NASA has recently announced that it has developed a prototype of a device that includes a chemical-sensory readying system. This is a low cost piece of equipment, with low power consumption and compatible with the iPhone and other smartphones.
The device is as small as a stamp and it’s able to collect, process and transmit data read by the sensor. It is able to detect substances like ammonia, chlorine gas, methane and others. 16 nanosensors are connected to a probe chip and they’ll be able to send info to a computer via WiFi, in order to interpret the data.
This project is all about security, since an iPhone with such a sensor on board and a GPS will be able to detect a gas leak. Also, the gas will be recognized and the info will be sent to emergency centers.
[via ispazio]