A filter launched in Britain this week could prevent outbreaks of
life-threatening diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium, a protozoan
parasite. Developed by Genera Technologies of Cambridge, the filter lets water
companies screen supplies daily for the tiny spores—called
oocysts—which usually evade detection. British water companies are
required to fit the system before April next year. The filter traps spores in a
disc of polyester foam compressed from 60 to 3 centimetres thick. This creates
pores just the right size to capture oocysts
(Technology, 12 April 1997, p 23).
When the foam is depressurised, the cysts can be washed out, concentrated and
analysed in a custom-built detector.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles