Meet the Ghanaian scientist behind tiny sensors for early detection of kidney, heart problems

Cancers and cardiovascular diseases can become life-threatening when they are not detected and treated early.

For patients diagnosed with these conditions, early detection can improve their chances of receiving treatment before the disease worsens.

5 Ghanaian scientists making giant strides on the global stage

Ghanaian scientist Albert Ashong, a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University in Canada, is exploring this area of research.

Ashong is developing tiny optical biosensors that could help detect diseases and injuries affecting the heart and kidneys at an early stage, when treatment may be more effective.

His research combines light-based technology, FRET-based immunoassays and microfluidic systems to identify signs of kidney and cardiac injury much earlier than some current diagnostic methods.

The technology is being developed to detect these conditions as early as the first week after they begin.

Ashong’s work has earned him the Excellence in Research and Innovation Award from the Canadian Black Scientists Network/Réseau Canadien des Scientifiques Noirs (CBSN) at the National STEM Summit in Toronto.

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The award recognises his innovation, leadership and contributions to Canada’s Black STEM community.

Before pursuing his PhD at McMaster University, Ashong studied in Germany and conducted research in Denmark.

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