The U.S. Army is funding the development of a new system that could be used to uncover biological and chemical weapons materials, a Missouri university announced this week (see GSN, Oct. 6).
Researchers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology have received nearly $530,000 to develop pinhead-sized detection devices, along with the means to produce the sensors and field them in a conflict situation.
Zeolite, a crystal with a molecular arrangement and unique traits that enable it to identify and hold specific chemicals, is being used to create the sensors.
The tiny devices would be deployed on the battlefield using small "motes" -- mechanisms energized by batteries, capable of carrying about 12 sensors and using wireless networks to communicate. The motes could be operated through remote control, ensuring military personnel are not exposed to lethal chemical agents (Missouri University of Science and Technology release, Oct. 12).