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Last updated 8:51 am CT February 09, 2010.
"Electronic Nose" Research at SIU
SIU Assistant Physics Professor Andrei Kolmakov is working with scientists from around the world, including Israel, Germany, and Russia on the project.
"So instead of human receptors, this system explores artificial elements," said Kolmakov.
Here's how it works, nanowires work to identify different gases and toxic elements in the air. The information goes through a special machine, and into a computer where scientists analyze it.
The hope is to make the nanowires microscopic and more energy efficient.
"So the idea is to make this kind of system, being able to consume microwatts of power. This will give us a lot of possibilities to make it implantable."
Eventually, professor Kolmakov says the electronic nose he and his colleagues are working on could also be used to detect different diseases, including diabetes, tuberculosis, even cancer, all with a simple breath test.
"It turns out the human breath is indicative of presence of certain health problems."
There is also hope that one day these nanowires can be implanted into the skin and identify problems with the blood.
Researchers at SIU hope that more funding will allow them to continue development of the "electronic nose."
by Kevin Hunsperger
khunsperger@wsiltv.com
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