People now can be slightly relieved on a bomb threat, due to a researcher developed a technology that enables the locusts can detect explosives in hidden places that are difficult to reach.
If the technology is successful, it can really change the way the bomb detection team to locate and dismantle where the location of the explosives. Previously, the search operation is only dependent on the human abilities and canine olfaction.
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| Sensors attached to the locust monitor neural activity as they sniff for explosives, under system being developed by American reseachers. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ctVfo) |
As quoted from ScienceAlert, the project carried out by Baranidharan Raman from the Washington University in St Louis. He said the system works by using the real insects, thus utilizing the senses of the insect itself, coupled with a series of special electronics.
By utilizing the sense of smell, a series of electronic equipment are prepared to read the locust nervous signals. These signals are then translated into a "yes" or "no". This signal is then translated back into the red and green LED lights. Red LED light signaled the presence of a bomb, while the green LED lights indicates otherwise.
Raman said he chose to use the native insects than creating a robot for savings. In addition, natural olfactory system of the locust better than lab-made sensors.
"It only takes a few hundred milliseconds for the locusts to start tracking a new smell that was introduced in the vicinity. They (locusts) can process chemical cues very quickly," he said as quoted by the BBC. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCIENCE ALERT | TELEGRAPH]
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