New advances might bring detailed diagnostics studies literally at a patient’s fingertip.

According to a recent publication in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Harvard scientists have developed a paper based chip that can analyze a small amount of blood for a number of diseases.  The test material is made of paper and carpet tape.

While the design is intended for future use in developing countries, there are certainly  many possible applications including confidential, cost effective testing for lipid disorders, diabetes, cancer screening, and STD testing.