Oklahoma State University has claimed a breakthrough in the detection of
organophosphate nerve gases (WO 00/45149). Today’s test equipment is so bulky
that people could start dying before it has been lugged into place. The new test
gear can be worn like a badge and gives an immediate readout. A laser inside the
badge shines on a film of porphyrin molecules—similar to parts of
chlorophyll and haemoglobin molecules. OPs cause a change in electron
configuration, which in turn leads to a shift of one or two nanometres in the
wavelength of light reflected from the porphyrin. The wavelength of the
reflected light is checked against a library of signatures.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Why full-fledged quantum computers might always be five years away
Comment
Technology
Quantum computers are starting to become useful as scientific tools
News
Technology
OpenAI’s hacking agent went rogue. Should we be worried?
News
Technology
China is trying to regulate relationships with AI – can it work?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles