• Scientists have developed a cradle device and app which can transform a cell phone into a tool capable of carrying out complex tests
• One possible use is to carry out simple tests to identify food allergies

By Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press Reporter

PUBLISHED: 21:13 EST, 1 August 2013 | UPDATED: 05:57 EST, 2 August 2013

Your smartphone could soon be able to be turned into a handheld biosensor capable of running on-the-spot tests for any food allergies you might have.

Scientists have developed a cradle device and an app, which together transform a cell phone into a tool capable of carrying out complex tests previously done in a science lab.

The handheld biosensor was developed by researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

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A series of lenses and filters in the cradle mirror those found in larger, more expensive laboratory devices.

Tests to identify if there are traces of peanuts in a cookie are just one possible use for the technology.

Together, the cradle and app transform a smartphone into a tool that can also detect environmental toxins and bacteria, spot water contamination and identify allergens in food.

Kenny Long, a graduate researcher at the university, says the team was able to make the smartphone even smarter with modifications to the cellphone camera.