Crab Shells: the new bomb-sniffer

This article combines nanotechnology with a very unique natural substance. Researchers are using Chitosan, which is a derivative of the common chemical, chitin: the main component of crab and insect exoskeletons. Chitosan has been found to be able to detect minute concentrations of explosive and other hazardous material. It changes conformation when it comes into contact with the substance. Researchers want to make a nano-chip device with lever like parts that will be coated with Chitosan. Changes in these levers will signal a detection of specific hazardous substance. Overall, this is a nice combination of natural, if a little random, substances, and synthetically made devices, much like many of our device design projects that combined nanobots and natural chemicals/processes. I don't see any reason why they won't be coming out with a security chip pretty soon and will be able to make places such as airports safer. Who knows, they may even be able to detect polonium 210 in the future...

http://sev.prnewswire.com/nanotechnology/20060726/DCW00226072006-1.html