Artificial Nose Sniffs Out Spoiled Meat with Cutting-Edge Antenna Technology
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Gjøvik have developed an artificial “nose” that can detect damaged fruits and spoiled meats with astonishing accuracy.
By utilizing the same antenna technology found in everyday devices like mobile phones and TVs, this innovation can distinguish between gases emitted by decaying food with a precision of 96.7%.
It’s a breakthrough that may revolutionize food safety and even pave the way for early disease detection.
Michael Cheffena, a professor at NTNU, explained how this new sensor works by transmitting radio signals into the environment and analyzing their reflection.
These reflected signals change depending on the gases present, creating distinct patterns that can be matched to specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs, commonly found in the air, are often emitted by living organisms, such as plants and fruits, which release these gases as a form of communication or self-defense.
What sets this artificial nose apart from other electronic sensors is its simplicity. Rather than using hundreds of sensors with different coatings, this new device relies on just one antenna and one type of coating, making it both cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Despite its streamlined design, it outperforms even the most sophisticated electronic noses, especially when it comes to distinguishing difficult compounds, such as isomers.
Lead researcher Yu Dang highlighted how this technology has potential applications far beyond food safety. VOCs are also responsible for the scents that alert trained dogs to certain diseases, like cancer or dangerous shifts in blood sugar.
With further development, this artificial nose could detect early signs of illness without the need for lengthy training or specialized handlers.
As researchers continue to refine this technology, it could soon play a vital role in improving public health and safety—transforming our ability to detect spoilage and disease with a tool as familiar as the antennas in our own homes.
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