New cell-based sensors sniff out danger like bloodhounds

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Precise manipulation of cells on a chip. Three yeast cells (arrows) are being steered to an accuracy of 1 mm (11000th of a millimeter) each by feedback flow control. Credit: A. James Clark School of EngineeringUniversity of Maryland
Precise manipulation of cells on a chip. Three yeast cells (arrows) are being steered to an accuracy of 1 mm (1/1000th of a millimeter) each by feedback flow control. Credit: A. James Clark School of Engineering/University of Maryland

A small, unmanned vehicle makes its way down the road ahead of a military convoy. Suddenly it stops and relays a warning to the convoy commander. The presence of a deadly improvised explosive device, or IED, has been detected by sophisticated new sensor technology incorporating living olfactory cells on microchips mounted on the unmanned vehicle. The IED is safely dismantled and lives are saved.


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