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Color-changing threads could find use in gas-detecting clothing

Ben Coxworth April 4, 2019

While there are already electronic devices that detect toxic gases, they can be expensive, and require training to properly use. Soon, though, there could be a cheap and simple alternative – threads woven into washable clothing, that change color when nasty gases are present.

Threads prepared with bromothymol blue (top thread), methyl red (middle thread) and MnTPP (bottom thread) are ...

Good Thinking

Smartphone-attached device detects arsenic in water

Ben Coxworth March 27, 2019

Although many of us may balk at the thought of drinking arsenic, the toxic chemical does occur naturally in the drinking water of some regions – and its levels definitely need to be monitored. An inexpensive new device allows people in developing countries to do so, and it works with a smartphone.

The prototype plastic arsenic-sensing device

Science

Smartphone-based nerve gas detector made from Lego bricks

Matt Kennedy June 28, 2018

MacGyver is alive and well and living in Austin Texas, where researchers have come up with a simple and affordable chemical weapons detector, made out of an iPhone, a UV lamp, a standard 96-well test plate and … a bunch of Lego bricks.

The Lego box was designed by researchers to assist in identifying nerve agents in the field

Biology

How "out of body experiences" help proteins neutralize chemical agents

Michael Irving March 20, 2018

Proteins are the workhorses of biology, but they’re too sensitive to be useful in the outside world. Now, a team from UC Berkeley has found a way to keep them alive and functioning in a synthetic environment, and used them to make mats that can break down toxic chemicals.

Researchers have managed to create artificial environments that can stabilize proteins, and use them to make ...

Biology

How a hungry, hardy bacteria eats toxic metals and excretes gold nuggets

Michael Irving February 2, 2018

If the goose that laid the golden egg had a real-life counterpart, it would be C. metallidurans. This bacterium consumes toxic metals and excretes tiny gold nuggets, but how and why has never been fully understood. Now researchers have peered inside the microorganism and figured out that mechanism.

German and Australian researchers have figured out how a bacteria called C. metallidurans can consume toxic ...

Biology

Modified corn fights fungus with "Trojan horse" RNA

Michael Irving March 13, 2017

Aflatoxins in fungi have been linked to stunted growth in children, liver cancer, and immune suppression. Now, researchers have genetically modified corn plants to fight back, by letting them send “Trojan horse” molecules into the fungus to neutralize its ability to produce the toxins.

Researchers have genetically modified corn to neutralize the toxic compounds found in fungus

Health & Wellbeing

New sensor chip will give you quick analysis of your drinking water

Eric Mack September 15, 2016

The new AquaDx chip will work with the hand-held MyDx portable analyzer to test for the presence of toxic chemicals or elements in water in about six minutes.

Environment

Food additive could find use in more efficient non-toxic antifreeze

Ben Coxworth March 27, 2015

Thousands of wild animals, pets and children are poisoned by drinking automotive antifreeze/coolant every year. Now, however, scientists have replaced its poisonous ingredient with another compound that's not only safe, but that also improves the performance of the antifreeze.

Antifreeze can be deadly, but perhaps not for much longer (Photo: Shutterstock)

Science

Toxin-detection system inspired by turkeys

Ben Coxworth January 22, 2014

The skin on turkeys' heads changes color with their mood. Scientists have now copied the process by which those color changes occur, and used it to create a biosensor that could be used to detect airborne toxins.

The good ol' red, white and blue – turkeys show off their color-changing skin (Photo: Shutterstock)

Military

Future military uniforms could automatically transform into hazmat suits

Ben Coxworth December 5, 2012

Scientists are developing breathable military uniforms that can also repel toxic substances, when needed.