Bacteria now capable of shedding light on landmine locations
November 23rd, 2009 Posted in NewsA custom made bacteria has been designed to light up green when it comes into contact with landmines. This work, produced by students at the university, gives hope for a cheap and effective method of detecting landmines in countries- including Somalia, Mozambique, Cambodia, Iraq and Afghanistan – where there is still a considerable risk to the public.
The bacteria have been created using a novel technique known as BioBricking, where individual parts – Biobricks – are selected to create a molecule. When the bacteria come into contact with leaked chemicals from the explosives, a reaction takes place that changes their previously colourless solution into a fluorescent green. Because of their custom design, the bacteria also pose no threat to people or animals, so can be sprayed from the air over large areas where landmines are suspected to be present.
Although there are no plans yet to commercialise the product, it is hoped to one day provide a widely accessible alternative to traditional explosive sensing methods.
-Kat Davey
