CBC Innovation Breakfast: Quantum Sensors in Healthcare: Principles and Applications

Quantum sensing in healthcare uses extremely precise sensors to detect tiny changes in the body that traditional tools can’t pick up. This can include, for example, quantum magnetic probes for endoscopy and laparoscopy, lateral flow tests based on quantum sensors that can provide orders of magnitude higher sensitivity and quantum magneto-encephalography.

In this session, Helena Knowles, Deputy Director of the UK Q-BIOMED Hub, will discuss the principles of quantum sensing, its potential benefits, as well as an overview of how these technologies are being applied in life sciences and healthcare. She will also share examples from the Hub’s work, including her lab’s work on intercellular nanodiamond sensors that can study cells at the subcellular, nanometre scale and highlight broader projects designed to bring quantum technologies into practical healthcare use.

Q-BIOMED is a team of over 30 Principal Investigators across six UK universities, NHS teams, industry and charities partners. Current projects include more sensitive, cost-effective brain imaging, highly sensitive lateral flow tests, advanced endoscopy and laparoscopy probes, and intracellular sensors measuring tissue properties such as pH and reactive oxygen species.