Researchers have developed a low-cost, portable diagnostic device called the MCHIP that can perform complex medical tests like HIV screening using only a small blood sample. The MCHIP is integrated with cloud computing capabilities to provide rapid test results from anywhere in the world. Additionally, scientists have identified additives that help overcome inhibitors in problematic plant samples, allowing for more reliable DNA amplification through PCR. These technological advances have the potential to improve diagnostic testing and biological research by making it faster, cheaper and more accessible.