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The nose knows: Electric schnoz can smell when your food’s gone bad

A new proof-of-concept device created by UC Berkeley researchers can sniff out gases emitted by harmful bacteria, allergens and other food safety hazards. The device uses machine learning to recognize sensor response profiles associated with different foods and can detect the presence of common food allergens such as walnuts and peanuts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Rapid changes in meteorological conditions govern how plants influence climate and air quality

A new study reveals that plant gas emissions are triggered by rapid changes in weather, not just dry conditions. The research shows that vegetation responds immediately to shifts in humidity and temperature, changing the rate of emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) into the air.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2025

Advanced digital detector array enhances charged-particle decay studies

Researchers developed an advanced detector system combining silicon and germanium detectors for high-efficiency charged-particle decay studies. The system achieved precise tracking of decay processes and efficient discrimination between particles, showcasing its potential for studying exotic nuclear structures.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2025

A camera trap for the invisible

A new AI-powered image recognition technique could help scientists detect dark matter at the LHC by flagging fleeting tracks before collisions occur. The technique, developed by Ashutosh Kotwal and his team, processes images in under 250 nanoseconds and weeds out uninteresting data points.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2024

The Good Fight: Advance in flexible photodetector could improve monitoring of greenhouse gases

Researchers have developed flexible photodetectors that can detect visible to long-wave infrared radiation, covering the full spectrum of greenhouse gases without complex optical components. The new detectors are simple and cost-effective to make, with production at room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

Solving the puzzle of 2D disorder

An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.

SourceNorthwestern University·Journal2D Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Dartmouth receives $3 million NSF grant to expand PhD innovation programs and advance sensor technology entrepreneurship

Dartmouth has received a $3 million NSF grant to increase its PhD Innovation Programs by 50% and develop new multidisciplinary pathways for STEM graduate students focused on entrepreneurship and research translation. The funding will support 19 additional graduate students and enhance the development of sensor technology applications.

A new type of explosive detector

A new laser-based explosive detector can detect minuscule explosives emissions from landmines, offering an alternative to sniffer dogs. The detector uses an ultra-smooth cube of silica crystal with a single curved face and measures the 'ring-down time' of a laser pulse as it passes through the crystal.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateOct 19, 1999