NASA has developed a nanotechnology-based biosensor that can detect trace amounts of specific bacteria, viruses and parasites and has licensed the technology to Early Warning, Inc. The New York-based firm will initially configure the biosensor to detect the presence of common and rare strains of micro-organisms associated with waterborne illnesses and fatalities. The company says food and beverage companies, water agencies, industrial plants, hospitals and airlines could use the biosensor to prevent outbreaks of illnesses caused by pathogens without needing a laboratory or technicians. “The key to preventing major outbreaks is frequent and comprehensive testing for each suspected pathogen, as most occurrences of pathogens are not detected until after people get sick or die,” says Neil Gordon, president of Early Warning. The company expects to launch its water-testing products late this year. The technology was developed by NASA’s Ames Research Center.
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