In an effort to safely locate remote buried landmines, scientists from the Jerusalem Hebrew University bioengineered a glowing bacteria. Israeli researchers covered the fluorescent bacteria in polymeric beads that become illuminated when scanned with a laser system. So when the glowing bacteria gets close to a landmine in the ground, it emits light.
Detecting buried landmines and other unexploded materials in a way that is safe and efficient is a global humanitarian concern, as 15 to 20 thousand people are injured or killed annually by such devices. This doesn't include the millions who have already been injured by landmines. This new scientific development is an example of how bacteria is being used to further technology.
Landmine-Detecting Bacteria
Scientists Developed Glowing Bacteria to Find Buried Landmines
Trend Themes
1. Bioengineered Bacteria for Detection - The development of bioengineered bacteria offers disruptive innovation opportunities for the explosives detection industry.
2. Laser Scanning Technology - The use of laser scanning technology in conjunction with fluorescent bacteria has the potential to revolutionize the landmine detection industry.
3. Humanitarian Technology - The application of bacteria-based detection systems has the potential to greatly reduce the number of casualties caused by landmines and unexploded materials.
Industry Implications
1. Explosives Detection - The explosives detection industry can benefit from the use of bioengineered bacteria for more accurate and efficient landmine detection.
2. Laser Technology - The laser technology industry can explore new opportunities for developing advanced scanning systems to work with fluorescent bacteria and improve landmine detection.
3. Humanitarian Aid - The humanitarian aid industry can leverage bacteria-based detection systems to better address the global concern of landmines and protect vulnerable populations.