1. Could you explain the significance of your article to the non-specialist? 

There is a revolution underway in disease diagnosis, which allows the disease (for example cancer) to be diagnosed very early on, when the prospects for successful treatment and full patient recovery are at their highest. This new approach entails detecting in the patient's blood a very minute amount of a chemical substance, a "biomarker," that indicates that the disease is present, but in its very early stages. We would be able to greatly expand this life-saving technology if we had better biosensors that could detect these biomarkers in the patient's blood. This paper describes a new approach to biosensor design that will allow this next-generation of biomarker sensors to be developed. 

2. What has motivated you to conduct this work? 

The need for better biosensors to help in disease diagnosis and treatment. 

3. Where do you see this work developing in the future? 

We hope to prove that practical real-world sensing devices that can be used at point-of-care (e.g., your doctor's office) can be developed. 

4. Are there any particular challenges facing future research in this area? 

The use of artificial nanotubes and nanopores as sensors is a field in its infancy. Much basic science remains to be done before practical real-world sensors can be developed.