New laser diagnosis to catch bacterial meningitis

Scientists at Strathclyde University have developed a new technique to identify bacterial meningitis in patients.

Laser light is scattered on to a sample of blood to identify pathogens present in DNA.

The 'finger-printing' technique can work on more than one bacterium at a time, meaning treatment can be targeted.

If the disease develops, it can lead to blood poisoning, brain damage and amputation of limbs.

BBC Scotland's science correspondent Ken Macdonald reports.

  • Scotland