Natural phenomenon getting mimicked in technology is nothing new. Inspired by acute chemical-recognition abilities of butterfly wings scientists at General Electric are developing nano sensors to detect dangerous chemical threats. Bio-inspired sensing platform will replicate the microscopic structure beneath the refractive colors on a butterfly’s wings which interact with tiny traces of airborne chemicals.
The sensors which could be very cheaply produced in small sizes will have a wide range of applications, including detecting chemicals or explosives, monitoring emissions from power plants, food and drink safety monitoring and breathe analysis for disease detection. They sensors are expected to have color-sensitive readout that would replace current complicated sensor arrays.
Via: Wired