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Researchers Look To New Methods To Create Cheaper, Easier Coronavirus Testing

Several new types of tests for coronavirus infection are being developed. One uses the revolutionary gene-editing tool called CRISPR; another measures responses from cells in saliva.

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Joe Palca is a science correspondent for NPR. Since joining NPR in 1992, Palca has covered a range of science topics — everything from biomedical research to astronomy. He is currently focused on the eponymous series, "Joe's Big Idea." Stories in the series explore the minds and motivations of scientists and inventors. Palca is also the founder of NPR Scicommers – A science communication collective.