The coming revolution in microsensors

Source: "Sensing devices are becoming more adept at detecting toxins and pollutants," Curt Suplee, The Washington Post, March 2, 2010

In the fast-growing, fast-shrinking field of single-molecule detection, some gizmos are now able to spot substances in the parts-per-trillion range. Sensors known as "e-noses" function as artificial snouts that can identify the barest trace of compounds in the air, while microfluidic "lab on a chip" sensors can flag individual DNA strands and other entities in liquids.

Few of them are commercialized as yet. But the trend portends a revolution.

Comment: Think about the revolution that this is going to cause. It will be possible for hand held devices and tiny remote stations to detect all sorts of chemicals. The result should revolutionize medicine, environmental monitoring, public safety, industrial process control, and all sorts of other functions. JAD