Researching new detectors for chemical, biological threats

Sandia National Laboratories scientists are thinking small, building on decades of sensor work to invent tiny detectors that can sniff out everything from explosives and biotoxins to smuggled humans.

Rosetta-comet will wake up early

(Phys.org) —On its way towards the Sun comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko, next year's destination of ESA's spacecraft Rosetta, will start emitting gas and dust earlier than previously expected. The comet's activity should be ...

Development of new heat insulating paint using irregular silica

Researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have developed a heat insulating paint of a new type with irregular silica. Basic experiments were conducted to use the paint for ...

An electronic nose can tell pears and apples apart

Swedish and Spanish engineers have created a system of sensors that detects fruit odours more effectively than the human sense of smell. For now, the device can distinguish between the odorous compounds emitted by pears and ...

Breath study brings roadside drug testing closer

(Phys.org) —A group of researchers from Sweden have provided further evidence that illegal drugs can be detected in the breath, opening up the possibility of a roadside breathalyzer test to detect substances such as cocaine, ...

Herbivore defence in ferns

(Phys.org)—Unlike flowering plants, bracken ferns do not release any odour signals to attract the enemies of their attackers for their own benefit.

Electronic nose prototype may be worn for safety-sniffing

(Phys.org) -- A UK company has developed an electronic nose that the company says can make a real difference, as a fast-acting device for detecting harmful substances in the environment. Peratech claims its electronic nose ...

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