A nerve-agent detecting glove could speed up and simplify chemical security tests significantly. Image source: Shutterstock (#285994007)
Joseph Wang of the University of California, San Diego, has found a way to simplify detecting nerve agents for security personnel in the field. He built a glove that miniaturizes a process that already exists in devices that are too big to be practical. An enzyme is used that helps deactivate the aggressive chemical compounds in nerve agents to alarm the wearer of the glove upon touch of a contaminated surface. The technology can also help with health hazards associated with similar compounds used in pesticides, and might extend its uses to a larger variety of chemicals in the future, e.g., to make finding drugs and explosives easier.
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