Despite all the different kinds of advancements made in the field of science and technology, modern day electronics are still unable to pick out a bomb the way a well trained dog is able to do so, as man’s best friend has an unrivalled olfactory ability. They are about to receive a new challenger in the form of a nanotech device, thanks to researchers over at the University of California in Santa Barbara. This nanotech device was obviously inspired by a dog’s scent receptors, relying on microfluidics to detect airborne molecules of TNT explosives, and is smart enough to tell them from other similar molecules.
A dog is organic, and it can still be affected in terms of sensitivity by distraction or fatigue, which is where machines win out since they do not tire out at all. Carl Meinhart and Martin Moskovits decided to pursue this lead, working on a device which will eventually be as sensitive as a dog’s nose when it comes to detecting TNT vapors. Hopefully our furry friends won’t be out of a job anytime soon…
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