New Nano Explosives Sniffer More Sensitive Than A Sniffer Dog's Nose

Scientists at Tel Aviv University have developed a portable and extremely sensitive explosives sniffer.

Israeli scientists have developed a powerful explosives sensor more sensitive than a sniffer dog's nose, which they say would have made it easier to detect cargo bombs like those sent last week.

The nanotechnology-based sensor is capable of detecting numerous types of explosives and can also be adapted to detect chemical and biological toxins, Tel Aviv University announced on Tuesday.

"The new sensor is highly portable and is more sensitive and reliable at detecting explosives than sniffer dogs," a statement said.

Researchers have teamed up with a commercial company and hope to have a working product on the market within "a year or two," Professor Fernando Patolsky, the head of the development team, told AFP.

"We have tremendous interest from the American military, the Israeli military and security companies," he said.

His team first published their findings in August in the German chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie.

Patolsky said the sensor is particularly effective at detecting explosives like those used in the parcel bombs sent from Yemen to the United States.

By: Shelldrake