As America loosens its COVID-19 restrictions, many worry that a second wave of the virus will emerge. To avoid this scenario, scientists around the country are developing new coronavirus tests. Being able to track who is infected, before symptoms emerge, could help to curb transmission of the virus and keep infection rates under control.

At Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute, a group led by scientist Andrés Bendesky is coming together to develop a home test: one that we could use to check ourselves once a week or even every day. The researchers behind the test, which has shown promise in the laboratory, plan to try it out at the Zuckerman Institute. Their work could help to keep people safe as the Institute and the nation ramp up activities.