Science

Prototype explosives-detection system utilizes live 'sniffer mice'

Prototype explosives-detection system utilizes live 'sniffer mice'
The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Photo: Rama)
The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Photo: Rama)
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The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Photo: Rama)
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The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Photo: Rama)
The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Image: BioExplorers)
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The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Image: BioExplorers)

Mice ... they may nibble our food, poop in our cupboards, and make us go "eek," but they may also someday keep us from getting blown up. Before they can do that, however, Israeli tech company BioExplorers has to get its mouse-based explosives detection system out of the prototype stage and into production. If it ever does see the light of day, then people at airports, arenas, and other high terrorism-risk areas may routinely be getting a sniff-down by containers of live rodents.

Although mechanical explosives-sniffing systems do exist, dogs are still said to be more reliable. Most security checkpoints will only have a limited number of dogs available, however, and if the one dog giving a person or container the once-over is having an off day, then presumably something could be missed. Additionally, dogs' olfactory systems are much less sensitive than those of mice.

The BioExplorers system would consist of detection units that people would have to walk past. Each of those units would contain multiple cartridges of four to eight "hypersensitive bioSensors" – you know, mice. As people passed by, air would be circulated past them and into the cartridges. If the mice smelled explosives in that air, they would try to escape it by moving from the cartridge's main area and into an adjoining side chamber. Their presence in that chamber would automatically cause the system to alert users to the possible presence of explosives.

The system could also be used to inspect things like air cargo, with a vacuum hose drawing air from containers and into the cartridges.

The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Image: BioExplorers)
The prototype BioExplorers system uses live sniffer mice to detect explosives (Image: BioExplorers)

Of course, not just any old mice would do. The system would use laboratory-bred animals, that would need to be trained. That said, the system would apparently be able to train them itself, and for any number of explosives, narcotics or other selected substances. The initial basic training would take about ten days, with the addition of new odors taking a few days each. Refreshment training courses might be necessary about once a month.

The mice would not be visible to passers-by, and would work in four-hour shifts. An automated system would look after their food, water and bedding changes. The "career" of each mouse would last about 18 months.

Although the BioExplorers system certainly appears to pose some logistical (and likely ethical) challenges, its creators maintain that it would be easy to use, inexpensive to maintain, and reliable. The prototype is said to be able to detect explosives within three to six seconds.

Via New Scientist

BioExplorers

3 comments
3 comments
Wesley Bruce
This is a simple technology that will save lives. It uses a mouse to detect explosives. Air is blown past the person and then routed to the trained mice who\'s response is monitored. A two in three voting system deals with distracted mice. Why didn\'t the USA or Australia think of this? Answer: We did in 1968 but ethics committees shut down the work.
Will, the tink
\"Although the BioExplorers system certainly appears to pose some logistical (and likely ethical) challenges\"... I can\'t emagine challenges that would trump the saving of human lives however evidently that is just what happened in 1968 according to Mr. Bruce! What makes people think that sniffer mice would be treated any worse than sniffer dogs (which we already have?) I think it\'s a great idea and should be implemented ASAP! I kind of like the idea that super-sniffer mice are protecting us. It might even change my mind about finding the little critters have invaded my house and I need to kill em.....NOT!
johnrm321
Wow, this is really cool. I've done some research on explosive detection and actually helped build an explosive detector kinda like this one, just not as nice..lol It's amazing how far technology is taking this field.