Battlefield DNA Sensors, 2040
A soldier returning from the battlefield is unknowingly carrying a contaminant. But sensors embedded on a small electronic chip detect the harmful matter, alerting personnel to treat the soldier, potentially saving his life and avoiding harm to fellow troops. Such a scene could play out. Associate Professor Seong Jin Koh leads a team at work on tiny sensors that could detect the smallest DNA molecules of harmful biological species. 鈥淚f some foreign agent has been put on a soldier, this sensor could detect it,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t could even be used in the battlefield to see what鈥檚 in that environment. It also could be used to test food supplies in the field.鈥� Most existing DNA detection techniques are time-consuming, expensive, and not sensitive enough to indicate extremely low concentrations of DNA molecules. Funded by a National Science Foundation grant, Dr. Koh鈥檚 system is more efficient. 鈥淭he sensor output is a simple electrical signal, and the sensors reside on a small silicon chip, allowing cost-effective fabrication and ease of use,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his technology could lead to many beneficial applications.鈥� Like detecting gene mutations that would signal the early stages of cancer or enabling investigators to link perpetrators to a crime scene with the smallest of blood samples. 鈥淲e know our concept is working. If it can be implemented, there are many immediate benefits for many companies and our society.鈥�