Abstract: The present invention provides RNA aptamer probes for detection of target genetic material and methods for using the probes. In some embodiments, the invention provides devices for the detection of the target genetic material using the probes of the preset invention. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for designing RNA aptamer probes for detection of target genetic material. In some embodiments, the target genetic material is genetic material from a pathogen. In some embodiments the pathogen is influenza virus. In some embodiments, the devices of the present invention may be used outside of laboratory setting and do not require any specialized skills. In some embodiments, the devices of the present invention are used in conjunction with a mobile phone camera.