Mad Cow Disease Tests (IMAGE) American Chemical Society Caption Scientists report a new device to detect prion proteins that cause Mad Cow Disease and other prion diseases. The finding could lead to a reliable blood test for those illnesses in both animals and humans. Credit Courtesy of USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Photo by Keith Weller Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.