These Bacteria Are Programmed To Detect Bombs Buried Underground

Aadhya Khatri - Nov 15, 2019


These Bacteria Are Programmed To Detect Bombs Buried Underground

The first type of bacteria will detect explosive buried underground and the second is programmed to show a glowing light that is visible from the surface

Raytheon, a major U.S defense contractor, is collaborating with DARPA (stand for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) in developing a new method to detect explosive buried underground. What they are testing with is bacteria.

This project is a contract form the agency, and it also has the participation of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which will work with Raytheon to program two bacteria strains to identify bombs underground.

bacteria-bomb-underground
Two bacteria strains are programmed to detect bombs buried underground

The DARPA has contacts with various private companies to develop new technologies for homeland security and the military. What they are interested in ranges from new weapons to more effective medicines.

According to Raytheon, the first type of bacteria will detect explosive buried underground and the second is programmed to show a glowing light that is visible from the surface whenever bombs are found.

This is not the first time the idea of using bacteria to identify bombs is developed; however, things get harder when the explosives are buried. These microorganisms will have to travel deep enough to find signs of bombs while their light must be able to be detected by people on the surface to inform those who are in charge of monitoring them.

Bacteria-bombs-detection
This is not the first time the idea of using bacteria to identify bombs is developed; however, things get harder when the explosives are buried

This project is possible is because of synthetic biology, which allows for DNA modifying using electrical engineering and computer science, as explained by Raytheon.

Besides bombs, the bacteria can be engineered to detect a wide range of other threats, including contaminants. Another information the company shared is that the system will be modular.

Apart from the application for the military, these biosensors can also be useful in controlling the quality of the water supply and the air. The modular design will allow for the detection of a wide range of threats.

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