Bacteria Gives the Green Light for Landmine Detection
Have you ever been told war stories over and over again by one of your relatives? Did they ever mention any injuries or deaths that happened courtesy of landmines? If so, you may be interested in the latest scientific developments.
Thousands of people and animals are killed or wounded every year, thanks to landmines. Many of the landmine fields remain unmarked in places like: Iraq, Vietnam, Somalia, Cambodia and the Falklands. However, there may be away to detect landmines—before setting them off—by using DNA-enhanced bacteria.
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Landmines contain chemicals that are used to make explosives. These chemicals leak out from the mines as the years pass on by. The DNA-enhanced bacteria (which is one of the smallest living organisms on this planet) turn green when they are near explosive chemicals; thus, being able to warn people of any danger in the area.
So, how did they figure this out? Dr. Alistair Elfick at the University of Edinburgh school of Engineering has been running a research program that involves the manipulation of these bacteria. They discovered if you spray the bacteria onto areas that may be mine fields; any locations of the landmines will be revealed within a couple hours. Once the presence of landmines is determined, they can be removed using a de-mining process. However, this process can be extremely fatal, as the bacteria only show that there are landmines in the area, but they cannot yet pinpoint the exact locations of them.
With all the damage these mines have caused, you would think they would be completely banned worldwide. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Although more than 158 countries have banned production and use of landmines, there are still over 30 countries that refuse to partake in the ban. Not so surprisingly, these countries include: the US, China, Russia, Israel and India. The next time you are out for a walk in unfamiliar territory, watch your step. You never know when it may be your last.
By Heidi Marshall
Tags: bacteria, landmine detection, landmines
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