Bacteria like E.coli and others have been tormenting America's population for decades. Most of these bacteria enter our body through food and make us weak.

As many such bacterium outbreaks are increasingly reported across the nation, the phenomenon has caught the attention of many scientists who are willingly coming forward to study these microorganisms in a modern technological setting, so that future outbreaks can be evaded.

In a similar attempt, a bioengineer and a professor from Florida A&M University's (FAMU) College of Agriculture and Food Sciences named Marlon S. Thomas has been awarded a patent from the federal government for his research development in species detection methods and systems.

As a nation grappling with numerous bacterial infections, his new method of detection is expected to garner relatively more consistent results.

After six years of research, Thomas has invented this new method to quickly identify bacteria stains by using chemical dyes and fluorescent assays.

The patent is a significant breakthrough to better monitor health conditions by providing methods, systems and kits for cellular and sub-cellular identification in a rapid, throughput manner.

As Thomas explains, the goal in any health care-related emergency like food poisoning and contamination 'is to quickly identify the root of the problem at hand in order to diagnosis the best remedy.'

"The patent holds the potential to provide the means to better manage chronic diseases for physicians and health care professionals. The new staining method will someday in the near future impact the general public with point of care detection that can be used in the privacy of the home," he said.

That is, if this new patented method is successfully applied, there is no need to go through a wide range of tests at the hospital to determine the cause behind one's health abnormality. The public can easily diagnose whether the ailment is a possible bacterial infection at the comfort of their home.

In addition, this new patented method needs no electricity and can thus be easily incorporated into the already existing identification and detection methods.

Thomas' patented work is a part of his dissertation at University of California-Riverside, where he earned his Ph.D.