Turmeric Could Be Used to Detect Explosives, Researchers Say
Curry powder can already reduce cow burps, kill cancer cells and fight the epidemic of unflavorful food. Now it can help detect bombs. Specifically, the curry ingredient turmeric, and its molecule curcumin, can be used with fluorescence spectroscopy to sniff out explosive chemicals. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts said turmeric-based sensors could detect small amounts of explosives in a room, down to 80 parts per billion. Related ArticlesBreakfast at Myhrvold's: Pea Butter, Drinkable Bagels, and Other Modernist Miracles Seasoning Livestock Feed With Curry Spices Cuts Methane Emissions 40 PercentCinnamon Could Replace Harsh Chemicals To Produce Gold Nanoparticles, Researchers SayTagsScience, Rebecca Boyle, bomb detection, bombs, detectors, explosives, fluorescence imaging, food, spectroscopy, spices, turmericIt's another nice marriage of spices and science. Last year, scientists said cinnamon could be used to build gold nanoparticles. The researchers mixed turmeric with a viscous polymer and spread it onto glass plates. Then they shone an LED onto...