California Scientists Developing ‘Electronic Nose’ to Detect Explosives, Drugs

A university research team hopes their device can sniff out explosives, harmful airborne chemicals, and illegal drugs.
California Scientists Developing ‘Electronic Nose’ to Detect Explosives, Drugs
Electronic nose sensor chips under a microscope with a penny included for scale. UC Irvine
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Scientists at the University of California, Irvine, are working on a portable device to “smell the world” and sniff out explosives, narcotics, and dangerous chemicals, the institution reported Sept. 19.

A team from the university’s engineering complex is trying to fuse nature’s olfactory precision with tiny electronics, according to electrical engineering and computer science professor Peter Burke.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.