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Electric schnoz can smell when your food's gone bad

7 hours ago
  • #food safety
  • #electronic nose
  • #sensor technology
  • UC Berkeley researchers developed an electronic nose with 16 gas sensors that detects gases from harmful bacteria and food allergens.
  • The device uses machine learning to recognize scents from various foods and can identify spoilage in items like raw chicken, milk, and eggs.
  • It can detect trace amounts, such as 0.05 grams of walnut, but hasn't been tested in complex environments like mixed foods in a refrigerator.
  • Carbon nanotubes enable room-temperature operation and simpler fabrication via drop casting, allowing diverse gas-sensitive materials.
  • A portable version with an iPhone app is being developed for broader testing and improved sensitivity and reliability.