With door keys in hand and research ready for a scientific bench, startup business Ionica Sciences became the newest tenant Feb. 5 at Cornell’s Kevin M. McGovern Family Center for Venture Development in the Life Sciences.

Ionica Sciences produces adaptable, sensitive and easy-to-use biological assays that can detect hard-to-discern infectious diseases, toxins and other biological molecules. The group uses surface-enhanced Raman scattering, known as SERS-based detection to find errant bacteria, viruses, parasites and foodborne pathogens. It can also ascertain human hormones, cytokines, antigens/antibodies, biological fluids and illicit drugs.