NASA device helps detect biohazards
Moffett Field, Calif. (UPI) May 20, 2008 The U.S. space agency says it's developed a nanotechnology-based biosensor that can detect trace amounts of biohazards. The device, developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Ames Research Center in California, can detect specific bacteria, viruses and parasites. NASA said the biosensor will be used to help prevent the spread of potentially deadly biohazards in water, food and other contaminated sources. The technology has been licensed to Early Warning Inc. of Troy, N.Y. "The biosensor makes use of ultra-sensitive carbon nanotubes which can detect biohazards at very low levels," explained Meyya Meyyappan, chief scientist for exploration technology and former director of the Center for Nanotechnology at Ames. "When biohazards are present, the biosensor generates an electrical signal, which is used to determine the presence and concentration levels of specific micro-organisms in the sample. Because of their tiny size, millions of nanotubes can fit on a single biosensor chip." Early Warning officials said food and beverage companies, water agencies, industrial plants, hospitals and airlines could use the biosensor to prevent outbreaks of illnesses caused by pathogens -- and do so without needing a laboratory or technicians. Related Links Computer Chip Architecture, Technology and Manufacture Nano Technology News From SpaceMart.com
Raytheon-Led Team Grows Semiconductor Compounds On Silicon Tewksbury MA (SPX) May 15, 2008 A Raytheon-led team has accomplished a key step demonstrating that affordable, high-performance circuits for military applications can be produced by growing semiconductor compounds directly on silicon. |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement |