Groundbreaking new thats can detect coronavirus (COVID-19) in just 90 minutes will start to be used in care homes and labs in England from next week.
Currently most results from tests carried out in-person are returned the following day, while home testing kits take even longer, but these two new types of test – LamPORE and DnaNudge – can provide results in less than two hours and do not require trained health staff to operate them.
They can also detect other winter viruses too.
A total of 450,000 LamPORE tests will be made available to care homes and labs in England from next week, with millions more to come later in the year, and a new DNA test will also be rolled out, with 5,000 Nudgebox machines given to hospitals across the UK from September.
The news of the rollout of these two new testing methods comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that he wants 500,000 coronavirus tests to be available every day by October.
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2020 has been a year of intense innovation, and we are delighted to be partnering with teams at the UK's Department of Health and Social Care to roll out LamPORE, a new generation of COVID-19 test. 1/3 Read more here: https://t.co/fjeBDg3rtqpic.twitter.com/cFwYPWInC6
Speaking on the introduction of the new tests, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The fact these tests can detect flu as well as COVID-19 will be hugely beneficial as we head into winter, so patients can follow the right advice to protect themselves and others.”
The LamPORE testing method is described as “a precise, rapid, low-cost and highly scalable assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2” – the virus that causes COVID-19 – and is designed to test saliva and swab RNA samples, whether gathered from people who are showing symptoms of COVID-19, or those who do not have symptoms.
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The machines that process these tests come in desktop and palm versions, and will be used in ‘pop-up labs’, as well as in existing facilities.
The COVID Nudge testing method is said to be a “rapid, accurate, portable, out-of-laboratory, sample-to-answer RT-PCR test that delivers results on the spot, at the point of need and in just over an hour” and also has a chip that includes a control assay for human RNA, which eliminates “false negative” results by testing for inadequate swabbing.
Trials comparing COVID Nudge against several NHS laboratory results indicated 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
The Department of Health and Social Care has previously insisted that it is sending thousands of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests to care homes, but did admit that supplier issues have caused delays, which is why health ministers are hoping the fact that no clinical training is needed to operate these new rapid test machines will allow them to be used in a wider range of settings.
For more information ahead of the rollout of both tests next week, you can visit the Oxford Nanopore Technologies website here, and the DnaNudge website here.
For further guidance amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, do refer to official sources via gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Council sets out plans to rework busy Manchester junction after ‘serious safety concerns’
Emily Sergeant
Bold new plans to transform one of Manchester’s busiest junctions following ‘serious’ safety concerns have been unveiled.
All the way back in 2022, Manchester City Council identified the junction of Wilmslow Road with Ladybarn Road and Sherwood Street as an area that would ‘greatly benefit’ from upgraded infrastructure.
As a major route into Manchester, and an important route cutting through the city’s southern neighbourhoods, this junction sees a vast amount of road, cyclist, and foot traffic every day… and because of this, there are also said to be ‘serious concerns’ around safety when it comes to this particular stretch of road.
In a five year period between 2018 and 2023 alone, there were 15 collisions at this junction, the Council explained – with two of these classified as ‘serious’.
Under the plans – which have been announced by the Council this week – the junction is to be partially redesigned, creating several new and safer crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians, a more ‘seamless’ route along the current cycling lanes, and overall, just general improvements to the layout.
🚧 Wilmslow Rd Junction Improvements 🚲 Works start 18 May 2026 at Wilmslow Rd / Ladybarn Rd / Sherwood St to make the junction safer for pedestrians & cyclists. ✅ New cycle lanes ✅ Safer crossings ✅ Better links to the Fallowfield Loop 🔗 https://t.co/Y26mH7cc8Epic.twitter.com/IiOih5ehqp
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) May 11, 2026
Some of the safety features set to be included are three dedicated crossing points for pedestrians at the junction, rumble strips for cyclists at pedestrian crossing points, and improved signage and road markings.
Work is due to begin as early as next Monday (18 May), and will run until January 2027.
The work is set to be carried out in four phases, the Council has confirmed – with the first phase of these works comprising of the removal of street furniture, kerbs and tarmac, as well as upgrades to the drainage and road markings.
“This junction in particular sees a high volume of traffic – from cars, cyclists and pedestrians, commented Councillor Tracey Rawlins, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
“So it was clear that improvements were required following our engagement with local residents.
“As has been the case with other schemes like this in Manchester, safety remains our number one priority.
“We have long said that we want Manchester to be a city where people can walk and cycle around in safety, and by upgrading this junction and improving its crossing points, we are taking another step towards that goal.”
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Printworks launches UK-wide student art competition for Europe’s largest digital ceiling
Emily Sergeant
Printworks has launched a student art competition offering the winner a chance to have their work displayed on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Do you know an aspiring artist? Students aged 16 and over are invited to bring the ocean to life in a brand-new creative arts competition launched by one of the UK’s leading entertainment destinations, Manchester’s Printworks.
The venue has now opened entries for UK students from sixth forms, colleges, universities, and art colleges across the country to take part in an exciting new art competition.
This year, students are asked to create an original artwork inspired by the theme ‘Ocean / Under the Sea’, and then the winning design will be transformed into a spectacular digital display across the impressive ceiling installation.
From colourful coral gardens and tropical fish, to mysterious deep-sea worlds and majestic marine life, students are encouraged to unleash their creativity and dive beneath the waves for inspiration.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch this year’s student art competition and can’t wait to see the imagination and creativity that the UK’s young artists bring to this year’s theme,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks Manchester.
Printworks has launched a UK-wide student art competition for Europe’s largest digital ceiling / Credit: Supplied
“Our digital ceiling gives students the opportunity to see their work displayed on a truly massive scale in front of thousands of visitors, and we hope the addition of new prizes will encourage creativity to continue beyond the competition.”
The winning artist will also receive an iPad 11th Generation with an Apple Pencil (USB-C) this year too, as well as the main prize of having their artwork featured, giving budding creatives powerful new tools to continue developing their artistic talents and future projects.
Entrants who come in second and third place will also receive vouchers to be used at different venues inside Printworks.
The competition is now open, and further details on how to enter, submission guidelines, and full terms and conditions can be found on the Printworks website here.
The Manc -
3rd August 2020 
