The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a 2025 AB Nexus grant to Dr. Jun Ye and Dr. Lilliam Ambroggio for a new quantum health project. This initiative uses quantum sensing and laser technology to create a portable breath test for children, aiming to help doctors quickly distinguish between bacterial pneumonia, viral infections, and asthma. The project received $300,000 in seed funding as part of a program launched in 2020 to support cross-campus collaborations, with research led by teams at CU Anschutz and CU Boulder.
This grant represents a shift toward applying quantum technology in healthcare rather than establishing a computing standard. The technology aims to analyze specific molecules in breath to identify infections quickly, creating a tool designed for use in hospitals and clinics. While no specific implementation date was set, the project aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary treatments for pediatric patients.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/awards/jun-ye-receives-2025-ab-nexus-grant
Keywords: quantum sensing, breath test, laser technologies
