TORRANCE, CA--(Marketwired - June 07, 2016) - Phenomenex, Inc., a global leader in the research and manufacture of advanced technologies for the separation sciences, along with The Analytical Scientist, a leading industry publication, is pleased to present the 2016 Humanity in Science Award to Dr. Waseem Asghar, Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, for developing an innovative and cost-effective paper and flexible material-based diagnostic method of biosensing that can be used to detect and determine treatment options for HIV, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureas and other deadly pathogens, potentially saving the lives of millions of people in developing nations.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 35 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV has become one of the most devastating pathogens in human history and it remains the leading cause of death in Africa. More than 95 percent of HIV infections are in developing countries, two-thirds of them in sub-Saharan Africa, where 28 million people are living with HIV. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective in saving AIDS patients' lives, the implementation of ART worldwide has been drastically hampered by the lack of treatment monitoring diagnostics and disease management.

Dr. Asghar's new paper-based diagnostic biosensing platform can change this. The technology utilizes a single drop of blood from a finger-prick, providing clinically relevant specificity, sensitivity and detection of pathogens from whole blood and plasma. Using flexible substrates as materials for biosensors, Asghar and his collaborators identified a new rapid and cost-effective way to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment in point-of-care settings.

Watch a short video about the winner here.

"It's quite remarkable to learn the great work of such amazing analytical scientists throughout the world and their inspiring contributions to humanity," says Fasha Mahjoor, President and CEO of Phenomenex. "So often such life-saving research and technology breakthroughs go unnoticed due to the humility of the scientist and the scientific community. Having the opportunity to discover and recognize such incredible humanitarian endeavors through our Humanity in Science Award has been rewarding beyond measure for all of us. Phenomenex is so pleased to honour this year's phenomenal winner, Dr. Waseem Asghar, for his outstanding discovery of an inexpensive way to diagnose and monitor the treatment of deadly diseases, such as HIV, in developing countries."

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Asghar stressed the important role that scientists play in the betterment of humankind, quoting Muhammad Ali: "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."

The Humanity in Science Award is an international research prize launched in 2014 by Phenomenex and The Analytical Scientist, recognizing a breakthrough in analytical science that has changed lives for the better. Applications are received from around the world, addressing humanitarian challenges such as keeping our food and water safe to developing new and better medicines, and winners are rewarded with a $25,000 prize.

Read the interview with Dr. Waseem Asghar: https://theanalyticalscientist.com/issues/0316/bioengineered-humanity/

Find more information on the Humanity in Science Award: https://www.humanityinscienceaward.com/

About Phenomenex

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, clinical research, government and academic laboratories. From drug discovery and pharmaceutical development to food safety and environmental analysis, Phenomenex chromatography solutions accelerate science and help researchers improve global health and well-being. For more information on Phenomenex, visit www.phenomenex.com or follow the company on Twitter @Phenomenex or at www.scienceunfiltered.com.

About The Analytical Scientist

The Analytical Scientist magazine, published by Texere Publishing Ltd, integrates all aspects of analytical science, from advances in science and technology to first-hand accounts from the labs that test athlete's samples; and from progress in business and policy to advice for career development and job satisfaction. The publication encompasses a print magazine, a global website optimized for tablets and smartphones, and an iPad app. The Analytical Scientist can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. www.theanalyticalscientist.com

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