Detecting biowarfare agents in the field will become a lot easier thanks to a new barcode system based on biosensing nanowires developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers.
The researchers, led by Jeffrey Tok of LLNL’s BioSecurity and Nanosciences Laboratory, built submicrometer layers of different metals including gold, silver and nickel that act as “barcodes” for detecting a variety of pathogens ranging from anthrax, smallpox and ricin to botulinum.
The team…used the multi-striped metallic nanowires in a suspended format to rapidly identify sensitive single and multiplex immunoassays that simulated biowarfare agents.
The system not only applies to biowarfare agents, but could also be used during an outbreak of an infectious disease.
To give folks some perspective, this research offers the possibility of quick analysis of dangerous substances — using a lightweight hand-held device — instead of trying to lug around something the size of a wheel and tire for a tractor trailer!
Ummm, ya…
AS IF you can get ALL the other countries to USE this method.
This article dont tell HOW this device is suppose to work.
Except to TAG something already Identified.
If its use is to IDENTIFY, then it can only do 1 type at a time.
ECA — read it, again. These are nanowires. Each one is treated to respond to a specific disease/bacterial /viral vector. There can be any number of nanowires in one test unit.
I dont think so..
I think they need to program Each gun, to identify 1 thing.
Its a waste.
Whatever; I’m sure they could use one in Heathrow right about now.
Or 30 of them, ALL searching for Different items.
And does it work thru LEAD, or plastics… Or that Breif case that strange man is carrying…
It dont say, its incomplete.