Pocketable gas sensor aims to better understand asthma

Sure, we've got fairly sophisticated methods of curbing asthma attacks, but a new pocketable device could hold the key to unlocking more about the relationship between "asthma symptoms and the air a sufferer breathes." Reportedly, this device could allow researchers to look back after an attack has occurred and see exactly what was happening environmentally beforehand. Gurus at the Georgia Tech Research Institute have already been able to help one individual out, as they discovered a "pollutant pathway" from the volunteer's basement into the living room that was allowing vehicle exhaust and gasoline fumes to infiltrate the house. From here, the creators are hoping to downsize the device even further and make it more sensitive, but we've no idea if the current iteration will ever be used commercially.

[Via NewScientist]

[Travis @ Jan 28th 2008 9:22AM]

TO HELL WITH GEORGIA! Go GT!

[Daza @ Jan 28th 2008 9:22AM]

What a fantastic idea. I've suffered from asthma (and apparently so do 1 in 4 other people) so a device like this is definitely welcomed. Hopefully with their findings of what triggers asthma attacks in different people they will be able to better prevent them from starting.

[supermeerkat @ Jan 28th 2008 9:32AM]

Could it be used to keep a record of an individuals farts? I'm just asking.

[CanCar @ Jan 28th 2008 9:47AM]

It´s a serious article. A teenager very closed to me died of asthma because she did not have by hand the device with the treatment. This is worrisome.

[Rjay @ Jan 28th 2008 11:09AM]

As if carrying around that inhaler wasnt nerdy enough..

[LongshotX @ Jan 28th 2008 11:16AM]

The best way to fight asthma is to build your lung capacity i.e. run baby run or swim. I had really bad asthma but my parents kept me involved in physical activities and til this day I have never really had a problem.

[Valgas @ Jan 28th 2008 12:02PM]

Are you sure about that? What about exercise induced asthma?

[mccand @ Jan 28th 2008 11:25AM]

soon to be illegal in NYC. . .

http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0803,thompson,78873,2.html