewriting the rules on how quickly and effectively we can respond to both cancer care and emergencies,” said NIST physical scientist Joseph Robertson.

The proof-of-concept has been demonstrated in the lab using test-tube DNA samples. The next steps include adapting the technique for use with DNA extracted from biological cells and tissues, and developing a portable device for field and clinical settings.

Implications for Cancer Therapy and Emergency Response

Real-time radiation monitoring is crucial in cancer therapy, where precise dosing can mean the difference between destroying cancer cells and harming healthy tissue. “The ability to monitor radiation exposure in real time means doctors can adjust treatments to ensure the right dosage,” Robertson noted. The technology could also help clinicians track tumor response and tailor therapies to individual patients, advancing the goal of personalized medicine.

In radiological emergencies—such as nuclear accidents or incidents of radiation poisoning—speed is critical. Current diagnostic methods may leave patients waiting days for results, but the NIST technology offers the potential to triage and treat those most at risk within minutes. “This would allow medical teams to quickly prioritize care for those most at risk,” Robertson emphasized.

Path to Practical Deployment

The NIST team is collaborating with industry partners to miniaturize the technology, aiming for a device as portable and affordable as a smartphone. Such a tool could be deployed in hospitals, emergency response units, and field operations, broadening access to rapid radiation assessment.

Looking ahead, NIST is seeking commercial partners to develop a prototype and bring the technology to market. The institute sees this advance as part of its broader mission to enhance public health and safety through scientific innovation.

“This technology isn’t merely a leap forward; it’s a lifeline,” Robertson said. “By making radiation measurement precise and accessible, we’re striving to ensure that help is always within reach.”

Publication Details

The research is published as: Michael Lamontagne, Shannon M. Newell, Ileana Pazos, Ronald Tosh, Jerimy Polf, Michael Zwolak, and Joseph W.F. Robertson. “Single-molecule biodosimetry.” Analytical Chemistry, online August 20, 2025. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c03303.

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