Researchers developing advanced electronic nose

Creating minuscule devices that can mimic olfactory systems is nothing new, but an international team of researchers are reportedly working to improve an existing design by basing it on metal oxide nanowires. Granted, the actual technology is a bit above our noses, er, heads, but according to Dr. Andrei Kolmakov, the team's aim was to "demonstrate the excellent performance of a practical device made by combining bottom-up fabricated SnO2 nanowires / nanobelts as sensing elements with a multi-electrode KAMINA [e-nose] platform." More specifically, these gurus decided to implement a "completely new morphology of the sensing layer" composed of tin oxide nanowires rather than the traditional thin-film sensing element. Not surprisingly, those working on perfecting the device are hoping to one day have it installed in areas where intelligent sensor systems are used, but we wouldn't overlook the possibility of finding these things embedded in shirts of the future for those paranoid about their freshness.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

[Maximiliam @ Nov 24th 2007 8:47AM]

I vote for adjustable breast implants. Turn them high when going out and on low when going to work!

[Richard @ Nov 24th 2007 9:04AM]

Max, if you are looking at getting breast implants, you oughta just go the distance and get the full reassignment surgery! Don't deny the real you. :p

[Maximiliam @ Nov 24th 2007 9:07AM]

LOL

[Ryan Trevisol @ Nov 24th 2007 12:59PM]

Hmmm . . . stretch marks ftl.

[Chad @ Nov 24th 2007 9:24AM]

Put one of these in my car, have it turn on some new car smell anytime it stinks like old car.

[taoprophet420 @ Nov 24th 2007 9:48AM]

Think this would be a potheads dream. Think of the saving on not buying insence.

[phrank @ Nov 24th 2007 2:07PM]

Um...I'm not sure I see how this would be a pothead's dream. I do see this being the DEA's dream. Imagine. Robotic drug-sniffing dogs that never fail, never get tired and don't make a mess of the K-9 van. Narcs all over the world are reading this article, sprouting feeble, coke-diminished erections and wiping drool off their chins. This could be a major downer in the fight for the freedom to do things that shouldn't be anyone else's business.

[paul34 @ Nov 24th 2007 8:15PM]

>> This could be a major downer in the fight for the freedom to do things that shouldn't be anyone else's business.

Yup! Exactly. No one should be interfering in my activities in selling meth to kids!

[tealfixie @ Nov 24th 2007 10:22AM]

HERE'S SOME ADVANCED ELECTRONIC NOISE FOR YOU

[Joe @ Nov 24th 2007 11:12AM]

Know ones nose knows like that nose knows.

[Bauer @ Nov 24th 2007 4:04PM]

As long as they don't call it the iNose -- I'll be happy.

[rob @ Nov 24th 2007 11:22AM]

I think this may be of special use to Engadget. Think about it: when Ryan Block is about to do a stinky review of Apple's competition, the electronic nose can give advanced warning. All it'd be missing then is a false hand to bitch slap user if it senses stink.

[Maximiliam @ Nov 24th 2007 11:33AM]

They should plaster toilets with it.

[Rex @ Nov 24th 2007 12:53PM]

Well i can think of one possible market ;-)
www.anosmia.net

[jperry @ Nov 24th 2007 1:28PM]

You know, about the first 5 times I read through this and though "electronic noise, so what?" Then I realized that I was retarted and couldn't read...

[greymullet @ Nov 24th 2007 3:30PM]

Same.