Researchers at the Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California, Santa Barbara have developed this “real-time sensor for detecting cocaine”. The portable biosensor can be easily fixed into any hand-held gadget.
Co-author and Nobel laureate Alan Heeger said, “We have developed a method of detecting small molecules and proteins in a way that is not specific to cocaine — a whole class of biosensors can be based on this concept. It can be applied to the prevention of bioterrorism. It is beautiful work; the sensor is fully portable.”The DNA used to create the sensor morphs its shape in the presence of cocaine. It is definitely better that the Scott test currently used by the police to detect cocaine. But the method is not foolproof, as the chemical used to test traces of cocaine on the basis of color change can be easily duped by additives. But the new sensor ‘can detect cocaine no matter what they have cut it with: powdered sugar, flour, or the coffee that is sometimes used to mask the smell from dogs.” Though the sensitivity of the sensor is low, on which the scientists are working, it is very effective.
Via: medgadget
